Cookbooks by Julia Busuttil Nishimura — reviewed by Stella

In a week of twists and turns and then a few  more twists and turns (!), one is in complete need of dessert. It was a Monday, but the weekend had been far from relaxing. There were some aging apples waiting for an enlightened moment, and plenty of staples to take in any direction. While the days are warmer, the evenings are still cool and something cosy and simple was front of thought. Apple pie, of course! But pie needs good pastry. And I knew where to find it: straight to my copy of Julia Busuttil Nishimura's A Year of Simple Family Food to find an excellent sweet short pastry recipe. There are a few options, but I decided on the faster 30-minute resting time. I've been a fan of this cook's pie recipes, both sweet and savoury for several years, since her first recipe book, Ostro (a recipe book that is well used in our kitchen). I've made her leek and potato pie numerous times. Her recipe has mozzarella, but works well with other cheeses, too. One of my favourite pies is in A Year of Simple Family Food. The Pumpkin Pie is delicious — hearty and rich (>>you can see my version on this Whisk post). Busuttil Nishimura's recipes range in time and complexity, but always have at their heart a love of food underpinned by great flavours and the joy of sharing and eating together. They are generous and usually arranged seasonally, so perfect for us with her Melbourne location. With her Maltese heritage, love of Italian food, and the influence of her Japanese partner, the food ranges in flavours and styles. I'm revisiting how much I enjoy her cookbooks because she has a new one, Good Cooking Every Day, out on September. And it looks like a cracker. This one has a focus on occasions, but, in typical Julia style, this is relaxed and simple, abounding with generous and tasty food. Whether it's an informal get together with friends, the joy of family occasions, garden parties, or more formal celebrations, you'll be pleased to have her enthusiasm and wonderful recipes to hand. If you haven't discovered  the pleasure of Julia Busuttil Nishimura's food you have a treat ahead of you, and if you have, then celebrate the new cookbook, due in September. >>Pre-order now.