The best of country hospitality - 140 recipes for gatherings and thoughtful gifts of food to pack up, drop off and bring joy, from Sophie Hansen, creator of My Open Kitchen podcast.

Nothing says 'I love you, I've got you and I'm here' better than a parcel of food you've taken the time to make, wrap and deliver. So, season by season, here are 130 recipes to cook for loved ones who might be moving house, busy with a newborn, celebrating a milestone, recovering after illness, grieving, or just in need of a little love and appreciation.

A Basket by the Door is friendship, connection and heartfelt country hospitality made edible. There are recipes here for sharing and giving on every occasion: an easy bundle of fresh dips and lavosh biscuits to take along to drinks, portable breakfast to surprise a friend, a sturdy picnic cake and sandwiches in a basket for lunch (even in the office), comforting ragu and chocolate mousse to enjoy while wallowing on the sofa, and ideas to take when invited for dinner or a weekend away. Bake a chicken pie to cheer up a neighbour, invite friends over to make Christmas biscuits; fill jam jars with bright smoothies to bolster a new mother - the ways to connect and show you care with food are endless.

About the Author

Born and raised in Sydney, now living with her family on their farm just outside Orange in country New South Wales, Sophie Hansen trained in journalism and has over 20 years' experience as a features writer. She has contributed to Australian Country Style and Outback magazines; she was an editor for Slow Food International's English website, lived in Italy for 3 years and is fluent in Italian. In 2013 she set up her blog, Local is Lovely, and her podcast My Open Kitchen is going into its third season. Sophie has been awarded Australian Rural Woman of the Year in recognition of her commitment to rural communities. She believes in simple, tasty and seasonal food made with love and shared generously.