Annie Smithers
Thames & Hudson   Rrp $32.99

I’m a fan of Annie Smithers as I listen to her cooking along with Jonathan Green on “Blueprint for Living” on ABC Radio National Saturday mornings.

Her book spans 30 years of cooking, gardening, growing across country Victoria. And if one can’t dine at her restaurant, Du Fermier, then reading her book is the next best thing.  

Part memoir, it moves from her frenetic restaurant trailblazing career, pioneering the paddock to plate concept to practical advice on how to live more sustainably and indeed, gently, from earth to empty plate. Her story highlights her highs and lows to treading softly, growing sustainably, caring for plant, animal, land and water.

The warm smell of cooking in a country kitchen wafts from the pages. You want to eat and try everything she talks about. She also sounds great company.

I’ve chosen one of my faves from her book here. . .