Editor's letter

As a child growing up in Perth, trips to New Norcia, the only monastic town in Australia, were a semi-regular event. I can’t remember much detail of those pilgrimages, but I do recall the light – a harsh sunlight that faded everything and forced you to walk around with your hand shielding your eyes. That very light has been captured perfectly by photographer Jackson Eaton for our story – turn to page 116 to read about the remaining monks and the town’s famous bread.

While Australia is currently welcoming a number of immigrants from Africa, the cuisines of the continent are not widely known. We asked Nigerian cook Funmi Komolafe to share her family recipes, and the delicious results – mildly spiced and full of flavour – can be found on page 62.

We’ve also got your sweet tooth covered with tempting offerings from Adam and Lovaine Humphrey of Sydney’s Arras. Their creative sweets are inspired by everything from childhood favourites to an afternoon beer – try their roast peach cheesecake and white-beer sorbet (recipe page 100).

Our beautiful layered jelly cover recipe is another dessert you’ll be sure to add to your summer entertaining repertoire – it was created after watching Boardwalk Empire, the sweeping series set in 1920s Atlantic City, which has been airing on SBS ONE since the end of September. Don’t miss the Prohibition-era cocktails (page 82) from Sydney’s Palmer & Co to pair with our retro menu.

Berlin has been attracting a lot of attention lately, but we’ve bypassed the usual bars to explore the food and culture of the Turkish population in the thriving German city – where kebab stands are almost as prevalent as wurst stalls (page 106).

And get ready for summer with sunny food from the Amalfi Coast (page 84). Author Amanda Tabberer called on friends and chefs from the region to share their recipes, and the result will have you reaching for sun umbrellas and a beach towel, pronto!

What will you be feasting on this month?