I knew I was going to adore this book the moment I knew it was a thing - and I'm delighted to confirm it certainly lived up to expectations. If you are looking for a brief respite from the monumental shitshow that is the third decade of this century, 'In The Kitchen' presents an excellent balm.

As in every essay collection, some are stronger than others and each reader will have their own connections to certain essays. My particular favourites came from Juliet Annan, Laura Freeman, Daisy Johnson, Nina Mingya Powles (I recently just finished her excellent memoir 'Tiny Moons: A Year of Eating in Shanghai') and Joel Golby, whose rumination on the gloriousness of the 'buffet' - whether it be in a restaurant or the ubiquitous nature of all buffets found in British homes - made me giggle more than I'd care to admit.

Delightful and warm, as all good books and comfort food should be, 'In The Kitchen' is a wonderful collection of personal essays on the power of food - and should be enjoyed with something delicious.