Mad love Big flavors made to share, from South Asia to the West Indies : a cookbook

Canadian-based chef Rajkumar celebrates his heritage in his debut cookbook that fuses flavors from Guyana, India, and the Caribbean. The book is divided into the following sections: "Pantry Essentials," "Shared Plates," "All Rise" (breads), "Romaine Calm" (vegetables), "A Shore Thing" (fish and seafood), "A Cut Above" (meat and poultry), and "Keep It Chill" (drinks and desserts), and all the recipes feature icons that represent various dietary requirements and needs. Lovers of Indian food will enjoy the classic dishes of butter chicken and lamb curry while savoring some of Rajkumar's family recipes: Bake & Saltfish, parsad, and the appropriately titled Mom's Okra, Mom's Dhal, and Mom's Chicken Stew. The garam masala-spiced pecan pie, shrikhand cannoli, and masala mac and cheese with butternut squash are sure to delight the taste buds with their unusual combinations of Eastern and Western flavor profiles. A "Pump Up the Jam" playlist with accompanying QR codes linking to Rajkumar's Spotify playlists elevates and energizes the home cooking experience. VERDICT Cooks of all skill levels will enjoy trying the bold flavors and reading about Rajkumar's love for his family and Guyanese Indian roots.--Aspasia Luster