An artisan food revival has taken place in recent years, making kitchen skills a celebrated part of everyday life. These days, many cooks are seeking out the techniques their grandmothers took for granted, and realizing that patient preparation and tantalizing anticipation can make home-produced delicacies taste even better. This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of the cook's kitchen, from the simple pleasures of baking bread and cakes, to curing, dairymaking, bottling, potting and preserving. Discover the endless joys of the kitchen, with recipes that stand the test of time as well as helpful technique sections and information on the ingredients and equipment you'll need. Experience the delights of the dairy by learning how to churn your own butter and soft cheese; make the most of seasonal fruits by transforming them into cordials and liqueurs; enjoy the aroma of freshly baked cakes, pastries and biscuits; feel the satisfaction that comes from salting and smoking meat at home; and fill up your larder with a mouthwatering array of jams, jellies and chutneys.

Author Biography

Alison Walker is the Food & Drink Editor of Country Living Magazine and loves cooking with British seasonal ingredients. After gaining experience in editorial magazine publishing, she retrained as a professional chef at Leiths School of Food and Wine in London and graduated as Student of the Year in 2002. She then worked as a food stylist on various television programmes and movie sets, such as the Bond film Die Another Day. Since then, Alison has worked as a food editor on various glossy women's magazines in London. Immediately before joining Country Living Magazine, she was Head of Cookery at Good Housekeeping.