Breadsong is the magical sound of a row of loaves crackling and hissing as their crusts expand. And it is also the title of a totally inspiring story and beautifully photographed cookbook from a father-daughter team. Not only will the authors have you baking your first loaf or three, but their story confirms ancient wisdom that food can play an incredibly nourishing – and healing – role in our lives.

Kitty Tait was 14 years old and suffering from severe depression and anxiety that wasn’t improving with drugs or therapy. Every day Kitty was sinking further and further away until one day she couldn’t leave the house. Nothing her desperate family tried helped. One day, her dad, a teacher at Oxford University, baked a loaf of bread with her help. This simple act marked the beginning of Kitty’s recovery. Breadsong documents the two-year journey that lead to a very successful father-daughter business adventure, The Orange Bakery, and eventually this cookbook. It features 80 full-proof recipes, including innovative breads, delicious buns, cookies and brownies. Recipes to try include: the Miracle Overnight White Loaf; Roadkill Croissants; Happy Bread filled with salted caramel; Sticky buns made with Cardamon and Orange or Fig and Honey; or for those with a very sweet tooth, the Sweet and Salty Miso Fudge is recommended.

Well researched, and highly accessible, Breadsong is a joyous story and a delicious invitation for everyone to begin, or continue, baking.

Reviewed by Karen Williams