20 Of The Best Books For Cooks This Christmas

It’s official – cookbooks are finally cool again. And we could not be more excited. This year we’ve seen the return of the BOSH! Boys and a brand-new addition from world-renowned cook-book author Ottolenghi with his anticipatory book, Flavour. We have also seen brands and businesses adapt from the challenges we, as a nation, faced during Covid-19 and pivoted towards cookbooks to spread their culinary joys and to help band together at a time of uncertainty and worry. Travel company Exodus takes us across the world, with their recipes while they’re unable to physically take us there, all while donating profits to the countries effected - as well as From Beder’s Kitchen who has done the same, but on a more personal level. And we saw our chefs and authors get down to the basics and teach us how to fall in love with cooking again. Learning new techniques, starting from scratch, utilising knowledge and expertise in using up store cupboard ingredients when supermarket shelves were low and how to fill our freezer with delicious meals that can transport us to another world. And we couldn’t think of anything better to find wrapped under our tree this year than one of these fantastic books that gives more than just a delightful gift but keeps on giving with delicious meals for days and generations to come.

The Seafood Shack: Tales of Ullapool

This award-winning book, new for 2020 tells the story of Ullapool’s charming Seafood Shack through the eyes of Kirsty Scobie and Fenella Renwick as they, together, bring their recipes to the public’s eye and kitchen’s across the globe, with simple, delicious recipes and top tips and tricks for cooking white and smoked fish and shellfish. The book contains over 80 recipes including their infamous Haddock and Pesto Wrap and the super luxurious Lobster Mac and Cheese which is sure to warm your cockles on even the darkest of days. Consommé loves this book because it not only provides a wide variety of seafood specials but also incorporates and celebrates the local community of the fishing industry something we are just as passionate about as the book.

Buy Now: The Seafood Shack: Tales of Ullapool by Kirsty Scobie and Fenella Renwick. Kitchen Press. £20

PIZZA - Pizza Pilgrims

The eagerly anticipated book from brother-duo and Neapolitan pizza legends, and we mean legends, Pizza Pilgrims is fresh out the oven, after its launch last month, and we have never been more excited over a book before. Dubbed the ‘pizzapedia’ - this delectable book is packed with everything any pizza lover will ever need to know. From City Guides to World Famous Interviews Pizza brings you fun beyond the pan and have pushed their creativity even further than we thought possible. The book has 30 delicious unique recipes (our favourite: The Roast Mushroom and Truffle a pure umami hit of pizza-licious goodness), incredible and unexpected collaborations and toppings from Dishoom to Heinz Baked Beans and goes deep into the history behind the dough. You’ll be the envy of all your pizza pals and crowned king of the pizzas even after reading just a slice of this book.

Buy Now: Pizza: History, Recipes, Stories, People, Places, Love (A Book by Pizza Pilgrims) £20

From Beder’s Kitchen

Never before have we seen such a collection of amazing foodies all in one place - and for such an amazing cause. From Beder’s Kitchen - an extension of the young charity Beder, set up by Razzak Mirjan and his family in honour of his younger brother Beder Mirjan, who sadly took his own life of 18 in 2017. The charity and subsequently the book have been created in order to raise awareness around mental health and suicide prevention. The book comes complete with over 90 contributors (including Gordon Ramsay, Yotam Ottolenghi, Romy Gill and Judy Joo) who have donated not only their own unique recipes but also their own personal experiences and words of advice surrounding mental health and how food plays its part on this all important topic. You can also expect delicious bite-sized chapters such as Start Your Day The Right Way, Happy Gut, Happy Life, Soul Food and Sweet Treats. We have - unanimously here at Consommé - dubbed this an incredible book with some incredible recipes and for an incredible cause.

Buy Now: From Beder’s Kitchen. Meze Publishing. £22

Borough Market: Edible Histories

Award-winning food writer Mark Riddaway has gone above and beyond in taking his readers on a culinary journey with his incredible insight into the epic tales of everyday ingredients. The book that launched last month contains fascinating, surprising and downright bizarre stories behind Britain’s most-loved and common house-hold staple ingredients. Delving in deep and letting you digest every chapter, Riddaway shares witty biographies of 15 ingredients including the humble tomato, our favourite cuppa and the fruit named after a spy (spoiler: it’s the strawberry), Riddaway unearths these ingredients in his infamous style making for a must-have book filled with unbelievable stories, intriguing anecdotes and even murky moments that have shaped their history and won them the top spots at the world-famous Borough Market and its subsequent stores and delis across the country. So if you have ever wondered not just where your food has come from, but where it has really come from - this is the book for you.

Buy Now: Borough Market: Edible Histories. Epic Tales of Everyday Ingredients by Mark Riddaway. Illustrations by Emily Langford. Hodder and Stoughton. £16.99

Classic Koffmann

If you ask me, every household needs a Koffmann. Better known for his kitchens: Le Gavroche, The Waterside Inn, La Tanta Claire and Koffmann’s at The Berkeley, plus TV appearances on The Taste, Masterchef and Yes, Chef, Pierre Hoffmann is a culinary legend. With multiple awards under his apron, Koffmann, who has spent over 50 years in the kitchens creating his legacy, with Paul Rhodes, Tom Aikens and Tom Kitchin all former proteges and culinary luminaries in their own right; honoured to feature within the pages of such a classic. The beautifully illustrated ( David Loftus) Classic Koffmann, which celebrates the span of his career not only includes over 100 of his renowned recipes ranging from Entrées to Desserts and everything in between but also offers a masterclass in the best of the French culinary scene and letting you in to the secrets of making it as a chef (spoiler: there is no secret, but I’ll let Pierre tell you why himself) - making this a must-have cookery book that will last throughout the ages.

Buy Now: Classic Koffmann by Pierre Hoffmann. £30

The Official Downton Abbey Afternoon Tea Book

Sip tea like aristocracy and experience teatime at Downton Abbey like never before with this incredible tribute and equally as elegant book that combines classic recipes for sweets and savouries (such as Battenberg cake, Bakewell tart, Cream Scones and Tea Sandwiches - our favourite chapter - the Preserves and Spreads which features a Quick Strawberry Jam and a Mock Cream) with traditional etiquette notes, tea service knowhow and lavish imagery. With a foreword by Garath Neame, Downton Abbey’s Executive producer, this exquisitely enthralled book comes complete with a detailed history narrative allowing every reader the opportunity to bring the Edwardian excess and 1920’s elegance into their own homes. Not only does this alluring and vibrant book capture the quintessential delicacies of the time, and the proper way to serve them, fans of the television series and film are also treated to character quotes and stills bringing the characters of Downton Abbey - and the rich tradition of Afternoon tea - to life. The perfect gift for any fan or Afternoon Tea lover.

Buy Now: The Official Downton Abbey Afternoon Tea Book. Frances Lincoln. £12.99

Brunch the Sunday Way

Not only does this appeal to the heart of every foodie who longs for a late afternoon brunch: the iconoclastic meal - that follows no rules and can range from boozy escapades to elegant extravagances, but is also the perfect gift for those who are a fan of London’s acclaimed champions of brunch itself, Alan Turner and Terence Williamson, owners of Sunday Cafe - who proudly serve up to 400 customers a day (and crack through a phenomenal 1500 eggs per week!) This book contains a collection of over 70 of their favourite and best brunch dishes that have regally featured on their menu across the last six years and ranges from their perennial Sunday classics - such as the much-photographed pancakes and French toast - as well as some of their most popular weekly specials - Courgette Fritters with Halloumi, Dukkah and Mint Yoghurt. The duo know brunch inside and out - it’s, quite literally, their bread and butter - but it’s also a celebration of the most joyus meal of the day, and this vibrant and playful book is the perfect way to encourage any food lover to create a special brunch moment in their own homes - whether they are cooking a poached egg for one, or curing salt beef for a fabulous group feast.

Buy Now: Brunch the Sunday Way by Alan Turner and Terence Williamson. Frances Lincoln. £14.99

The Corner House Cookbook

Simplicity done at its best is the best way to describe not only this book, but Matt Sworder’s complete style. Chef Owner of award-winning The Corner House restaurants in Kent (Minster and Canterbury), Sworder’s ethos encompasses those of a more simple time - focussing on local and seasonal ingredients and cooking them simply - but well. And this transcends across into his debut book - The Corner House Cookbook - which includes over 40 recipes which have been carefully hand-selected by Sworder himself. Laying down the past five years across the beautifully photographed pages each recipe comes complete with culinary grades ranging from easy - such as their simple Cauliflower Soup to a slightly more challenging difficult graded - Pea Panna Cotta served with crab and apple. What we love about this book is that you can really see the love from cover to cover - not only from Matt and his love for food, but also his passion for championing local businesses, whom he has chosen to highlight throughout. The Corner House Cookbook is an incredible tribute and labour of love to honest-to-good cooking and makes for the perfect gift for any food lover.

Buy Now: The Corner House Cookbook by Matt Sworder. £20

30 Easy Ways To Join The Food Revolution

Ollie Hunter is renowned for being the voice of his generation, fighting to make sustainability the only way of life and his debut book - 30 Easy Ways to Join the Food Revolution is a fail-safe way to do so. The first of its kind to present sustainable eating in this form, Ollie - an award-winning chef and Masterchef Semi-Finalist (2013) will not rest until the world is aware of what is happening around them. We have began to open our eyes to where our food comes from, but it’s not enough - and Ollie’s uniquely designed, cleverly-thought-out and vibrant book does just that and more. By basing his book on the simple ethical principle that local ingredients equal the lowest possible carbon footprint and splitting the book into four main chapters (Zero Waste, Organic and Seasonal, 50% of Produce Within 30 Miles and What is Sustainability?), this sustainable bible is informative without being preachy. The book includes simple straightforward but deliciously punchy meals that will help you discover that maximum sustainability can equal maximum flavour.

Buy Now: 30 Easy Ways to Join the Food Revolution: A Sustainable Cookbook by Ollie Hunter. Pavilion Books. £14.99

Simply

In true Sabrina Ghayour style (the best-selling author of Persiana), Simply (her 5th cookbook) features a selection of authentic Persian recipes - some long-forgotten and some more modern - but all truly incredible, in this beautiful collection of unmissable dishes all influenced by Sabrina’s love for fabulous flavours influenced from her childhood and brought into the 21st Century by her profound technical and culinary abilities. Confessed self-taught chef, Sabrina has worked tirelessly to rework and multiple test her recipes in order to give you only the best recipes that can be cooked fast and simple without losing any of the flavour. The book is split into sections and ranges from Effortless Eating to Traditions with a Twist (our favourite and a current household staple dish for the cold Winter months: Khoresh-e-karafs - a lamb, celery and herb stew). Simply provides you with over 100 bold and exciting recipes that can be enjoyed every day of the week - including Date and Ginger Chicken Wings to Lime and Black Pepper Frozen Yoghurt - and promises to take away the stress of cooking, never use unnecessary or hard-to-find ingredients and to always deliver on maximum flavour and minimum fuss and we have to say - Simply has nailed it.

Buy Now: Simply - Easy Everyday Dishes by Sabrina Ghayour. Mitchell Beazley. £26

The Ice Kitchen

Correct me if I’m wrong - but I’m yet to see a book whose premise is as simple as this, but never quite executed as incredible. The Ice Kitchen by Shivi Ramoutar not only provides you with countless fool-proof recipes that create fast fresh food to feed your family with tonight, but also to pack your freezer with too. Shivi has taken a simple concept that has been under appreciated and forgotten for far too long and found a way to hack the system. The book is split into guides that not only unlocks your freezer’s potential but also helps to maximise convenience, cut down on food and packaging waste and also save money and time making this an indispensable bible that is a recipe in itself combined of batch and scratch cooking enchantment, freezing wizardry, and time-saving magic. Hang on - we just need a second to breathe. We are still shocked that a book can contain all of that yet still produce fresh modern and achievable recipes, but it’s happened. Shivi has condensed a whole world of information, tips, tricks and recipes down into easy to digest chapters (with salivating recipes) making it an invaluable purchase and a must-have bible for every household.

Buy Now: The Ice Kitchen by Shivi Ramoutar. HarperCollins. £16.99

Speedy BOSH!

The Sunday Times No.1 Bestselling authors, Henry and Ian (better known as the BOSH! Boys, or the Vegan Jamie Oliver Duo) are back again - and this time - they are in a hurry. Speedy joins the already incredible award-winning round-up, bumping the boys book collection to four - and keeping to true BOSH! style - this one includes over 100 mouthwatering plant-based dishes. Speedy is the book we all need for a quick mid-week meal or a lazy Sunday brunch - where you want something delicious, but without any of the hassle and with these outrageously tasty, super speedy dishes ranging from fragrant curries, hearty stews and indulgent puds with no fancy equipment or out-there-crazy-ingredients - there is something for everyone. We 100% agree that this is their tastiest and quickest collection of recipes yet and the perfect gift for literally… anyone.

Buy Now: Speedy BOSH! by Henry Firth and Ian Theasby. HQ, HarperCollins. £11

Plantain

Vegan Chef and renowned Food Blogger, Tomi Makanjuola has piqued the interest of food enthusiasts globally with her fresh and contemporary approach in creating delicious and unique plant-based recipes all influenced by her Nigerian heritage and brought into the 21st century with her modern twists. Wanting to expand her reach, Tomi’s new book - highlights the humble plantain, an underrated ingredient she has grown up eating and shows it for its versatility and culinary ability in creating over 40 delicious dishes ranging from plantain-encrusted cauliflower bites to a mouth-watering plantain-chocolate-fudge cake. This exotic and once foreign ingredient is now readily available across the UK and can be enjoyed in both sweet and savoury treats and we are 100% here for it. Plantain will soon be celebrated for all its worth - you heard it here first.

Buy Now: Plantain: Vegan Cookbook for Plantain Enthusiasta by Tomi Makanjuola. £12

Ottolenghi Flavour

Continuing his bestselling and multi-award-winning PLENTY series, Yotam has added Flavour to the collection. Created in order to showcase the unlimited potential of vegetables, Yotam along with Belfrage (who has made her debut with Flavour) have designed a flavour-foward-thinking book that explores the three main principles needed in order to create a well-rounded and memorable dish. Process, Pairing and Produce are all covered within the confines of the sleek new book that launched in September ‘20 and is packed with Ottolenghi’s signature colourful style across more than 100 low-effort, high-impact dishes that are perfect for weeknights. Drool over Aubergine Dumplings all Parmigiana, dream about Celeriac and Goat’s Cheese ‘Tacos’ and double dip with their Miso Butter Onions. Flavour not only inspires you with incredible recipes to cook but also teaches you how to dial up the flavour on any future dish.

Buy Now: Ottolenghi Flavour by Yotam Ottolenghi and Ixta Belfrage. HBK. £27

Exodus Cookbook: A Taste Of Adventure

At Exodus Travels it’s all about adventure - I’ve even attended a 7-day food tour of Sicily so I can hold my hands up high when I say, they know how to take your taste buds on a culinary adventure. But due to Covid-19, and with travel restrictions across the globe, Exodus knew they just couldn’t sit back and watch the communities they have grown to love wither away. So - they started their Kickstart Community Projects - an extension of the Exodus family to help their extended Exodus families… by raising funds and support for those who need it across the globe. One part of their initiative is through their incredible 136 page cookbook that contains mouthwatering recipes (including traditional Paella’s and Vapi with Ajvar), assembled from communities from all continents across the world. This book will allow your palate to travel even while we may not be able to for a while; 100% of the proceeds goes to help the peoples whose recipes you are exploring.

Buy Now: Exodus Cookbook: A Taste of Adventure. £15

Fire Islands: Recipes from Indonesia

This enchanting book allows you to take your tastebuds on a culinary adventure as you recreate the magic of Indonesian cuisine at home. Created by Eleanor Ford this multi-award winning book, Fire Islands is the perfect gift for those who love travel, who love food and who love the two combined. This intimate book goes beyond the stove as Eleanor gives a personal insight and carves a delicate portrait of a country that has its roots dug deep within its cuisine. Turn the pages to be transported to the bustling streets of Indonesia where chilli-spiked sambals served with rich noodle broths, and salty peanut sauce sweetens chargrilled sake sticks fill your nostrils and recreate sweetcorn fritters, glazed prawn sate and coconut milk chicken in the comfort of your own home. If you haven’t already - you will fall in love with Indonesian food by the time you have finished your first recipe.

Buy Now: Fire Islands: Recipes from Indonesia by Eleanor Ford. Photography by Kristin Perers. Murdoch Books. £25

The Pie Room

There is a reason Calum Franklin is called the Pie King - and this is why. Known for his role as Executive Chef of Holborn Dining Room in the heart of London, Calum created The Pie Room at the restaurant in 2018 to help showcase and reflect the rich history of savoury pastry in Britain, something that many have tried, but none quite succeeded as well as Franklin, who is a self-confessed pastry deviant. In this debut book, Franklin presents a treasure trove of over 80 achievable and show-stopping recipes from his go-to classics to a little less traditional. From sweet and savoury - Calum will guide you through the tools and techniques needed to master every pie - so you can create your own pie masterpiece. Our favourites include his Hot Pork Pies and the Hot and Sour Curried Cod Pie, finished with his infamous Custard Tarts. The book is beautifully illustrated, cleverly designed and a pie-above-them-all.

Buy Now: The Pie Room by Calum Franklin. Bloomsbury. £26

Under the Olive Tree: Recipes From My Greek Kitchen

This beautifully illustrated, light and fresh on every page and user-friendly collection of Greek recipes comes straight from Irini Tzortzoglou, winner of Masterchef UK (2019)’s personal repertoire. Irini, who has dedicated her career in showcasing the delights of her beloved homeland has really encompassed the ethos of Greek family cooking in her debut book. With over 80 recipes ranging from breakfasts to quick dinners each recipe embodies the spirit of the deep-rooted connections they have been born from. Salads are bursting with Greek sunshine, and Christmas feasts bring the whole family together around a selection of best-loved recipes everyone will enjoy. Dine on Chickpea and Cumin Fritters with a Lemon and Coriander Yoghurt Dip or Slow Roasted Lamb with Herbs, Lemon, Mustard and Honey before finishing with a Quick Plum Jam and Cinnamon Tart. This book not only represents Irini and her classic combinations with her finishing flourishing touches but also brings her own Greek recipes into your very own kitchen. Not many books can live up to that.

Buy Now: Under the Olive Tree: Recipes From My Greek Kitchen by Irini Tzortzoglou. Headline Home. £25

Storecupboard One Pound Meals

Bestselling author Miguel Barclay is no stranger to being in the spotlight - as he shot to fame with his previous book ‘The One Pound Chef’ - and he’s back, with something very special for 2020. Trying to understand and adapt to the new world we are now living in, due to Covid-19 and Brexit restrictions and their lasting impacts on the food industry, Storecupboard One Pound Meals is carving a new era for cooking in a post-modern world. Utilising the longer-lasting ingredients found in your storecupboard or pantry such as grains and pastas, tins, jars and even frozen food - this book will help inspire, educate and transform the common ingredients often forgotten about and create something truly memorable. Turning those leftover produce and placing them back in the hero spot they deserve. You can expect delicious dishes in 85 different recipes such as Frozen Prawn Thai Green Curry and Vegan Mushroom Wellington and even a Filo Baked Camembert. Now those are dishes we can truly tuck in to.

Buy Now: Storecupboard One Pound Meals by Miguel Barclay. Headline Home. £16.99

Dishoom: From Bombay with Love

Learn the infamous dishes and discover the hidden secrets of the Dishoom menu as you get transported on a day-long tour of the eccentric yet charming south Bombay – complete with as much eating and drinking as you can handle, as the team behind the book (and eateries) interweave their love for Bombay on every page. Completely consume yourself inside the pages of their sought-after Bombay comfort food from their Instagram-laden Bacon Naan Roll and Okra Fries to their Chicken Ruby and Lamb Raan. Allow your body, mind and tastebuds to be educated and transported as you work your way through their menu through their beautiful photography that will help you envisage the most treasured corners of the eccentric and charming Bombay; there you’ll discover the simple joy of early chai, strolling on the sands at Chowpatty or taking the air at Nariman Point. Each dish comes with a deep-rooted history and story that you will want to explore in such depths as the flavours the dishes give you.

Buy Now: Dishoom: From Bombay with Love by Shamil Thakrar, Kavi Tharkrar and Naved Nasir. Photography Haarala Hamilton. Bloomsbury. £26