The new year brings wonderful news for food lovers as acclaimed chef and writer Tony Jackman announces his upcoming book release, marking an exciting new chapter in his culinary journey. The twice-winner of the Galliova Food Writer of the Year award is channeling his enthusiasm into both his writing and his wellbeing, embarking on an inspiring walking routine that's already showing impressive results.

Jackman's commitment to his health is truly admirable. Starting with modest 3km walks during his Cradock years, he's now tackling 6.5 to 7.5km distances with remarkable dedication. His goal of walking 80km per month demonstrates the kind of positive energy that makes new beginnings so special. With book launches and literary festivals on the horizon, he's preparing to meet readers while taking care of himself—a wonderful example of balancing professional success with personal wellness.

The creativity that makes Jackman such a celebrated food writer shines through in his latest recipe innovation. When faced with the challenge of preparing a potato salad without a working stovetop in his new home, he turned constraint into opportunity. The result? A brilliantly inventive roasted baby potato salad that challenges conventional cooking wisdom in the best possible way.

Using an air fryer, Jackman roasts baby potatoes alongside whole garlic cloves still in their husks, creating what he delightfully describes as "little hot parcels of squeezy garlic delight." The garlic becomes molten and pungent, adding incredible depth to the dressing. Combined with prosecco vinegar, quality olive oil, toasted white sesame seeds, and smoked Maldon salt, the dish represents culinary creativity at its finest.

What makes this recipe particularly special is how it transforms a simple family gathering into an opportunity for innovation. Jackman prepared the salad for a family smoke braai, demonstrating that some of the best cooking happens when we're sharing food with loved ones. The dramatic moment of tossing hot potatoes in the acidic dressing—complete with steam blasting vinegar—shows the joy and excitement that cooking can bring.

The recipe itself is wonderfully accessible. It requires just baby potatoes, garlic, quality olive oil, vinegar, sesame seeds, and good salt. The air fryer does most of the work, making this an achievable dish for home cooks at any skill level. The potatoes emerge tender and golden, dressed while hot so the flavors penetrate deeply, then chilled to perfection.

Jackman's approach to the new year—embracing reinvigoration, setting achievable goals, and finding creative solutions to everyday challenges—offers inspiration beyond the kitchen. His upcoming book promises to bring more of this positive, inventive spirit to readers everywhere.

As we start the year, Jackman reminds us that constraints can spark creativity, that taking care of ourselves matters, and that sharing good food with family remains one of life's greatest pleasures. His roasted potato salad isn't just a recipe—it's a celebration of possibility and the delicious things that happen when we approach life with enthusiasm and imagination.