We eat and drink for more than mere survival. Food comforts and reassures, connects us with others. A mug of coffee wakes us up in the morning. A cup of tea can calm us down.

Cakes are great for celebrations, birthdays in particular. Making one specially for someone shows how much we care. The same applies to learning to make their favourite dish, or passing on your signature recipe.The food and drink choices we make expose aspects of our personality. What we give to others, and the care we take when doing so, can be even more revealing.Sharing food helps build, or repair, relationships. It creates and recreates traditions and brings back memories - if that's what we want.Whether you prefer unsweetened black coffee, or milky tea, rich sponge cake or something savoury, this collection of 25 stories provides the perfect snack.