How to Feed Your Friends with Relish

Joanna Weinberg's love affair with cooking began at college. While she survived on pasta and more pasta, her sister would call from London with salacious stories of extra virgin olive oil, smoky pancetta and hunks of fresh Parmesan. Inspired, she started cooking for her friends, realising early on that a great meal was about the company as much as the food and that so many cookbooks forgot this most vital of ingredients. Which is how "Relish" came about. It is full of recipes, of course, arranged in 47 menus for every occasion, from an impromptu kitchen supper to a massive birthday party; from a cosy afternoon tea to a summer barbecue. But much more importantly, it is a reminder of how to nourish friends and friendship, and will delight anyone who, like Joanna, believes that food is love. 'She's not just reader-friendly, she's reader best-friendly. After reading her book, you not only want to try out lots of things: you want her to come round and hang out in your kitchen, chatting ... I can't think of a better present than this book' Vogue 'Crammed with enticing writing about the rituals of cooking, Relish is also full of simple recipes for all eventualities. Weinberg's mission is to make entertaining entertaining, from romantic dinners a deux to magical summer picnics. This book is all about savouring the pleasures of food and delighting in the company you serve it to. Delicious' Marie Claire 'Should give Nigel Slater a run for his money. It's all about generosity and unfussiness - reminding us that cooking for mates should never be about panicking or showing off' Guardian 'Sumptuous lifestyle book ... read and emit small, satisfied coos' Sunday Times