In the lead up to Christmas there are a lot of wonderful cookbooks being released. In fact sometimes it’s hard to keep up because there are just so many good books. So if you are wanting Christmas gift ideas for the foodie in your life or simply to know whats out there here are 5 on my radar at the moment.

Simon Bryant’s Vegies is the latest addition to my cookbook collection, and it’s been getting quite a work out as I madly flick through the pages and bookmark all the recipes I want to try (i.e. a lot). I love that it’s about vegetables and I love that it’s filled recipes that are a little different. Yes, it may require you to hunt down special ingredients for some of his recipes, but to me that’s part of the fun because you are introduced to new foods along the way. Apart from the delicious recipes, I’m seriously in love with the beautiful photography in this book.

Most people spend the day before their wedding getting pampered and relaxing, but me, I like to browse bookshops, and that’s exactly what I did the day before our wedding. That’s when I picked up the beautiful Tea With Bea: Recipes from Bea’s of Bloomsbury. The beautiful cake on the cover was what first attracted me to the book (you can see my miniature version above) but it’s the variety of classic cakes and dessert recipes that fill the book that ensured it’s place amongst my cookbook collection. Next on my list to try are the ultimate afternoon tea scones.

delicious Home Cooking is on my Christmas wish list. I love Valli Little’s recipes, and each and everyone of the delicious cookbooks is a stunning read. Not only are the recipes mouthwatering, but they are beautifully styled which is why I love just sitting down and flicking through them for inspiration. If you want a sneak peek at some of the recipes check out this months delicious magazine.

I’m a big fan of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and have been ever since I saw my very first episode of River Cottage on tv 5 years ago. Hugh clearly loves food and loves educating the public about food, where it comes from, and how to make better and more informed food choices. But most of all I admire Hugh for his last book, River Cottage Veg, which saw him temporarily turn vegetarian so he could better understand and highlight vegetables to his audience. Hugh’s latest book,  Hugh’s Three Good Things is about going back to basics and recognising a simple patter than already underpins many well-loved dishes.

Foodies Guide To Brisbane Launch

Want the inside scoop on the best places to eat in Brisbane? Then you need to get your hands on the 2013 Foodies Guide to Brisbane which covers over 360 of the best places to eat in Brisbane. The guide is being launched tomorrow, Saturday October 20 at 2pm at Scrumptious Reads in Fortitude Valley.

 

So tell me, what cookbooks have you purchased lately and what is on your wish list?