Salt, Sugar, Smoke, by Diana Henry

Diana Henry has written six cookery books, and Salt, Sugar, Smoke is her fourth classic title. That’s not a bad average for a busy working journalist. Indeed, one could say that of her four heartfelt book – Crazy Water, Pickled Lemons; Roast Figs, Sugar Snow; Food From Plenty; and, now, Salt, Sugar, Smoke – that each one is a masterpiece. Certainly, this new book is as essential as her great trio, and it’s another another autodidactic exploration of a favourite topic, in this case the preserving of foods. The writing is vivid, sexy and fun and, as you turn the pages, you vow to cook everything she suggests. Ms Henry is one of the great food writers.
(Mitchell Beazley £20 stg)