A Basket by the Door: Recipes for comforting gifts and joyful gatherings

by Sophie Hansen

Nothing says 'I love you, I've got you and I'm here' better than a parcel of food you've taken the time to make, wrap and deliver. So, season by season, here are 130 recipes to cook for loved ones who might be moving house, busy with a newborn, celebrating a milestone, recovering after illness, grieving, or just in need of a little love and appreciation. A Basket by the Door is friendship, connection and heartfelt country hospitality made edible. There are recipes here for sharing and giving on every occasion: an easy bundle of fresh dips and lavosh biscuits to take along to drinks, portable breakfast to surprise a friend, a sturdy picnic cake and sandwiches in a basket for lunch (even in the office), comforting ragu and chocolate mousse to enjoy while wallowing on the sofa, and ideas to take when invited for dinner or a weekend away. Bake a chicken pie to cheer up a neighbour, invite friends over to make Christmas biscuits; fill jam jars with bright smoothies to bolster a new mother - the ways to connect and show you care with food are endless. Author BiographyBorn and raised in Sydney, now living with her family on their farm just outside Orange in country New South Wales, Sophie Hansen trained in journalism and has over 20 years' experience as a features writer. She has contributed to Australian Country Style and Outback magazines; she was an editor for Slow Food International's English website, lived in Italy for 3 years and is fluent in Italian. In 2013 she set up her blog, Local is Lovely, and her podcast My Open Kitchen is going into its third season. Sophie has been awarded Australian Rural Woman of the Year in recognition of her commitment to rural communities. She believes in simple, tasty and seasonal food made with love and shared generously. Instagram https://www. instagram. - A Basket By The Door By Sophie Hansen (Hardback)

Genres: Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Cooking

264 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2019

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

The BEST cauliflower salad recipe!! Our family’s favourite now along with the pearl couscous salad. There’s nothing too complicated or requiring exotic ingredients. Some lovely new combinations. I borrowed this from my library but it’s now on my “to buy” list! :)

[Reannon Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautiful, delightful & packed full of recipes to cook for those you love best.

[Amy Heap · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the idea of this; 'Recipes for comforting gifts and joyful gatherings". Sophie Hansen left Sydney and now lives on a farm in Orange, living the ultimate country life. Perhaps it just wasn't the right time, but I found the book a little too trendy and beautiful. The food suggested to drop over to a friend in need, seems a little over the top; not as practical as I had expected. Look, the book is full of gorgeous pictures of food, country landscapes, beautiful farm houses and happy people. If I didn't work outside the home full-time, I might have found this more appealing. I did make the triple ginger loaf, and found the recipe strange, and the result dry (to be fair, she does suggest toasting it and spreading it with butter). I think a lot of people will love this book, but it wasn't for me.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book containing recipes I really want to make. I love the author's idea of thoughtful edible gifting. It's full of photographs, Sophie's memories about life and eating and the recipes which are suggested season by season. I highly recommend it.

[Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big-hearted and beautiful

A thoughtful and creative philosophy produces this culinary and caring repository which encourages imaginative sharing and resourceful gifting as an alternative to consumer culture.

[Jean MacLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can't help but feel motivated after reading this lovely book. It's all about sharing. Great book with good recipes and suggestions.

[Raelene · Rating 4 out of 5]

8/10

[Philippa · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a while since I bought a cookbook and have wanted to make everything in it (bar the meat recipes of course!). So many great ideas and beautifully photographed.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So comforting.

[Hanna Ashton-Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most wholesome, hug of a book. So glad I finally picked it up! As a vegetarian I usually avoid non vego cookbooks but there were so many brilliant recipes in here.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this book. so cozy

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of lovely ideas, easy-to-read chapters and beautiful imagery in this book.