Essential Annabel Langbein, Volume One: Savory: Best-Ever Meals for Busy Lives by Annabel Langbein marks the prolific cookbook author's 25th book. Annabel's library of books are indexed here at Eat Your Books and are members' favorites.  Annabel is one of the authors that we have produced a complete recipe index for - every recipe from her books, magazines, blog and TV shows. Updated: Our EYB Book Preview gives you a peek inside this stunning title.

This title is an essential contemporary, authoritative and comprehensive kitchen companion for today's home cook. A whopping 320-page treasury of easy but delicious savoury recipes (650 of them but with variations of recipes that total reaches 794!). Beautiful photographs are plentiful throughout the title along with an encyclopedia of tried-and-true cooking tips.

I was able to review a digital copy of Essential and it impressive. Weeknight dinners are a cinch and sure to be delicious with the huge selection of options.  While the recipes are interesting and flavorful for experienced cooks, Annabel's instructions are perfect for beginners as well - making this a totally approachable and enjoyable cookbook for cooks of all levels of experience.

Annabel has a number of events scheduled throughout New Zealand to promote this title, please check to see if she is in your area.

This book is available to order online using our BUY BOOK button, in book shops throughout New Zealand and would make the perfect gift for Mother's Day. Special thanks to Annabel Langbein for sharing her recipe for Chicken Fajitas with our members. 

Annabel Langbein's Chicken Fajitas

Oh-so good, especially served with char-grilled corn cobs or kumara wedges.
 
READY IN 30 MINS 
SERVES 4 
 
400g chicken stir-fry or sliced chicken thighs
2 onions, halved and cut into very thin wedges
2 red peppers/bell peppers, finely sliced
3 tbsp Smoky Spice Mix (see my new book Essential) or storebought mexican spice mix
2 tbsp neutral oil
 
To serve

8 corn or flour tortillas, warmed
salad fixings of your choice, such as iceberg lettuce, sliced red onion and/or pickled jalapeño peppers 
dressings of your choice, such as sour cream, fresh tomato salsa or guacamole
 
Combine chicken, onions, pepper slices and spice mix. Heat oil in a large heavy frypan or on a barbecue hotplate and, working in batches if necessary, cook over 
a medium-high heat until chicken is cooked through (about 15 minutes). Serve with tortillas, salad fixings and sauces so people can build their own fajitas. 
 
Recipe and photograph courtesy of Annabel Langbein Media.