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10 things you’ll love about Mary Berry’s Cook and Share

by Francesca Sleet

published on 31 August 2022

The queen of baking, Mary Berry, is back with a gorgeous new cookbook, Cook and Share, that is here to inspire you to share delicious food with your friends and family. Taking the stress out of entertaining, this cookbook is full of endless recipe ideas for any occasion and is sure to become the book you reach for over and over again throughout the year, for everything from midweek meals for two to huge family gatherings.

If you still need convincing, we’ve put together our 10 favourite things about Cook and Share. Read on to find out more.

from the book

1. With gorgeous photos and easy to follow instructions, this is a beautiful cookbook for any home cook who loves to put on a spread for guests. It would also make a fantastic gift for the hostess with the mostest in your life.

2. Mary has made it easier than ever to plan for any event with a collection of suggested menus at the start of the book that group together recipes for any occasion. So whether a hoarde of hungry teenagers is coming around, it’s your turn to host brunch, the family’s over for a roast, or you’re looking for inspiration for sharing boards and platters, you will find plenty of inspiration.

3. If you’re someone who loves to enjoy serving up a feast without having to spend most of the time in the kitchen, Mary has provided a whole chapter of quick and simple dishes that make for easy sharing plates and snack platters. We love the Harissa Halloumi and Squash Skewers, Jumbo Sausage Rolls, and the Tuna Ceviche with Pickled Ginger and Salsa.

4. Whatever your tastes are, there are recipes for everyone. Helpfully broken down into separate chapters, there is a wide selection of main courses for lovers of poultry, beef and pork, and seafood, as well as plenty of hearty vegetarian mains too.

5. Lovers of lazy weekend mornings brunches that last long into the afternoon will love the brunch chapter – a first for Mary’s books. With everything from classic shakshuka and cinnamon crepes, to spinach and tomato frittata, your next brunch will be a legendary affair.

6. The book is packed full of a variety of recipes, and while some provide inspiration for easy dishes with unique flavour combinations, other are a little more showstopping like the Salmon en Croûte with Spinach and Dill. Perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or as a part of a buffet spread, this salmon croûte is a gorgeous treat, layered with flaky pastry, creamy spinach, and succulent salmon.

7. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Mary Berry book without some incredible bakes, and the baking and dessert chapters are full to the brim with puddings, cakes, tarts, biscuits, and more, ready for those of you with a sweet tooth to get stuck in.

8. You’ll find plenty of seasonal recipes that can be cooked all year round, making use of beautiful fresh ingredients and highlighting stunning produce with simple recipes. There are also several extra special recipes that Mary recommends for Easter and Christmas.

9. We love that most of the recipes go so well with each other. You’ll easily find dishes that pair well with others, whether as part of a buffet spread, a lazy lunch for large groups, or just a snacky tea.

10. You’ll be able to find all your favourite recipes from Mary’s accompanying BBC2 TV show Mary Berry: Cook and Share. Make sure to get your hands on a copy of the book so that you can cook along with the show.

from the book

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