Memories of Gascony by Pierre Koffmann

Published by Mitchell Beazley, 2nd June 2016, £20

To mark Pierre Koffmann's 50th year as a chef, this new edition of his iconic, award-winning cookbook is classic Koffmann and includes his celebrated Pieds de Cochon (stuffed pigs' trotters) recipe from Tante Claire, his mouthwatering Soufflé aux Pistaches (pistachio soufflé) plus seasonal dishes and simple family recipes from the south-west of France.

Pierre Koffmann's Memories of Gascony is the story of how one of the most influential chefs of our time first learned to love food. With recipes and reminiscences from his grandparents' home in rural Gascony, this is an intimate account of school holidays spent on the farm helping his grandfather to harvest and hunt, and learning to treasure seasonality, simplicity and the best ingredients at his grandmother's side. The finest of Gascony produce is here, with a focus on simplicity. The recipes stand the test of time and speak to the food tastes and trends of today.

You'll devour the cuisine as you go along - with recipes for dandelion salad with bacon and poached egg, grilled chicken with shallots and vinaigrette, and greengages in armagnac in Spring; chicken liver pâté with capers, Bayonne ham tart with garlic, oeufs à la neige in Summer; roast hare with mustard and beetroot, salt cod cassoulet and quince jelly in Autumn; and fried eggs with foie gras, potato and bacon pie and tarte aux pruneaux in Winter.

"If you do not own a copy of Pierre Koffmann's glorious Memories of Gascony your cookbook collection is not complete. Brilliant to read; even better to cook from." - Jay Rayner