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.

Poetic Licence infused gin with mulled winter fruits makes the perfect winter warmer. It also lends an additional kick to my Black Dragon on Fire cocktail. You can see the recipe here. 70cl 40.1% ABV

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.

An incredibly thorough and fascinating read about the impact our diets have on our health and the environment. Bee Wilson is incredibly knowledgeable and incorporates what she learns from experts around the world. One of the topics she brings up is why we waste so much food. To read my post on how to reduce your food waste click here.