A cookbook is the gift that keeps on giving as within the pages of each cookbook, that special someone in your life will find ideas for tasty treats ranging from the nourishing and hearty to indulgent and bountiful.
1) AT MY TABLE BY NIGELLA (Chatto & Windus, £26)
The queen of food is back with this sumptuous collection of home-cooked classics (with a twist or two, of course), all generously sized. Try: the ‘emergency brownies’.
2) BRAVETART BY STELLA PARKS (W. W. Norton & Company, £26)
Light on pictures, but big on sugar, BraveTart brings together every iconic American dessert you could hope to make and/or eat. Try: the classic cherry pie.
3) SWEET BY YOTAM OTTOLENGHI AND HELEN GOH (Ebury Press, £27)
The first Ottolenghi pastry book, Sweet is all decadent puds, quick-fix cookies and sturdy tea-time cakes. The only other thing you need is a cup of tea. Try: the peanut sandies (like shortbread, but super nutty).
4) 5 INGREDIENTS BY JAMIE OLIVER (Michael Joseph, £26)
Didn’t think Jamie could get more straightforward than 15-minute recipes? Think again. These nifty dishes rely on just five ingredients and some inventive techniques for maximising flavour. Try: the flat breads with mango chutney, boiled eggs and chilli.
5) THE ART OF THE LARDER BY CLAIRE THOMSON (Quadrille Publishing, £25)
Chef Claire will have you reorganising your store cupboards with this ode to the larder, and learning you can’t go far wrong if you’ve got some tinned tomatoes stashed away. Try: the linguine con vongole (as told to her by the Naples grandmother who inspired her to cook).
6) THE MODERN KEBAB BY LE BAB (Ebury Press, £9.99)
Who doesn’t love a greasy kebab on the way home from a night out? Well, Le Bab – Soho’s gourmet kebab restaurant – takes the humble kebab to the next level. Try: the mackerel kebabs with lettuce, dill and pickled fennel.
7) LES ABATS BY MICHEL ROUX JR (Seven Dials, £25)
There’s a cost to eating only certain cuts of meat, as well as a whole lot of waste. From brains to intestines and organs, in Les Abats, Roux shares ways to make the most of the whole animal, from snout to tail. Try: to be open minded about eating hooves.
8) FEASTS BY SABRINA GHAYOUR (Mitchell Beazley, £20)
Whether you’re feeding all your friends in one go, or want to treat your immediate household to something ambrosial, Persian cook Sabrina knows how to lay on a party. Try: the sticky tamarind ribs.
9) THE CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES BY NIGEL SLATER (Fourth Estate, £26)
Nigel will guide you simply and heartily from the start of November through until January, touching on the best things to eat during winter. Try: the pink grapefruit marmalade.
10) TOM KITCHIN’S MEAT & GAME (Absolute Press, £26)
P&J food columnist and Michelin star chef, Tom Kitchin’s third book is set to be an essential on the kitchen shelves of those with a passion for discovering, cooking, sharing and enjoying a whole range of meat and game. There’s more than 100 recipes, each with captivating photography and an insight into his chef training as well as tips and guidance on how to extract flavours and create homecooked meat and game dishes. Try: The Grouse Sandwich.