ALBY HAILES, HARPER COLLINS, $55

As a winner of The Great Kiwi Bakeoff, Alby Hailes became known for bold flavours in sometimes eyebrow-raising combinations. Fans won’t be disappointed here with dishes such as Brussels sprouts with feijoa dressing, mango and mandarin curry, coffee and cardamom-braised beef cheeks and one of his Bakeoff beauties, the black sesame, rose and cardamom cake. Although there is a whole chapter devoted to baking and desserts, there’s a whole lot more to Alby than perfect pastry, clouds of Italian meringue, perfectly tempered chocolate and fondant flowers. With section headings of Energise, Connect, Thrive, Comfort, Delight and Sustain, the book’s roots combine Alby’s work as a doctor in mental health with his love of cooking, landing on the belief of ‘eat well, feel good’. From breakfast to set you up right, Ottolenghi-style layered sharing platters, warming comfort food and speedy suppers, most recipes are vege-forward family pleasers: interesting enough to get you to the table but not so fiddly as to freak you out after a busy day. Quite simply, food to make you feel good. TRACY WHITMEY