Aromatic, fragrant and spicy, the flavours of the middle east are steeped in a fascinating history of ancient empires and dynasties, wars and diverse religions, and the east-west trade routes, all of which have had a lasting influence on the culinary cultures of this vast and turbulent region. This exciting new book chronicles the essential dishes that you would encounter should you travel these ancient lands — they are the recipes that have truly stood the test of time. Mezze, Salads and Soups start the feast; enjoy Hot Hummus with Samna and Pine Nuts or Broad Beans with Eggs and Dukkah. Meat and Poultry Main Courses include Roasted Meat-stuffed Onions with Honey and Tamarind, while Poached Fish with Saffron Rice is an option for a Fish and Shellfish Main Course. Vegetables and Preserves include Turmeric Potatoes with Chillies, Lime, and Coriander, while Sweet Dishes, Conserves, and Drinks features Quinces Poached in Clove Syrup. With feature spreads profiling the essential ingredients and more than 60 authentic recipes, Flavours of the Middle East makes it easy to prepare an exciting aromatic feast at home.

For anyone who loves good food but has little time to spend cooking, an electric slow-cooker can fit perfectly into a busy lifestyle. They can be used day or night, and you don't have to stay in to keep an eye on the pot while you produce hearty family food. Warming Soups to try include Chicken Noodle Soup; Slow-cooked Onion and Cider Soup; and, Italian Vegetable and Bread Soup. Starters and Light Bites include Blue Cheese Fondue; Pork, Fennel and Spinach Terrine; and, Beef and Ale Pate. Comforting one-pot Meat dishes include Provencal Daube of Beef; Slow-Braised Lamb Shanks with Red Wine, Rosemary and Garlic; Meatballs in Red Pepper Sauce; and, Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Preserved Lemons and Carrots. Deliciously easy recipes for Poultry and Game include Coq au Vin; Lemon Chicken with Dumplings; Chicken Jalfrezi; and, Creole Duck. You can try a lighter recipe for Fish and Seafood such as Mediterranean Chunky Fish Stew; Banana Leaf Fish; and, Kerala Coconut Chilli Prawns. Nourishing Vegetarian Dishes include Root Vegetable Ragu; Smoky Hotpot of Great Northern Beans; Lemon, Fennel and Mushroom Risotto; and, Thai Red Pumpkin Curry. Recipes for indulgent Desserts include Peaches Poached in Vanilla Honey Syrup; Blueberry and Cherry Sponge; and, Coffee Hazelnut Pudding with Coffee Bean Sauce.