Book Review: Rick Stein's Spain

I love cookbooks that tell a story about the recipes. It helps set the atmosphere in the kitchen.

So when you put your pinny on and get set to try one of Rick Stein's 140 recipes, "inspired by his journey off the beaten track in Spain", think seafood, spice, garlic and tomato.

Stein takes readers from Galicia (Mussels in Tomato Vinaigrette) to Asturias and Cantabria (Octopus with Spring Onions and Peppers), then on to Basque Country (Cheese Fritters), Andalucia (Small Spicy Moorish Kebabs) and plenty of places in between.

He finishes with some mouth-watering Spanish desserts, including Orange Caramel Creams.

This beautiful book is full of gorgeous photographs - not only of the recipes, but the produce and people of the areas.

One thing I really liked about Rick Stein's Spain is that the recipes range from quite complicated to very simple.

There is a recipe for Eggs Scrambled with Braised Summer Vegetables; an easy meal that makes something as simple as scrambled eggs just a little bit special.

This "cookbook" should not be confined to the kitchen.

Make yourself a cup of coffee, sit back in the lounge with your feet up and enjoy a trip to Spain with Rick Stein.

Stein is a well-known author and TV presenter.

In fact, this book will tie into a new four-part television series coming soon to Prime.

Rick Stein's Spain

Random House, $70