"A Salute to Cooking" - Nick Mason et al
Written by Matt   
Wednesday, 09 December 2009

A Salute to Cooking - charity cookbook including Nick MasonPublished on October 13th is A Salute to Cooking, a well-produced and at times fascinating fundraising cookbook sold in aid of the Chelsea Pensioners - in-pensioners at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, a retirement home and nursing home for former members of the British Army.

The cookbook brings together celebrity foodies - around 120 celebrities have given their time for the project, top photographer Mario Testino took the pictures, and Gerald Scarfe has provided a suitably drawn cover.

Contributors range from internationally famous chefs, through the worlds of entertainment, music (including Nick Mason taking a break from Pink Floyd related activities), business, broadcasting, politics and sport. Add in royalty, an ex-Prime Minister, Field Marshalls and even some Chelsea Pensioners themselves, and you have an eclectic mix of recipes as a result.

As Prince Charles points out in his introduction, "the impressive list of those who have contributed their favourite recipes speaks volumes for the affection in which the nation holds the Chelsea Pensioners - and rightly so."

Anthony Holden, of the publishers Bene Factum, said: "I was able to get photographer Mario Testino and Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, but everyone was so keen to support the cause. The Chelsea Pensioners are national treasures."

The book covers the gamut of culinary endeavour, from starters, main courses (which includes Nick's special dish - which you'll have to get the book to find out what it is), desserts, and a baking section which ranges from bread, through various buns, brownies, cakes and more.

The book is a well-produced reference suitable for any home, with nice clear text and a clean layout perfect for propping open in the kitchen and trying your hand at some of the many yummy recipes within. With Nick's contribution, it could possibly be the most unusual Floyd related book on your shelves, but arguably one of the more useful!

All profits from the book will help fund the modernisation of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, a worthy cause, and a perfect Christmas gift too (even for those who you wouldn't normally buy a Pink Floyd related book for). You can order the book through Amazon.co.uk, who are currently offering it at 37% off the recommended retail price, or indeed you can order it direct from www.Chelsea-Pensioners.co.uk.