Friends for dinner

Alice Hart, author of Alice’s Cookbook, is back with her second title, Friends at my Table, a deliciously enticing tome of treats perfect for the cook who wants to feed a crowd with simple, stylish, innovative treats.

Trained at Leith’s, Alice often nods to classic dishes in the book, but gives them her modern, delicate touch while keeping taste a priority.

The book is a great guide for entertaining – menus are broken up by months and packed with recipes to get you through the doom and gloom of freezing months. 

Honey roast beetroot and carrot salad and golden cauliflower with a sesame dressing for February could be part of a mezze evening or celebrate some summer sun with a picnic potato salad and blueberry, almond and vanilla choux buns in August.

Her parties are also designed with the busy chef in mind – with more than a nod given to budget, time and space. Friends at my Table is a brilliant cookbook for the home cook who loves preparing a gorgeous spread for friends and family. 

Read Alice’s recipe for Squash and Manouri salad

Friends at my Table by Alice Hart, published by Quadrille, RRP £18.99