Review | Rhubarb Rhubarb by Mary Jane Paterson & Jo Thompson

 Blurb

Rhubarb Rhubarb collects the witty, wide-ranging correspondence between Leiths-trained cook Mary Jane Paterson and award-winning gardener Jo Thompson. Two good friends who found themselves in a perfect world of cupcakes and centrepieces, they decided to demystify their own skills for one another: the results are sometimes self-deprecating, often funny, and always enlightening.

Jo would find herself one day panicking about what to cook for Easter lunch: a couple of emails with Mary Jane and the fear subsided, and sure enough, a delicious meal appeared on the table. Meanwhile, Jo helped Mary Jane combat her irrational fear of planting bulbs by showing how straightforward the process can be.

The book is full of sane, practical advice for the general reader: it provides uncomplicated, seasonal recipes that people can make in the midst of their busy lives, just as the gardening tips are interesting, quick and helpful for beginners. Mary Jane shares secrets and knowledge gathered over a lifetime of providing fabulous food for friends and family, while Jo’s expertise in beautiful planting enables the reader to have a go at simple schemes with delightful results.

Review

Brimming with warmth & wit this is a delightful collection of letters past between friends; one a hopeless gardener & the other a hopeful cook will be sure to put a smile on your face.

There is something marvelously comforting about their exchange of gardening designs, recipes, tips, and handy hacks. I devoured it in a day earmarking future recipes to attempt and I'm by no means a 'Poirot of the Plantworld' but this accessible guide has encouraged me to at least try my hand at an 'instagarden'.

The beautiful illustrations, little diagrams & scrumptious pictures make this the perfect gift for anyone who enjoys gardening or cooking. This copy though this is staying firmly on my forever shelf.   

Thanks to Anne Cater & Unbound for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐