For many young Australians, leaving the family home and facing the daunting task of cooking for yourself is a rite of passage. Whether you've moved for university, into a share house, or in with a partner, the kitchen can quickly become a source of stress rather than joy.
Help is at hand with the release of Tom's Diner, a new cookbook by Tom Smallwood designed to turn your kitchen into a favourite local restaurant. Published by Penguin and priced at $44.99, the book promises to make real food, real easy, breaking the cycle of the same old weekly recipes.
From Pasta to Piri Piri: Restaurant Favourites Made Simple
The cookbook, released in December 2025, is packed with approachable, flavour-packed dishes. It moves beyond basic survival cooking, offering recipes that are impressive enough to bring friends and family together. The philosophy is clear: great food doesn't require professional training, just clear instructions and quality ingredients.
Featured recipes include a creamy Rigatoni Vodka Pasta, a dish that combines pancetta, shallots, vodka, and cream for a decadent yet straightforward meal. Another standout is the Portuguese Chicken and Fries, complete with a homemade piri piri marinade and a creamy dipping sauce, promising a takeaway-style feast from your own oven.
Quick Tacos and No-Churn Ice Cream
For faster meals, the book offers a Steak Taco with Pickled Onion and Goat's Cheese, using flavourful skirt steak and a simple spice rub. Tom Smallwood advises visiting your local butcher for this cut, noting its robust flavour and value for money.
Perhaps the most surprising recipe is the Two-Ingredient Ice-Cream. Using just thickened cream and sweetened condensed milk, it provides a base for endless customisation. The book suggests creative mix-ins, from classic mint choc chip and salted caramel swirl to chunks of safe-to-eat chocolate chip cookie dough.
Empowering a New Generation of Cooks
Tom's Diner targets a key demographic: young adults navigating independence for the first time. The recipes are detailed with clear method steps, practical tips (like wearing gloves when handling chilli marinade), and serving sizes, making them foolproof for kitchen novices.
By demystifying dishes often found on restaurant menus, the cookbook aims to build confidence and skills. It transforms cooking from a chore into a creative and social activity, proving that you don't need to sacrifice flavour for convenience.
With photography by William Meppem bringing the dishes to life, Tom's Diner is positioned as an essential guide for anyone looking to elevate their home cooking without complication. It's a testament to the idea that the best meals are often the ones shared around your own table.
