Some like it cold

IN THE midst of all the gorgeous summer days we have been enjoying lately, a deliciously cool little book arrived on my desk called Granita Magic.

It's written by Nadia Roden, the multi-talented daughter of Claudia Roden, whose name is mentioned in whispered reverential tones by those of us who love her many authoritative works on Middle Eastern cooking, Italian and Jewish Food.

Nadia came from a family where the kitchen was the most exciting room in the house. As a child, she often took her paints to work there while her Mum tested recipes or cooked for family and friends.