Book review

Last Shot by Jock Zonfrillo

Published by Simon & Schuster Australia $45

Last Shot by chef and MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo is described as a coming-of-age memoir of addiction, ambition and redemption.

Born to an Italian father and Scottish mother in Glasgow, Jock's early life was heavily influenced by both cultures.

“Nonno, Dad's dad was the most Italian man who ever lived,” said Jock.

Nonno wore a suit if he was going down the street to buy a newspaper and was a larger than life character to his adoring grandson.

Book reviews

101 Things to do instead of worrying about the World

By Felicity Brightside

Published by Faber

Do you feel like not getting out of bed sometimes?

With political pandemonium, nuclear apocalypse, climate change, dementia, the dangers of sitting down, traffic jams and more, worrying about the world has become a national pastime for some.

Hey, how about thinking positive for a change?

The Great Australian Cookbook

The Great Australian Cookbook is a fantastic gift for the keen cook at Christmas time or anytime of the year.

When it's not put to good use in the kitchen, it makes a wonderful coffee table book with its colourful illustrations by Reg Mombassa, famous for designing Mambo clothing.

Book review: 50 Shades of Chocolate by Claire Preen

AUTHOR and chocolatier Claire Preen promises 63 of the sexiest chocolate recipes ever in her book 50 Shades of Chocolate.

Besides being luscious, rich and totally delicious, chocolate is well known as one of the most potent aphrodisiacs.

Tasting exquisite chocolates in Europe with her father when she was a child ignited Claire's passion for chocolate.

She trained with a top chocolatier in Belgium and brought her wonderful creations to Australia.

100 best cakes and desserts

By Gabriel Gate

Published by hardie grant books

Chef, author and Gourmet Tour De France presenter on SBS Gabriel Gate recently launched yet another recipe book, 100 best cakes and desserts, which will surely appeal to all dessert lovers.

Growing up in the Loire Valley in France, Gabriel credits his grandmother for instilling a love of cooking in him and his mother for sharing the joy of eating with him.