Julia Platt Leonard

Writer and Food Consultant

https://myagadiary.co.uk

Biography

Julia Platt Leonard is a writer and marketing and food consultant. She is a graduate of the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts in Boston, MA and worked in restaurants and catering before moving to London almost 20 years ago. She writes two food blogs (www.myagadiary.co.uk & www.thechiletrail.com ), hosts the Divertimenti Culinary Salon in London and is the author of Cold Case, a children’s mystery set in a restaurant.

The Zuni Café Cookbook

Judy Rodgers

Judy helped change the way we eat. The recipes have stood the test of time and her writing about food, cooking and eating is beautiful.

The Way to Cook

Julia Child

A practical no nonsense book full of great quickies for the family.

The Joy of Cooking

Irma Rombauer and Marion Rombauer Becker

I grew up with this book and it's still on my shelves. I go to it for the basics -- pancake batter and cookies. A classic.

A New Book of Middle Eastern Food

Claudia Roden

Claudia writes with a beauty and joy that is unmatched. The recipes are fabulous but it's more than that -- it's a book you want to read and savour.

The New Basics Cookbook

Sheila Lukins and Julee Rosso

I remember how revolutionary this book was -- fresh flavours that defied convention. Nothing complicated but happy food made to share.

Crazy Water, Pickled Lemons: Enchanting Dishes from the Middle East, Mediterranean and North Africa

Diana Henry

I'd take any of Diana's books but this one changed the way I thought about food. Sumac and lebneh and things that were exotic and delicious. Plus she is a real writer's writer. A book that is lovely to cook from and to simply read.

Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking

Marcella Hazan

This is the book I turn to when I want to find out how to make the perfect risotto or pasta. She gives you all the information you need to make complex dishes doable. A real gift.

The Making of a Cook

Madeleine Kamman

This was our 'text book' in cookery school and it is the perfect guide to sauces, cooking techniques -- everything a good cook should know how to do.

Made in India

Meera Sodha

This is Indian food that is light, fresh, colourful and very easy to make. It's also a wonderful tribute to her family and filled with stories. A true keeper.

Smashing Plates

Maria Elia

I think Maria is one of the finest and most underrated chefs working today. Her approach to combining flavours and textures is incredible and her book is inpirational.

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What's playing in Julia's kitchen?

Claire Lynch (bluegrass and folk)

Listen to Julia's playlist