Al Fresco by Louise Pickford

Eating al fresco no longer conjures up images of sliced ham, hard-boiled eggs and an undressed lettuce leaf. We have moved on thankfully and Louise Pickford's latest book, Al Fresco epitomises the very essence of summer eating. Typical of Ryland Peters & Small, every page of this book could grace House & Garden, such is the quality of the photography. Incidentally Louise's husband, Ian Wallace, is responsible for the evocative pictures.

Louise gives sound advice on entertaining so that the cook can get as much enjoyment out of entertaining as the guests do. There are no lengthy recipes and they are all easy to prepare. We've tested them.

In Al Fresco, you will find lifestyle with a capital L, but the good news is that all that you see across the pages, can be achieved at home. Recipes cover meals from dawn to dusk and not all are for cooking outdoors, although the barbecue gets a serious look in. Louise does her best to encourage you away from standard fare of sausages and burgers and to try barbecuing a whole salmon stuffed with herbs or grilling lobster tails with burnt butter.

Here are some of our summer favourites. If you are looking for a dip with a difference, try beetroot hoummus, made with breadcrumbs, olive oil and some horseradish sauce. It adds great colour and served with crudités and toasted pitta bread, it will disappear in no time. Just beware of white shirts. Any left over can be watered down and made into a cold soup.

We tried chilled melon soup (melons, yoghurt, ginger, spring onions and sherry) to much acclaim. Just make sure you have plenty of grilled Serrano or Parma ham to temper the sweetness. Or if you are looking for a new version of chicken salad, try Louise's with radicchio, rocket and a Marsala and raisin dressing.

Grinding coffee beans (coarsely) with some lumps of sugar adds a flourish and crunch to many dishes. Here it accompanies honey-roasted peaches. Remember this one, as it will come in useful. If you want to jazz up lemonade, just add some mint leaves and a dash of Angostura Bitters.

And these are just a few of Louise Pickford's ideas. If you are hunting for a present for a food lover, look no further.

Publication details
144pp. Photography by Ian Wallace. £16.99
Published by Ryland Peters & Small
ISBN 1841722480
2002

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