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It’s the time of the year when the publishing industry cranks out the cookbooks. Here are a few that have arrived this week worthy of your attention.

First up, the local and wonderful Nicola Galloway has produced another winning title, The Homemade Table — beautifully photographed, with plenty of recipes and, as always, excellent and clear information. Fermentation, preserving, sourdough and fresh seasonal delights make this the perfect addition to your bookcase and it is sure to be a favourite for everyday recipes, pantry staples and harvesting delights. Not to be missed. 

Hamed Allahyari’s refugee journey from Iran was dangerous and risky. He has made Australia his home and shares his love of food at his Melbourne restaurant, SalamaTea. His first book, Salamati, is a collection of his recipes from his life as a restauranteur in Iran, his many online cooking classes, and his deep love of food and Persian culture. Food and people are at the core of his approach to cooking. “By eating my food, you come into my family. You are sitting with me, with my grandparents, parents and cousins, talking, sharing and enjoying the feeling of being together.”  A wonderful introduction to this cuisine, there’s plenty of joy, inspiration and all-together deliciousness. Perfect for outdoor gatherings this season. 

And there’s a new Ottolenghi! The Test Kitchen is back with Extra Good Things, under the influence of the excellent Noor Murad. She’s been with the Ottolenghi crew since 2016 and brings to her cooking her Bahrani roots, alongside her interest in Arabic, Persian and Indian cuisines and flavours. As with all Ottenghi cookbooks, there’s plenty of inventive play, excellent tips and recipes which invariably offer comfort and satisfaction, flavoursome twists and exciting ingredient combinations. And working your way through this will guarantee your pantry is full of excellent additions — those extra good things — ready to make your next meal vibrant and delectable. Flexible cooking at its best.