The first Cambridgeshire Cook Book published in 2015 by Meze Publishing was a huge success and I wrote all about the launch of this great publication here. Now three years later, with the food and drink scene in the Cambridge region evolving at a rapid pace, it was only fitting to come back for more with The Cambridgeshire Cook Book: Second Helpings. A celebration of the amazing food and drink on our doorstep, the book features over 50 beloved recipes put together by some of the finest independent restaurants, cafés, delicatessens, pubs, farm shops, producers and suppliers of the region. The cook book is beautifully photographed, the recipes sound delicious and each contributor’s story is nicely conveyed.

The Cambridge Cook Book: Second Helpings is a collection of stories and recipes from a cross-section of independent businesses of all types and sizes. Some of my favourites are in the book but there are also places I discovered for the first time, particularly those further afield.

I saw some familiar faces and met new people at the cook book’s official launch held on 17 July at The Shack, a covered outdoor space at The Gog. It was good to meet some of the people at Meze Publishing who were instrumental in producing the book. Publishing manager Anna Tebble compiled the contributors and food journalist Katie Fisher authored their individual stories.

A cook book launch wouldn’t be complete without food and drink and the attendees certainly delivered. A welcoming Gin & Tonic, courtesy of The Cambridge Distillery, got things off to a good start. There were tantalising dishes and treats from The Gog (sausage rolls), Pint Shop (beer sticks and BrewBoard’s Hüellonbach oatmeal pale ale), White Cottage Bakery (potted cheese), Bridges (lettuce wraps), OliveOlive (halloumi and olive oil), Country Kitchen (flapjacks), Chocolat Chocolat (chocolate bouquet), Balkan Pottery (chicken made in their fantastic chicken cooker), The Geographer (cupcakes) and The Baking Jin (mango cake and cupcakes), just to name a few.

Jin Yee Chung (The Baking Jin) once again provided the book’s “birthday cake” – a delicious mango cake decorated with the number 2 to commemorate the second edition.

I met Jin at the launch of the first cook book, when he was included as the winner of the 2015 Cambridge Bake Off (his winning DNA cake still gets talked about). I was blown away by the flavours and textures of his cakes. That light and airy chiffon! I just had to let everyone know about this deliciousness. Since then Jin founded his part time cake-making business (he’s a software engineer by day) – and so The Baking Jin was born. Jin has been going from strength to strength with a growing list of customers and cafés supplying his cakes. He is even hosting his very first pop up – East Meets West, a sweet and savoury journey of fusion dishes and bakes from his native Malaysia and beyond.

A few months ago, Jin asked me to assist and report “behind the scenes” at the photo shoot for The Cambridgeshire Cook Book: Second Helpings. It was a lot of fun but so difficult to keep his amazing cake a secret. All can now be revealed! Jin’s take on the Far East’s mango pomelo sago classic dessert is truly stunning – a cake roll with a very light sponge. A genius recipe that he’s chosen to share in the cook book.

Giveaway
As if leftover cake wasn’t enough of a thank you for helping out, Jin kindly offered me a copy of the cook book which I have decided to give away to one of my readers. The winner will receive one copy of The Cambridgeshire Cook Book: Second Helpings, signed by Jin. To enter, simply check out The Baking Jin’s website then leave a comment below (on this blog post) telling me which cake(s) caught your eye. The email address provided to leave a comment will not be visible to others and will remain private. The deadline for entries is 10am (GMT) Sunday, 29 July 2018. I will contact the winner via email at which time their UK mailing address will be requested.

Just a few rules…
– You must be a UK resident aged 18 or over to enter.
– The prize includes free delivery within the UK.
– The prize cannot be redeemed for a cash value.
– This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Meze Publishing.

That’s it. Good luck!

The Cambridgeshire Cook Book: Second Helpings retails at just £14.95 and is available from all the businesses featured in the book, listed here. It is also available online through the big corporations, which shall remain nameless. In the spirit of the cook book to support local independents, I suggest you order from the businesses directly. I’m sure they will appreciate it!

I was invited to attend the launch of The Cambridgeshire Cook Book: Second Helpings and received a complimentary copy. I did not receive compensation for my review. All views are my own.

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