The best of Alison Holst

If you're a kiwi and you haven't heard of Alison Holst, you must have been living under a rock. She's been gracing our screens since 1965 as a television chef, and has sold over four and a half million cookbooks. And, if that doesn't ring a bell, you may have heard of her bulk whole foods brand "Alison's Choice" which launched at Pak'n'Save supermarkets nationwide in 2010. 

This book, The best of Alison Holst is an absolutely necessary companion for every kitchen. It's filled with over 1000 recipes, kitchen tips and years of wisdom, making it a household essential. Reading this book made me feel like I was getting tips from my own grandmother, as there's literally a chapter for everything. Starters, soup, eggs, all the various meats, legumes, grains, potatoes, salads, pies, sauces, desserts, bread, baking and confectionary. Included is a range of tried and tested microwave recipes, perfect for those who are short on time, or have limited use of a kitchen. 

The chapters I liked the best were the ones on meat. The fish chapter has tips on filleting, whole fish recipes and a range of shellfish dishes. The variety of chicken dishes has enough to please the fussiest of eaters. The pork chapter includes roast, crackling, BBQ pork bones, spareribs, ham and bacon recipes. While the chapter on lamb includes pictured step-by-step instructions on how to bone a lamb leg, forequarter, rack, short loins, or chops; all with the complimenting recipes. It would be a shame not to mention the recipes including offal of sweetbreads, tongues, liver, and kidneys for those who are game - personally, I'm a fan, it's all about how it's cooked and I can't wait to try these recipes. The beef chapter also includes descriptions of the best ways to cook the different cuts of beef and the chapter on mince and sausage has some meatloaf and hamburger nostalgic classics.  

Though Alison is a New Zealand household name, her cookbook isn't just kiwi fare. It's filled with a variety of cuisines which she has adapted over the years: Spanish empanadas, Middle Eastern Casserole, German chicken, and some delicious Asian twists. 

Rest assured it's not all meat dishes. The egg and cheese chapter, legumes and tofu,  plus the rice and grains chapter is filled with family friendly vegetarian recipes. 
As I said earlier, this book is an absolute essential for every household.