Small Adventures in Cooking

An exciting, irrepressible new voice in food, James Ramsden is also one of a generation of sophisticated 20- and 30-somethings, many of whom, despite being bang in step with current trends, are hesitant to cook anything more demanding than pasta. In this, James's first book, the influential food blogger and pop-up supper club host aims to get his peers out of their culinary rut and experimenting with recipes that are delicious, unexpected and simple. Speedy after-work suppers such as Lamb Neck Fillets with Harissa and Chickpea Salad, food for friends like Grilled Aubergine with Tahini and Pomegranate and delicious slow-cooked dishes such as Pork Belly with Cider and Lentils are all fuss-free and achievable for cooks of any ambition. Nothing here is frightening, laborious, or expensive but everything is different enough to introduce some excitement into the kitchen. Because James believes that cooking is most enjoyable when imbued with a sense of adventure and exploration. Not the crossing continents or eating insects kind, but the sort of small change - the use of an unusual spice in a dish, a trip to the butchers for an interesting cut of meat or the conjuring of something remarkable from the contents of the cornershop - that will help hoist your food beyond the everyday. In this book James invites you to join him on his culinary adventure with fast feasts, swanky suppers, lazy lunches and late-night munchies that will make every meal a mini-voyage of discovery.

James Ramsden was selected by The Times in May 2010 as one of the 40 bloggers everyone is talking about, and hailed as one of the best new food writers by Rose Prince in the Daily Telegraph. He also runs the popular Secret Larder Supper Club, recently selected as one of the top 10 underground supper clubs by the Evening Standard and one of the top 10 pop-up restaurants by Square Meal. James blogs and tweets about his cooking exploits - often with hilarious consequences. Visit www.jamesramsden.com and follow @jteramsden