Helen Stanton of Forum Books in Corbridge and The Bound, Whitley Bay, serves up her choice of the latest food titles for every book lover
A Cooks’ Book // Nigel Slater
Fourth Estate £30
Any book by Nigel Slater gets read, if not cooked, cover to cover in my house so the ’essential’ Nigel is pretty well, essential, really. 200 of his favourite recipes with the most evocative food writing that is as simply mouthwatering as the food. Gorgeous and the perfect gift for any cook, especially yourself.
Advent // Anja Dunk
Quadrille £25
The weeks of Advent are the sweetest of festive anticipation, with the evocative smells of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove filling our kitchens. This is a timeless collection of Anja’s treasured recipes of traditional festive bakes. From lebkuchen and frosted cinnamon stars to snow-capped coconut macaroons to stollen, Advent is a gorgeous way to celebrate and bake the coming of Christmas.
Christmas at River Cottage // Lucy Brazier and Hugh Fearnely-Whittingstall
Bloomsbury £22
Rooted in River Cottage’s tradition of seasonality and sustainability, this books brims with inspirational and indispensable recipes for the festive table. Combined with Lucy’s gorgeous ideas for crafting and decking the halls, planning ahead and feeding a crowd, it really is the perfect book to curl up with and get Christmassy!
The Nordic Baker // Sofia Nordgren
Quadrille £20
Sofia’s stunning location and food photography is so beautifully distracting you might not notice these are all plant-based bakes. You’ll find thumbprint cookies, rhubarb galettes, cardamom rolls and cinnamon bun muffins, blueberry cheesecake, Swedish butterkaka, lemonades and ice creams… seasonal and simply inspired by nature, it’s one to embrace.
Sambal Shiok // Mandy Yin
Hardie Grant £25
This is a jewel of a book, from its gold and red cover to the gems of Malaysian recipes, many shared from her mother and her acclaimed restaurant. Its a unique merger of Indian spice and Chinese techniques – balanced and accessible, inspiring and authoritative from snacks, soups and salads to rice and noodle dishes, curries and sweet things. Feel free to be tempted!
