YUMI STYNES, HARDIE GRANT BOOKS, P/B, $45
This is the first cookbook by Yumi Stynes, an Australian TV and radio presenter who has also worked as a cook, and it immediately drew me in with its liberal approach to swearing and fuss-free approach to cooking. “I have zero f*cks left to give to bullsh*t cooking that wastes time, creates effort and adds a whole unnecessary level of wankery to otherwise honest food,” Stynes states in the intro (without the asterisks) – and amen to that. Unsurprisingly, therefore, there’s nothing groundbreaking going on with the food in this book, but there are plenty of tasty, family-friendly recipes. Stynes’ mother is Japanese so many of the dishes lean that way – think agedashi tofu and chicken yakitori – and the barbecue chapter is packed with fresh takes on outdoor classics.