More books for Susan

20% off books? Yes please.

There was a sale at one of my bookshop haunts. Of course I couldn't resist.

I'm doing a lot of thinking about food at the moment. Having a toddler really makes me focus on what I'm cooking and what I would like Mr S to eat as he grows up. The spectre of childhood obesity is such a worry. In this fast food world with high sugar, salt and fat at every turn, raising a child who has a balanced diet is a challenge. I want a child that has an appreciation and enjoyment, even a love of food.

I don't want him to have 'hang ups' about food, but a healthy attitude. A 'French Women Don't Get Fat' kind of approach.

So, that brings me to why I bought four more cook books. They are all about celebrating good food.

Janet Ross and Michael Waterfield's Leaves from our Tuscan Kitchen was originally published in 1899 by Janet Ross (from the introduction she sounds marvelous). This 2006 edition was edited and added to by her great great nephew. It's full of delicious vegetable recipes. I just love vegetables - some of the suggestions are interesting, some are mouthwatering: Baked Potatoes with Juniper Berries, French Beans with a Fluffy Egg and Butter Sauce, Beetroot in Cream... mmmmmmm

Tessa Kiros' Apples for Jam - even if one never cooked a single thing from this book it would still be worth having just for the pictures and text. It's delightful. Each chapter has a colour theme. Tessa Kiros writes in her introduction "I have collected these recipes over the years. This is food for families, for young people, for old people, for children, for the child in all... for life. Some are recipes I remember from my own childhood, others are the food I want to cook now for my family." Yes Yes Yes!

Stephanie Alexander's Kitchen Garden Cooking with Kids. Stephanie Alexander is an icon. I'm lucky living in Melbourne that I've been able to taste some of her food at her various restaurants over the years.

Even though she is no longer part of the Richmond Hill Cafe and Larder, it's still a favorite lunch place. It's opposite the Epworth Hospital in Bridge Road, where my obstetrician practises, so when I was pregnant I often went there for a treat after an appointment. When I was feeling so very ill and nauseous, it was one of the few places I could eat. They were wonderful and very considerate. So it has a special place in my memory.

Kitchen Garden Cooking is a real treat. I have already started a small vegetable garden with Mr S, but I have much bigger plans. The book starts with the story of a real kitchen garden. The recipes are organised by seasons, so as you are growing and harvesting produce you can then find ways to use it. Broadbean, leek and fennel-top spring risotto; Lemon delicious pudding; Pumpkin and tomato gratin; Raspberry muffins. Yum Yum Yum.

Annabel Karmel's New Complete Baby and Toddler Meal Planner - what a dreadful and pedestrian name - but some great recipes for little ones - who could resist a book with recipe titles like 'Mummy's Favourite Fish Pie' and an introduction to cheesecake for toddlers!

Now all I have to do is find time to use them. I guess for the modern working family, that's what weekends are for.