• It was a show-stopping sight – 21 transformed tables in the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel’s ballroom, all entered into the ‘Table Display’ category of the Cape Legends Inter…

    Taryn Das NevesA Cook’s Tour of France (Hardie Grant, R350) With 22 cookbooks under his belt, French chef Gabriel Gaté certainly knows his country’s cuisine. And this book is no exception: a culinary trip through the towns, cities and countryside of France. These rustic recipes are perfect to fill winter evenings – stews, casseroles and gratins. Highlight: With pages printed in sepia or black and white, it’s a romantic tour de France. Available at Exclusive Books.

    Taryn Das NevesEasy Cooking from Nina’s Kitchen (Random House Struik, R210) SA’s winner of Blogger of the Year Award from Eat In magazine 2012, Nina Timm’s blog, my-easy-cooking.com, has made her a local, household foodie name. Her first cookbook captures her essential style – easy, everyday cooking for everyone. The drunken lamb shanks made with beer are the perfect winter warmer. Highlight: Nina’s individual mini braais made in clay plant pots so every dinner guest can cook their rump steak to perfection. Genius! Available at Exclusive Books.