Many of us have fond memories of the enticing sweetshop tray of shiny, black, soft, pliable sticks, novelty shapes and intriguing woody `twigs'. Yet liquorice (or licorice) is much more than confectionery; its sophisticated, herbal taste makes it a marvellous culinary ingredient as well. Explore the wonderful world of liquorice with this cook's guide to the different products - roots, sticks, powder, syrups and essence - and which ones to choose. Here you'll find fascinating history, a guide to the different products round the world, cooking advice, and traditional and new recipes that will appeal even to people who say they don't like liquorice! Learn how to create a sumptuous liquorice cheesecake, choc chip muffins with liquorice buttercream, chocolate liquorice cake, liquorice macarons and liquorice brownies. Use liquorice in savory dishes - a glaze for chicken and roast pork, as a distinctive salad dressing, in a crisped topping for fish, and in drinks and preserves. With gorgeous photographs by Nicki Dowey.