Eating for Ireland by Tom Doorley is a nostalgic exploration of iconic Irish (and international) food brands and food culture. Taking a look at how we eat and how we used to eat throughout the years, Eating for Ireland is a must-read, and an ideal Christmas present, for any food-lover and for anyone who has an interest in the food culture of Ireland.

Why is lemonade red? How do they get the figs in Jacob’s Fig Rolls? And why do some people like Marmite? These and other mysteries are tackled in Eating for Ireland, a collection of short pieces on the weird and wonderful world of food in Ireland. From much-loved sweet treats like Arctic Rolls, Bird’s Custard and the ‘99’ to the enduring attractions of bacon and cabbage, processed cheese and Sunday brunch, and from the lamentable state of the country’s sausages and rashers to the joys of a proper picnic, there is plenty here to enjoy. What’s the right way to make spaghetti Bolognese? And is fast food an acceptable guilty pleasure or just plain wrong?

In Eating for Ireland, Tom Doorley gets stuck into all these subjects and more - in his inimitable light-hearted yet authoritative style. In a more personal vein, he writes about his Auntie May, his love of blackberries and other wild foods and the importance of the Aga. From the joys of cold curry to the importance - or not - of table manners, Eating for Ireland has it all. Whether you enjoy it in small helpings or in a single gluttonous feast, this book is a wonderfully entertaining collection by one of Ireland’s best-loved food writers.