Cookbook review - Annabel Langbein Free Range in the City

Annabel is a New Zealand cook who focuses on fresh seasonal ingredients. I've been a fan ever since watching her popular TV series; The Free Range Cook filmed on site at her Lake Wanaka cabin. Here she has the most amazing vegetable plot set against the glorious backdrop of the NZ Southern Alps. See more at her website http://www.annabel-langbein.com/

In this follow up book to The Free Range Cook, Annabel attempts to make natural, seasonal and simple food accessible to those living in cities. Her writing style is genuine and endearing without preaching. She touches on subjects such as the enormous amount of food waste and how our small actions can make an impact in this area.

The book is organised into occasion categories such as as barbeques, weekend lunches, coffee break etc. In each section a suggested menu is included as a helpful guide. I really liked the quick recipes in each section that offer different variations to a simple salad for example. The recipes themselves are written clearly, would be easy to follow and use fresh simple ingredients.

Of course the book is loaded with beautiful photography throughout and each recipe comes accompanied with a mouth drooling photo.

I enjoyed spending a good couple of hours pouring through this book and now can't wait to get cooking. I am very keen to try the Sensational Spinach Tart which is actually a recipe for two tarts, one to eat straight away and one to freeze for later.