IF you are looking for some new food for thought in 2014, then take a leaf out of this new Indonesian cookery book, which will be available later this month.

Mother-of-three Yayu Slocock, who lives with her family in Wimborne, has created an authentic guide to the culture and cuisine of her native Indonesia.

Yayu’s Simply Indonesian volume 1, features more than 50 recipes from the archipelagos including starters, main courses, desserts, drinks, as well as some of the country’s most popular dishes such as Anika Rupa Buahan Segar (a tropical fruit drink) to Udang Bakar (marinated and grilled prawns).

Yayu says: “Indonesia is like a little Europe – there are so many different cultures and foods, but here in the UK many people don’t know much about it. Everyone is familiar with Indian, Chinese and even Thai food, but not so much about Indonesian cuisine so I hope to change that with my book.”

Yayu’s personal history is as colourful as her culinary creations. Due to her connections with Indonesian royalty, her family had to go on the run from communists after their family home was burnt down.

Yayu lived all over Indonesia before moving to Australia where she met her British husband and eventually settled in the UK.

“Moving around so much from a young age meant I was exposed to many different types of food and cultures which had a strong influence on my cooking. I always loved cooking as a young girl.”

Her book also explains Indonesia’s past as a primary trade market, detailing why the Dutch invaded the archipelago for its spices and exotic ingredients as well as how religion and the natural resources of Indonesia have shaped the various island dishes.

There is also a mini guide to the exotic ingredients of Indonesia including a description of various plants, rhizomes and spices, their health benefits, uses and where they can be bought.

Yayu adds: “These are traditional recipes presented in a modern way, including variations for those with food allergies.”