It's a little gem this week, in the form of Food DIY by Tim Hayward. If making food from scratch is your thing, this book is a treasure trove of information. If you’ve ever fancied making bacon or sausages, pickling something, smoking food, or even making your own cheese and butter, this book will definitely pique your interest. I love flicking through its pages, finding inspiration in Tim’s methods. He makes food fun—adventurous even—and also economical.  

Learning new skills is always rewarding, and here you’ll find a lifetime of knowledge distilled into one book. You’ll master the art of terrine-making, creating sloe gin, baking bread, and making butter, cheese, and so much more. There are some excellent recipes for dishes you’ll love, all laid out in simple, easy-to-follow steps. The puy lentil and feta salad caught my eye, and the omelette Arnold Bennett—a classic from the Savoy Hotel—looks incredible.

The methods Tim Hayward has chosen are brilliant, offering inspiration that, in the long run, will save you money and make you the envy of your neighbourhood—as the irresistible waft of smoked fish fills your street. I’d wholeheartedly recommend this book; it’s a fantastic resource and a lot of fun, especially if you’re up for pushing yourself to try something new.

Of course, there are excellent sausages from proper butchers and incredible pastries from skilled bakers available across the country. But if you’re up for the challenge to ‘do it yourself’, you might just discover a new obsession—and you’ll likely never go back to overpriced, pre-made food again. My top tip: give it a try!