My Top Cookbooks of 2024

Twelve books I've loved this year, plus a competition to win two titles

Sift by Nicola Lamb is a title I’ve really enjoyed and has produced very nice results. For anyone keen to know more about how baking works, then I really recommend this lovely book. Some of the recipes will take some time - which is why chapters have been divided up into how long they take to make - but they are worth it. This is for keen bakers and technically curious novices alike.

Cooking and The Crown is a book I have reviewed recently, but it’s here in my top books of the year. I think it’s such a charming and interesting read and is one I am both proud to have on my shelves and offer as a present.

New Scottish Baking by Sue Lawrence is another fantastic book. I’d recommend this to anyone interested in baking and also to anyone who wishes to give it a go as the recipes are so achievable, simple and reliable. This is a really great book that fills a gap in the market and one that has a timeless feel to it. A new favourite.

The Get-Ahead Christmas Cook has been an invaluable addition to my collection this autumn and one I have every confidence I will return to time and time again. Another lovely, lovely book from Jane Lovett.

Amouse Bouche by Carolyn Boyd has been a book I really loved this year. I learnt so much from it and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. This would be such a great gift idea for anyone who is interested in France and food.

Le Cordon Bleu Confectionery School is one of the books that’s impressed me the most this year. I absolutely love the clear, instructive and educational format and inspired recipes which have been a joy to experiment with.

Angharad Underwood’s new book The Preservation Society’s Preserving Book of Brilliance is one of the most interesting and creative preserving books I’ve seen. As a keen preserver with a repertoire I’m rather fond of, this is an excellent addition to my bookshelves as it’s full of creative and delicious preserves to add in some new and different jars to the collection I make throughout the year.

It Starts with Veg by Ceri Jones is a lovely vegetarian cookbook with features an interesting selection of creative, easy vegetarian dishes that make great main courses and sides. The techniques are simple and achievable for cooks of all levels of experience and recipes yield rewarding results.

Fruitful by Sarah Johnson is a real standout book this year. It is an utterly beautiful and inspiring book that’s full of truly excellent recipes. The recipes are achievable, sophisticated and totally delicious. This is one I know I will love for years to come.

Sebze by Özlem Warren is a book that feels like it’s been on my shelves forever. It’s a fantastic collection of Turkish vegetarian recipes and is filled with colourful and flavourful recipes that

Last but not least, a little bit of a stretch as it was actually published at the end of 2023, but The Irish Bakery by Cherie Denham, Kitty Corrigan and Andrew Montgomery has been a much-loved companion this year. It is a book to savour in its beauty and contents and one I have just loved having by my side ever since it came out. It has justifiably won a number of awards and is a truly special book. A modern classic, I feel.

I am offering PAID subscribers the opportunity to win one copy of The Irish Bakery and one of Amouse Bouche. To enter, please email me with the title you wish to win. As always, I’ll enter you into my draw and I’ll contact the winner to organise delivery. UK and ROI entries only, please. The deadline to email is 5pm UK time on Sunday 22nd December 2024.

As I sign off, I’d just like to say a huge thank you to every one of you who has so kindly supported me with my new book, Quick Prep Slow Cook. I am so delighted to have another recipe book of my own out in the world and I appreciate your support, kind words and enthusiasm so much.

Thank you for reading this year, thank you for subscribing and sending you my very best wishes for 2025. I look forward to writing for you in the new year.