Find here the ingredients, cooks, techniques and tools that have shaped our love of food in this lavishly illustrated book. The history of food and cooking is the history of civilisation. In today’s world we can get food from just about anywhere, at any time of day, but how many of us know exactly where our much-loved recipes come from, who invented them, and how they were originally prepared? In this richly entertaining book, food writer William Sitwell explores the fascinating history of cuisine from the first cookbook to the first cupcake, from the invention of the sandwich to the rise of food television. His engaging and witty narrative uncovers the earliest recipes tucked within Egyptian tomb walls and medieval manuscripts and shines a light on the many trends and technological innovations that have shaped the way we eat over hundreds of years.

One of the most entertaining and informative accounts of the struggle to feed the nation during the Second World War, is William Sitwell’s Eggs Or Anarchy. It’s the heroic tale of how Lord Woolton, Minister for Food, managed to ensure Britons were fed and nourished against all the odds. You can read more about it in our review here.

This 1 litre stainless steel thermal cafetiere really keeps the coffee warm. To read about my experience using thermal cafetieres, click here.

This is a much gentler and sweeter way of drinking whisky (probably too light for a hardcore whisky drinker). It makes for a fabulous cocktail - you can find the recipe for my Black Dragon on Fire cocktail here. 70cl 11% abv

Massimo Bottura describes how he and chefs from around the world prevented food from going to waste. The book shares the recipes he made. You can read my post on how to reduce your food waste and what I learnt from this book here.