Wine Time: 70+ Recipes for Simple Bites That Pair Perfectly with Wine was a joy to read and review, and I'm sure will be loved by readers worldwide who'd like a range of fresh ideas for food to accompany a drinks party or informal get-together.
Recipes are sorted accessibly by category, covering a broad range of food types and styles, ranging from the classic (Onion & Gruyère Tart) to the more unusual (Grilled Snow Pea Skewers). Some recipes are very quick and simple finger food, while others are more complex, the result more akin to a small meal. There are also excellent "sidebar" sections on how to construct great cheese boards and charcuterie platters.
Each recipes begins with a contextual introduction paragraph, containing serving suggestions and a recommendation for the varieties of wine the product of the recipe is best suited to match.
The recipes are clearly written and simple enough that fairly inexperienced cooks will have no trouble in following the techniques and instructions given. Jennifer May's accompanying photographic illustrations are fresh, colourful and mouth-watering, never appearing contrived or overly finicky.
I am reading and reviewing from Australia, and note that the style of recipes is broadly North-American, and an occasional ingredient that may prove difficult to obtain elsewhere (eg. Cherrystone, Littleneck or Quahog clams). However, the few such ingredients that appear all seem relatively straightforward to substitute. Also, unlike many American cookbooks, quantities are given in both imperial and metric units, which is brilliant!
The section at the end of the book, detailing a range of wine-based cocktails would be great inspiration for something a little different to try for a summer get-together with friends.
This is a well-written and user-friendly reference book, which would be a valuable and often-used addition to any entertainer's cookbook library. Wine Time would also make a fantastic housewarming gift or alternatively a welcome contribution for a cellar-stocking party or kitchen tea.
My thanks to the author, Barbara Scott-Goodman, publisher Chronicle Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this inspiring title. Cheers!