Our guide to what's new on the shelf: Kitchen Yoga, A Homemade Life, Six Months in Sudan and Stott Pilates Power Paced Pilates

I first tasted slow-roasted tomatoes one hot summer several years ago. They were fleshy and deep red, with edges that crinkled like smocking on a child's dress. When we bit into them, they shot rich, vermilion juice across the table. We were sold.

Even today, I am no great fan of eating bananas plain. But I find it very easy to tuck away baked goods made from them, thanks to my neighbour's homemade banana bread.