My choice of book of the week this week is a mad one. It is called ‘The Condiment Book’ by Claire Dinhut. It is not my normal go-to book at all, but after reading it through, it is making me think differently. It is a fabulous collection of how to do so many things in the kitchen that you were possibly too scared to do — how to make everything from flavoured salt to kimchi, to pickles, to jelly and hot sauce. It is not a book to read in the normal sense, but a very well put together, informative and concise book of how to make stuff quite simply.

The book is dedicated to the curious soul, and I see that. I imagine the inside of the author’s head is vibrant — full of busy thoughts, ideas and fun. Colourful thoughts about food and what goes with what: taste, seasoning, piquant, sharp or sweet. It is a bit mad actually. It feels very Willy Wonka, and I like it. I have dipped in and out quite a bit, and for those who want to make their own ‘whatever’, this is the book for them.

I must say the fermenting section is very good as it explains things very well. We all struggle sometimes with a kimchi or a sauerkraut, but Claire does a very good job with a step-by-step explanation. The ultimate manual to explore what isn’t strictly necessary — but to many of us, is essential. The queen of condiments, I think.