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In a nutshell
Veteran food and wine writer Sims is as well versed in life at sea as she is in all things culinary and she brings her two passions together here in a little book of galley-friendly recipes.
What does it cover?
Everything from the best kit to invest in and staples to stock up on, to dishes to prepare in advance, the fresh ingredients to scout around for in harbour and the booze to wash it all down with out on the water.
What’s so special?
Sims has enlisted the help of a bunch of illustrious friends from both the sailing and the restaurant worlds, which lends depth and sparkle to the food: seriously delicious dishes that are thoroughly doable within the constraints of nautical living.
Who would like it?
The subtitle of the tome is “real food for hungry sailors”, and that’s definitely who this will appeal to first. The concept isn’t a gimmick, this literally is a book for seafarers. That said, it is also full of cunning tips on cooking in confined spaces, not to mention recipes both easy and tasty, so pretty much anyone would benefit from a gander.
Who wouldn’t like it?
Thalassaphobes, most likely, and anyone who prefers a minimalist cookbook.
Best recipe?
Sims’s pumpkin, pine nut and parmesan pie is as delicious as it is alliterative. And the apricot and pecan cream porridge would be the perfect way to start any day, be it on land or on the water.
Anything else?
She did this all for her dad, as he kept losing the recipes she’d scribbled down to improve mealtimes on his 29ft Westerly. A sweet reason to write a book if ever there was one.
We say
Whether you’re a weather-worn windjammer, or more of an arm-chair adventurer, this is a gem.
To order The Boat Cookbook for £13.59 (RRP £16.99) visit theguardian.com/bookshop or ring 0330 333 6846. Reviewed by Dale Berning
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