Bibby’s More Good Food Book Launch

It has been a month since the Bibby’s More Good Food launch. Since then, the weeks have been a flurry of busyness but finally, I’ve managed to put a morning aside to write this post.  Before we dive into the food, which is of course, the reason we’re here, I want to say a huge thank you for all the love, support, encouragement and partnerships that made the book, and evenings like this, possible. It takes a village, doesn’t it?

To the best penguins in the land (Penguin Random House),  my deepest appreciation for being the A team! And then to you, the reader, thank you for supporting print, loving  books and cooking the food. There’s simply no substitute for the beautiful coming together over good food. I’m filled with gratitude for the privilege of sharing it with you.

What to Expect

Bibby’s – More Good Food is almost a sequel to the first, although lighter and brighter, a modern departure from the look and feel of Bibby’s Kitchen, whilst still championing all those famous flavour agitators that transform the ordinary into exceptional.  The book champions doable recipes for around the table family suppers, chic dinner parties with tablescapes, considered menus and the snazziest cocktails to wow your guests.

To our wine sponsor for the event, De Grendel Wines. Thank you for the impeccable collection of wines –  Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé and Three Spades Ciders. Simply perfect pairings.

Wholemeal Pita Breads. I make double and freeze half for later.

Olive Oil & Buckwheat Crackers. Outrageously good with cheese, hummus and dips.

The perfect accompaniment to pre-dinner drinks. Pecorino Shortbread Buttons.

I use the Red Wine & Cardamom Fig compote for the ice cream, and also, on  cheese boards. The recipe makes enough for both.

The Food

Red Lentil and Cannellini Bean Hummus with Crispy Sprout Crumble.  And, that Artichoke and Spinach dip that causes chaos the minute it lands. Like Cher, immortal!

If there’s one vegetarian dish you simply have to make, it’s this one. Roast Sweet Potatoes with Browned Butter Miso & Sunflower Seed Clusters. I’ve made it for bring along suppers, Sunday lunches, braai days, just about anything. It’s salty, sweet, tangy and addictive. The Goat’s Milk Yoghurt is essential.

Dessert

As a household of cheesecake obsessors, we’ve eaten more than our share of cheesecake, some better than others. This Burnt Basque cheese falls into the better category. Besides being the simplest – blitz together in a processor – recipe, you cannot fail. Even if, or when, it burns, you’re still on the money.
There’s no mention of water baths, Bain Marie’s or gaping cracks to trip you up. It’s our go-to favourite when we entertain. I couldn’t possibly exclude it from the book so it’s there, on Page 186. The recipe contains almonds, so if you have nut allergies, just leave them out. You can of course omit the cookie crust altogether but, it adds a lovely textural contrast to the creamy cheesecake. It has been the most popular dessert at all three cookbook launch events. I’m not surprised!

Red wine & Cardamom Fig ice cream from the cookbook. The recipe for the compote makes more than you’ll need for one batch of ice cream, although, it’s is a rather ideal situation to be saddled with. Perfect for swirling through thick yoghurt, dolloped over scones or mixed into banana bread batter, for an upscaled loaf. Oftentimes, I swap the figs for late summer plums. They’re really delicious, too, more tart but so good. Recipe on page 232 in the Italian Feast Chapter.  I’d make it now, whilst figs are still in season.

Whisky & Olive Oil Chocolate Truffles

Local Stockist

For your convenience, here is a list of stockist where you can purchase a copy of Bibby’s More Good Food.

Personalised, signed copies are available from my online shop.

Amazon  UK  Available for PREORDER – Delivery June

Amazon US  Available for PREORDER – Delivery end July/Aug

Exclusive Books Nationwide

Pajamas and Jam The Strand, Western Cape

Tokara Western Cape

The Plantsman Eatery  White River

Kuier Collection  Clarens

Firehouse Lifestyle & Gifts  located in Bompas Road, Dunkeld

Wordsworth Books 

Takealot 

Loot