Newsletter: Publication day for Eleanor Ford’s new book – A Whisper of Cardamom

A Whisper of Cardamom is our #ckbkclub featured cookbook for February

Sweet & spicy with A Whisper of Cardamom Sugar and spice do very much add up to all things nice in Eleanor Ford’s brand new book A Whisper of Cardamom, which we are excited to have for you now, on publication day. Eleanor Ford is a multi-award-winning food writer – most recently for her third book The Nutmeg Trail – with a special interest in, and aptitude with, spice. For our newest feature we caught up with her to discuss her latest book, in which she explores the culinary magic created by sugar and spice. Ford delves into the allure of spices, their place in our history, culture, emotions and imagination. She talks about some of the unusual spices that have caught her attention, and how to look anew at some of those we take for granted. She also details her approach to deconstructing and understanding these complex and distinctive flavors, and how to use them well. The feature includes numerous highlights from the recipes in the book – who could resist this Milk Chocolate Tart with Nutmeg Pastry. You’ll be baking and experimenting with spice before you know it! The book is a dream list of recipes that use spice to enhance flavor, and bring life to sweet bakes. If the mention of cardamom has you excited, try Cardamom, Marzipan and Cherry Bundt, or these Rhubarb, Cardamom and Ricotta Parcels. Just getting started with spice? Learn the true glory of the oft-underestimated vanilla with a Chestnut & Vanilla Affogato. Or if you are ready to go into territory less well-known, try this Tonka Honey Mousse, or some Palm Sugar & Coconut Pandan Pancakes. Eleanor Ford will be speaking about A Whisper of Cardamom and all thing spice-related at a new book festival taking place at Alexandra Palace in North London on Sunday March 24. For more information on this event – a great chance to meet the author and pick up a signed copy of the book – and for a chance to win a pair of free tickets, just send an email to hello@ckbk.com with the subject line "Cardamom".  Find all 78 recipes from A Whisper of Cardamom Pictured above: A Pink Cake for Sylvia from A Whisper of Cardamom by Eleanor Ford A shoutout for the slow cooker Are you a slow cooker convert yet? Whether you’re one of those extolling the virtues of cooking low and slow, or have been listening to others and thinking of a way to get started, we have knowledge and recipes for you aplenty. Begin with our Slow Cooker Bookshelf, each book is packed with recipes that show just how much flavor you can get, and how little effort it takes. Slow cooking suits many cuisines, and you will be surprised by the range of dishes that benefit from the slow cooker treatment. What they have in common is how they fit around your life. A little prep, then leave them to it. Try this Duck Tagine, with some Brown Sugar Carrots and Sweet Potatoes. And who could resist one of these Cinnamon Rolls. #ckbkclub book of the month Did you know we have a lively Facebook group called #ckbkclub ? It is a place to chat about what you've made from books on ckbk, or ask for help in the Kitchen SOS chat. Each month, the group chooses a particular cookbook to focus, and members are especially encouraged to chat about a particular book, and share any photos, tips and questions about the recipes they have made or plan to make.  For February we’ll be cooking from Eleanor Ford's newly published book A Whisper of Cardamom. To join in, simply visit our Facebook Group and we will invite you in to our fun community.  We look forward to seeing what you make, and discussing the sweet and spicy recipes from Eleanor’s book! Ingredient spotlight: blood oranges A hybrid citrus fruit that first appeared in the Mediterranean region in the mid 1800s, blood oranges are one of the finest varieties of orange to eat. They are named for the vibrant deep color of their flesh, which may or may not also appear on the skin. Blood oranges have an intense flavor, often with more complexity and gentle bitterness than an ordinary orange. They are a treat to eat raw, unadorned or finely sliced into a salad – try this Collard Green and Blood Orange Salad with Candied Pecans and Creamy, Blood Orange Mustard Dressing. Blood oranges make a vibrant addition to both sweet and savory dishes. Try Chicken with Blood Oranges, some Blood Orange-Meringue Tartlets, or any of the recipes in our 16 Ways with Blood Oranges collection. 6 of the best carrot cakes A universal favorite among cakes, on February 3 it is National Carrot Cake Day. Here are some great recipes for the cake as you know it, and a few twists on the original. Classic Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting from Flour by Joanne Chang Carrot, Spice & Candied Finger Cake from A Whisper of Cardamom by Eleanor Ford Best & Easiest Carrot Cake from Bake! By Nick Malgieri Fried Carrot Cake, Black and White from Hawker Favourites by The MeatMen Carrot Cake Ice Cream from Vegan Desserts by Hannah Kaminsky Carrot Cake Chia Pudding from Pescan by Abbie Cornish and Jacqueline King Schiller Kick-start your day and sign up to receive our Recipe of the Day email each morning Forwarded this by a friend? Sign up to receive the ckbk newsletter