It is no exaggeration to say that The Country Women's Association Cookbook is an Australian icon.

There is something uniquely comforting about baking: it forces us to slow down for a while and take the time to share some of the finer things in life. With chapters devoted to scones, muffins, brownies, tea breads, biscuits, slices, savoury breads, cakes - and a whole chapter of chocolate cake recipes, this book has something for everyone. Belinda is always at your side with a gentle word and a helping hand for those who've never baked but would love to have the confidence to give it a go - as well as her longtime favourite recipes, such as triple chocolate brownies and easy-peasy Christmas cake, for those already bitten by the baking bug! Beautifully illustrated with colour photographs.

Belinda Jeffery baked her first cake at the age of five or six, standing by her beloved mother's side. Ever since then, baking has been her passion. In Mix & Bake, she shares 120 of her favourite recipes for cakes, scones, muffins, biscuits, slices, quick breads, pies and tarts, in the hope that they will become your favourites too. The sweet-toothed will be unable to resist macadamia and chocolate chip brownies, a gooey butterscotch peach cake or a mocha cake with shards of coffee bean brittle. Make a simple meal out of dill, ricotta and parmesan muffins by adding a big bowl of salad, or rustle up some pumpernickel and polenta soda bread to serve with soup on a chilly afternoon. Belinda's encouraging words and clear instructions will inspire even the most inexperienced baker, while her gentle advice gives every chance of success. Beautifully illustrated with photographs by Belinda's long-time collaborator Rodney Weidland, this compendium of timeless baking recipes is bound to become a much-loved and well-used addition to your kitchen bookshelf.