Newsletter: Raise a glass to World Gin Day + your chance to win a copy of Ethiopian cookbook Tekebash & Saba

Discover northern Ethiopian cuisine with Tekebash & Saba

Newly published, and new to ckbk, Tekebash & Saba: Recipes from the Horn of Africa is an exciting new addition to our Africa bookshelf. In this beautifully illustrated book, restaurateur Saba Alemayoh recounts personal and political histories of Tigray, the northernmost state of Ethiopia. It is a compelling read about her mother Tekebash Gebre’s life through food, and her own journey to the opening of her Melbourne restaurant in 2015.

These are recipes full of vibrant color and aromatic spice. Try Stuffed Green Chillies, a palate enlivening accompaniment to a main meal. Make Fermented Flatbreads (Injera) from teff flour, and then use one or two in this Dried Beef Stew with Shredded Injera (Qanta Fit Fit).

We have two print copies of this special book to give away – thanks to publishers Murdoch Books!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Tekebash & Saba, all you have to do is email us with “Tekebash & Saba draw” as your subject line. The draw closes at 23.59pm Friday June 30th.Two randomly chosen recipients from all entries will be the lucky winners of of the book

Pictured above: Fava beans from Tekebash & Saba: Recipes from the Horn of Africa by Saba Alemayoh

Find all 50 recipes from Tekebash & Saba

Celebrating all things gin!

World Gin Day, celebrated annually the second Saturday in June, is upcoming on June 10. This juniper infused distilled spirit takes its name from genièvre, the French word for juniper, and has been in and out of fashion since its early development as a medicinal infusion in the 1300s. Gin has an aromatic quality all its own, with different styles having a stronger or milder flavor. All are interesting combined with other elements both in cocktails and in food.

Get your gin journey started with the simpler flavor combinations of a cocktail or two. Gin works particularly well combined with other aromatics or fresh, herbal, or citrus notes. Try a Rosemary Gin Fizz, a Gin Cocktail with Pomegranate and Grapefruit, or a Cucumber Gin and Tonic for a update on the classic G&T. Or have a look at even more refreshing ideas in our Great Gin Cocktails collection.

A touch of gin in your kitchen can act like a sort of seasoning, brightening other flavors. Chocolatiers often use alcohol in a ganache to bring other flavors forward.

We’ve put together a collection of recipes for Cooking with Gin. Try herb-rich Gin and Tonic Salmon, or this Three Cherry Jelly Roll Trifle – a recipe that makes use of the sweeter addition of sloe gin.

Chinese-ish triumphs at James Beard Media Awards

This year’s James Beard Media Awards ceremony took place in Chicago on Saturday, June 3.

We were thrilled to see that Chinese-ish, by Joanna Hu and Rosheen Kaul a recent addition to ckbk, won the award for best visuals (graphic design, art and photography). The 2023 winners list is a stellar line up of books worth discovering.

Ingredient spotlight: blueberries

Native to North America, blueberries are one of the most recent fruits to be cultivated from their wild origins. They have good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, that have helped to make this summer fruit among the most popular berries.

They make a delicious addition to muffins, pancakes, and other baked goods such as Lemon Tart with Blueberries, but their uses don’t stop there. In our 12 Ways with Blueberries collection we’ve gathered recipes to show some of the range of options. Try Frozen Uncooked Blueberry Jam, for an easy recipe that can be made with either fresh or frozen berries. Try the very refreshing Blueberry Fizz, the ideal summer treat of Berry and Coconut Ice Lollies, or even the unusual Blueberry Pie Salad.

6 of the best lemon drizzle cakes

Lemon drizzle cake, a cake so good that it has its own day named after it. International Lemon Drizzle Cake Day is on June 9, so here are some of the best recipes to get you in the mood.