This Month

Simon Hopkinson states he "will never be a vegetarian." So his new book, The Vegetarian Option, might come as a surprise to Hoppy's devout followers. His reasoning, however, is sound; as he says "my reasoning for this book is thus: dishes cooked without carnivorous and piscatorial leanings can be every bit as exciting as those with." No eco-arguments, no mention of how meat-eaters are killing the planet - just a book devoted to the quiet pleasures of vegetables.

So, as a dedicated carnivore (albeit with a salad fixation), does his book do the business? Well, yes - to be honest, I didn't even notice the lack of meat and fish as his recipes don't stint on flavour. Try his Pumpkin Soup 'Paul Bocuse' or an elegant Beetroot Jelly with Horseradish Cream & Dill.  Even his simple Baked Quinces with Maple Syrup & White Pepper packs a punch.

You'll find ideas for everything from asparagus and artichokes to nuts and nibbles and even Simon's own Hoppy's Pink cocktail. As has become the norm for a Simon Hopkinson cook book, the recipes are pin-point accurate, with plenty of recipe tips to guide you to what he considers the perfect result - you can't go wrong, even if you try. 

Buy Paul A Young's new creation, Adventures with Chocolate for chocolate indulgence from one of the top British chocolatiers...

Buy Floyd's Food, newly re-published for cookery tips from the master....