New cookbooks: Tomato Love and Bake

TOMATO LOVE by Joy Howard is a brand new cookbook which contains “44 Mouthwatering Recipes for Salads, Sauces, Stews, and More.” It seems just in time for the forthcoming harvest of tomatoes, although Howard provides a variety of recipes, often with canned tomatoes or tomato paste, which can be used throughout the year. She also describes different types of tomatoes and offers purchasing suggestions. Happily, the recipes seem relatively easy – without too many (or too difficult to find) ingredients – although there is no nutrition information provided. A few delectable examples are Mushroom, Kale and Tomato Strata, Sun-Dried Tomato Scones, and an eggplant and tomato dish called Patlican Soslu. The appealing, colorful pictures will whet your appetite for sure! I’m also looking forward to trying Ravioli Lasagna, Creamy Garlic Pasta with Ricotta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak, or just making a few cups of Herb-Roasted Grape Tomatoes. It all sounds yummy; companion cookbooks include Blueberry Love and Strawberry Love.  

Who can resist Paul Hollywood, especially when he offers “My best ever recipes for the classics?” That’s what’s available in BAKE, his soon-to-be published new recipe collection. Ciabatta or the Ultimate Focaccia top the list of ones I want to try, but the options are many ranging from Beef Empanadas to Apple Pie. Each recipe is accompanied by at least one color photo, although nutritional information is not provided. Hollywood writes, “Nothing about baking is tricky, so if you’ve not done much before then I hope these recipes will encourage you to give it a go.” The cookbook has six sections: Cakes; Cookies and Scones; Breads and Flatbreads; Pizzas and Doughnuts; Pastry and Pies; and Desserts – plenty from which to choose and enjoy!