Yes, I would like to see more recipes for two, and I don't know why four has become the universal norm, since there are far more two-person households than 4-person, and even in a two-child family the time when both children are at home and eating like adults is really quite short. Also two-person recipes can be easily doubled; it is often difficult to halve a four-person.
I have totally lost the habit of cooking out of Ottolenghi cookbooks, to the point where I haven't bought the last two! But this post has reminded me to get out my copy of Jerusalem, which has so many recipes in it I love.
For books I'm coveting, I'm hoping to get the Cafe Cecilia cookbook and the newest Julia Turshen, What Goes With What. In terms of a gift, a book that flew under the radar in the UK but is great for anyone who loves food writing is Bite by Bite by Aimee Nezhukumatathil - she's a poet and essayist, and this is a book of vignettes about foods that are meaningful to her, from mangos to halo halo to gyros. Gorgeous writing that's unlike anything I've read in a long time.
I love Jerusalem too but found Comfort full of good ideas. Might be worth leafing through it in a bookshop. Thanks for the other tips. Will investigate!
I'm exactly the same.... I hate marking my cookery books, so will search for recipes online or even take a snapshot.....the books themselves are far too precious to splatter things on.
I’ve bought nine new books this year and think my top one is Angela Clutton’s ‘Seasoning’ which I think will win prizes. Have cooked a lot from ‘Comfort’ but find I need lots of time to make the recipes and also from ‘Greekish’ by Georgina Hayden.
I almost included that but didn't find it inspired me quite as much as some of the others. Good to hear you've had success with it though. Will look at it again.
not new but a favourite and one I gift often is Debora Robertsons notes from a small kitchen island, lovely writing and some of my favourite recipes. I've got Tim Spector food for life book on my christmas list (in the hope that the other members of my household will endeavour to cook a bit more and it be something healthy and different to their usual scrambled eggs on sourdough) and Le Sud by Rebekah Peppler so I can pretend I live in the south of france not stroud!!! *not that theres anything wrong with stroud other than the lack of sun!!)
Tell me about it! (I live in Bristol) I love Debora's book too and also Caroline Conran's Sud de France if you're thinking about that part of the world
In 1979 I married my wife and we are still together.My teacher’s wages only covered the mortgage and utilities.The wife’s dole money paid for the food.Mary Berry’s “Beating the cost of Cooking” bought for 99p kept us alive and hopeful,until eventually the wife got a teaching job.Probably the best cook book of all time.
Yes, I would like to see more recipes for two, and I don't know why four has become the universal norm, since there are far more two-person households than 4-person, and even in a two-child family the time when both children are at home and eating like adults is really quite short. Also two-person recipes can be easily doubled; it is often difficult to halve a four-person.
I'm with you 100% John.... If I'm not cooking for a group, then it's almost always for 2!!!
That's what I always think. Well put!
Thank you, Fiona! 🙏 Currently knocked out with flu so this has cheered me up!
Oh, poor you! I really did enjoy it (your book, not the flu!)
I have totally lost the habit of cooking out of Ottolenghi cookbooks, to the point where I haven't bought the last two! But this post has reminded me to get out my copy of Jerusalem, which has so many recipes in it I love.
For books I'm coveting, I'm hoping to get the Cafe Cecilia cookbook and the newest Julia Turshen, What Goes With What. In terms of a gift, a book that flew under the radar in the UK but is great for anyone who loves food writing is Bite by Bite by Aimee Nezhukumatathil - she's a poet and essayist, and this is a book of vignettes about foods that are meaningful to her, from mangos to halo halo to gyros. Gorgeous writing that's unlike anything I've read in a long time.
I love Jerusalem too but found Comfort full of good ideas. Might be worth leafing through it in a bookshop. Thanks for the other tips. Will investigate!
How funny I have many books, few of which I cook from but I do use Jamie’s recipes though not Yotam’s.
I tend to use the net for actual “in the kitchen” cooking and books for inspiration in front of the fire.
I'm exactly the same.... I hate marking my cookery books, so will search for recipes online or even take a snapshot.....the books themselves are far too precious to splatter things on.
Actually I don't mind scribbling on my books. Makes them feel well loved!
Which rather proves my point that there's no such thing as the best book in any particular year but the best book for the person you're giving it to!
Wonderful recommendations Fiona, I already own and have gifted several of these books.
I would also add
‘The Irish Bakery’ independently published by Montgomery Press, fabulous recipes from Cherie Denham & divine photography from Andrew Montgomery.
All the recipes work wonderfully and the stories/writing by Kitty Corrigan are excellent. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Good call Pauline. I tried to buy it earlier this year then it went out of print and forgot to pick up on it again
Definitely available now Fiona, it is now the its’ third edition reprint. An absolute gem.
It stays on my Island/cooking space permanently and is in constant use, xx
Makes me think I should give in more to my wants, in the area of cookery books, rather than needs.
A recommendation in the same category as the Jay Rayner book (life, the universe, cooking) Valentine Warner's The Consolation of Food: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-consolation-of-food-stories-about-life-and-death-seasoned-with-recipes-valentine-warner/3013008
Yes that’s a very good book. He’s an excellent writer - and cook. (I think he’d rather be regarded as a cook than a chef!)
Thank you so much for including Blasta Books! x
Can confirm that Claire’s cauliflower biryani is definitely one to try
👍
I’ve bought nine new books this year and think my top one is Angela Clutton’s ‘Seasoning’ which I think will win prizes. Have cooked a lot from ‘Comfort’ but find I need lots of time to make the recipes and also from ‘Greekish’ by Georgina Hayden.
I almost included that but didn't find it inspired me quite as much as some of the others. Good to hear you've had success with it though. Will look at it again.
Thank you so much Fiona! What an excellent end to the weekend xx
Honestly I LOVE your books. Every one is fresh and inspiring. (And Liverpool beat Man City ...)
That is the best brackets content in the world!
not new but a favourite and one I gift often is Debora Robertsons notes from a small kitchen island, lovely writing and some of my favourite recipes. I've got Tim Spector food for life book on my christmas list (in the hope that the other members of my household will endeavour to cook a bit more and it be something healthy and different to their usual scrambled eggs on sourdough) and Le Sud by Rebekah Peppler so I can pretend I live in the south of france not stroud!!! *not that theres anything wrong with stroud other than the lack of sun!!)
Tell me about it! (I live in Bristol) I love Debora's book too and also Caroline Conran's Sud de France if you're thinking about that part of the world
In 1979 I married my wife and we are still together.My teacher’s wages only covered the mortgage and utilities.The wife’s dole money paid for the food.Mary Berry’s “Beating the cost of Cooking” bought for 99p kept us alive and hopeful,until eventually the wife got a teaching job.Probably the best cook book of all time.
Lovely story, Paul. I was a big fan of Poor Cook about that time.
I've already put Meera Sodha's Dinner on my Christmas list, and I'm buying my brother Rick Stein's India. Excited for both!
I love this post! We gift cookbooks at Christmas and birthdays yearly. It’s such a good gift if you know the persons tastes!
Thanks, I’m now spoilt for choice.
Sorry! 😂