Waterstones best food and drink books 2021

Longlisted for BBC Radio 4 The Food Programme Cookbooks of the Year 2021

A deliciously inviting book, crammed with recipes that had me reaching for the post-it notes! - Nigella Lawson

The recipes will dazzle and delight. - Nigel Slater

Once again, Ed Smith has done something really smart. Cooking the flavors we are craving in any given moment, the resulting book feels so novel and fresh. Ed's writing is thoughtful and conversational; his recipes confident and delicious. - Yotam Ottolenghi

6 Flavor Profiles. Over 100 recipes. Every craving covered.

Why do we choose to cook the things we do, when we do? Most of the time, it is simply so we can eat what we really fancy; a subconscious response to a constantly fluctuating state of mind and appetite that's influenced by mood, season, weather, memory, occasion, outside events and internal feelings.

Ed Smith helps his readers home in on their cravings (whatever the reason for them) by organizing his recipes within six cleverly conceived flavor profiles: fresh and fragrant chili and heat tart and sour curried and spiced rich and savory; and (best of all?) cheesy and creamy. There's also a directory of alternative cravings at the back, providing additional ways in. All bases are covered, from snacks through sides, to main courses and desserts.

Think of fermented and fresh tomato salad with feta for when both sun and cook are already smiling; or lamb chops with cacio e pepe white beans if in need of a re-set; the likes of 'nduja spatchcock chicken, should a tickle of chili be in order; or curried brisket noodles to meet spice needs. Whether we want snap and crunch or velvet softness, sharp citrus or warming aromatics, or just something involving bubbling, molten cheese, CRAVE presents a fresh take on seasonal cooking, but goes beyond that too - acknowledging core instincts and base itches, and so delivering recipes you'll want to make every day of the week, whatever the weather or mood.