This is a question that I have often
pondered even before the days of ebooks, Amazon and self publishing. Often I would see books advertised at
"The No. 1 Bestseller" even though I who read avidly and spent far
too long in bookshops and libraries had never heard of it. How, I pondered, was best seller status established?
Now, with a couple of ebooks and a "real" book published this
question is no longer purely academic for me - what does No. 1 Bestseller mean? Does anyone know? In reading and talking to people in the
publishing and self publishing industry I understand that choosing one's
category is a good way to reach the top of certain piles. Incidentally and oddly the categories my
books are actually listed under on Amazon are not quite what I selected but close
enough.
#1 in Kindle Store > Books >
Nonfiction > Food & Drink > Cooking by Ingredient > Cheese &
Dairy
#38 in Kindle Store > Books >
Nonfiction > Food & Drink > Desserts
#69 in Books > Food & Drink >
Meals & Menus > Cheese & Dairy
And what I want to know is - in accordance with the first line above can I now
advertise it as a best seller? It would
feel a bit cheeky but if that's way things are done I don't want to miss
out! What do you think?
In other news ...
Here's a picture of Rum Roasted Banana Ice
Cream from the aforementioned book ...
... and rumour has it that my real book,
"The Leftovers Handbook" has been favourably mentioned in Great
British Food Magazine, if I find it I'll report back.
I've just realised, I don't think the recipe for the crispy
bananas in this picture is in Lush Ice Cream without a Machine but no worries -
here it is.
Banana Brittle
30g
butter
½ tbsp
vegetable oil
3
tbsp caster sugar
1
possibly leftover banana
~
Preheat the oven to 350ºF/180ºC/160°C fan/gas 4.
~
Melt together the butter and oil and brush evenly onto a baking tray.
~
Sprinkle with half of the sugar.
~
Thinly slice the banana and arrange on the tray in a single layer.
~
Sprinkle with the rest of the sugar.
~
Pop in the oven and keep an eye on them.
Every time a slice is golden and looks crisp (it won't actually be crisp
till it cools) remove it from the oven and set aside.
~
Keep cooking till the plate is full and the tray is empty which takes
about half an hour.
~
Cool the brittle till crisp - it will keep in an airtight container for
up to 5 days but you will probably have eaten it by then.
