Book tip of the week: Ottolenghi Comfort

History is often a matter of perspective. Forgotten Heroines by Stefanie von Wietersheim shifts precisely this perspective – calmly, thoroughly and with great narrative power. The book brings together portraits of women who were pioneers, visionaries and trailblazers, yet whose achievements are scarcely embedded in the collective memory. Not because they were insignificant, but because history has long been told selectively.

Stefanie von Wietersheim traces the life stories of these women with journalistic precision and narrative depth. She tells the story of Hedy Lamarr, who was not only a film icon but also played a part in developing the technology on which today’s Bluetooth connections are based. She also profiles political figures, social pioneers and creative minds from the worlds of art, fashion and advertising – such as the woman who coined the legendary slogan ‘I love New York’ and thereby redefined city marketing.

INFO
Forgotten Heroines – Women Who Made History
Author: Stefanie von Wietersheim
Publisher: Callwey
Length: 240 pages
ISBN: 978-3-7667-2789-3
Price: €29.95 (Germany) / €30.80 (Austria) / CHF 40.50
Publication date: 2025

Baking is all about precision – and this is precisely where The Chemistry of Baking comes in. Nicola Lamb explains not only how to make something work, but above all why. Sound scientific knowledge meets the practical realities of baking, presented in an accessible way and free from kitchen myths. From flour, sugar, eggs and fat right through to common mistakes with ganache, sponge cake or custard: this book provides confidence through understanding.

Over 100 recipes, organised by time required, put theory into practice – from quick projects to ambitious classics. A book that takes away the fear of failure and makes baking understandable as a craft that can be learnt. Essential reading for anyone who wants to know exactly what really happens in the oven.

INFO
The Chemistry of Baking
Author: Nicola Lamb
Publisher: Edition Michael Fischer / EMF Verlag
Length: 352 pages
ISBN: 978-3-7459-2936-2
Price: €35.00 (DE), €36.00 (AT)
Publication date: September 2025

The best way to discover Rome is through its food. A Guest in Rome is less a traditional cookbook than a culinary stroll through the city – guided by Stefan Maiwald and brought to life visually by Andrea Di Lorenzo. Between antipasti and dolci, Roman cuisine unfolds as a living culture: authentic, unpretentious and deeply rooted.

Alongside iconic recipes such as cacio e pepe, carciofi alla romana and saltimbocca, the book opens doors to hidden trattorias, markets and cafés that lie far off the beaten track. Anecdotes, historical context and precise insider tips make it clear why food in Rome is always about identity too. A book that combines travel and cuisine – and inspires you to experience Rome with all your senses, whether you’re there or at home.

INFO
A Guest in Rome
Author: Stefan Maiwald
Photography: Andrea Di Lorenzo
Publisher: Callwey
Length: 224 pages
ISBN: 978-3-7667-2822-7
Price: €45.00
Publication date: September 2025