Meliz's kitchen Simple Turkish-Cypriot comfort food and fresh family feasts

Berg showcases her Turkish Cypriot roots in this vibrant collection of dishes. She learned to cook from her mother and aunt, as they made dishes from memory, without a handwritten note to pass down. Berg is determinedly building upon that family tradition, with her own additions, creations, and adaptations, by penning this work to save and share her culinary heritage. She starts in the pantry, detailing ingredients to pick up or order online. The collection then moves from breakfast to dessert and covers one-pot dishes, those suitable for busy weeknights, dishes that take more time, barbecues, breads, and more. Chapter heads and recipes are in English and Turkish, and the inviting introductions and contextualizing headnotes help readers understand the traditional roots of the dishes and their role in Berg's family. Recipes include halloumi and black-olive cake; spinach, ground beef, and rice; and six-hour slow-roasted lamb shoulder. VERDICT Berg's debut cookbook is a welcome addition to collections. It is wide-ranging and inviting.--Neal Wyatt