Salad Book The

Book excerpt: Belinda Jeffery takes her culinary inspiration from the impressive array of locally grown produce, available to her through farmers' markets, friendly neighbours and of course her own garden. With her trademark love of good food prepared simply, Belinda constantly finds new and surprising ways to bring seasonal flavours and textures together. And this imaginative new collection is no exception. These days, salads can go far beyond a quiet dish on the side. Belinda shows that they may be enjoyed at any time of the day, from fig, bocconcini, rocket and frizzled smoked pancetta salad for brunch, herb-roasted chicken, fried bread and watercress salad for dinner, and a stunning dragon fruit, peach and lychee compote with brown sugar yoghurt to finish. So whether you are looking for something pared-back and elegant or a riot of colour jumping off the plate, you are bound to find the right salad for every season. Delicious food, cooked with love. What could be better?