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Whether you're shopping for a keen home cook or a seasoned professional, the right book can provide fresh ideas, valuable techniques, and a bit of culinary escapism.
However, with the abundance of titles available, selecting a cookery book can feel overwhelming. Here’s a guide to help you choose the most suitable book for the food lover in your life.
1. Consider Their Culinary Level
Before browsing the cookery section, it’s important to understand the recipient’s experience and interest level:
For Beginners: Opt for books with clear, simple instructions and photos for every recipe. A book like Mary Berry’s Simple Comforts provides classic British recipes with straightforward steps, making it a great fit for beginners.
For Intermediate Cooks: Look for books that expand their repertoire and technique. Titles like Ottolenghi SIMPLE or Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients bring creative twists to everyday ingredients, ideal for those seeking new ideas without overly complex methods.
For Professional Chefs or Enthusiasts: Professionals often appreciate books that delve into complex techniques or offer unique insights. The Noma Guide to Fermentation or The French Laundry Cookbook can provide professionals with both inspiration and depth, elevating their culinary skills and pushing boundaries.
2. Match the Book to Their Culinary Interests
Choosing a book tailored to their specific interests can make the gift feel even more thoughtful:
Baking Aficionados: For those passionate about baking, consider a title like Bread Ahead’s Baking School or The New Way to Cake by Benjamina Ebuehi, which offer diverse baking projects from traditional to modern.
Health-Conscious Cooks: Books like The Green Roasting Tin by Rukmini Iyer provide healthy, plant-focused recipes that are quick to prepare. They’re ideal for anyone who loves wholesome, easy-to-follow recipes with minimal ingredients.
International Cuisine Enthusiasts: If your recipient enjoys exploring world flavours, a regional cookbook like Falastin by Sami Tamimi and Tara Wigley or Mexico: The Cookbook by Margarita Carrillo Arronte offers an immersive experience into specific culinary traditions.
3. Select Books with Practical Layouts and Beautiful Imagery
The most enjoyable cookery books combine functionality with aesthetic appeal. Look for features like:
Clear Ingredient Lists and Instructions: Recipes that are easy to follow make any cook’s life easier, especially during busy periods.
Photography and Layout: High-quality images are motivating and can be as inspiring as the recipes themselves. Books like Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat or Plenty by Yotam Ottolenghi are known for their visually appealing layouts and mouth-watering photography.
4. Consider the Author’s Personality and Approach
Often, a cookery book with a strong authorial voice becomes a cherished addition to the kitchen. Some suggestions:
Friendly and Relatable: Authors like Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson write with warmth and relatability, making them suitable for anyone who enjoys a personal, down-to-earth style.
Technical and Precision-Oriented: If your gift recipient thrives on accuracy and technique, authors like Thomas Keller (The French Laundry) or Dominique Ansel (The Secret Recipes) offer deep dives into culinary finesse.
5. Focus on Seasonal and Festive Cooking
Since it’s a Christmas gift, a festive-themed cookery book can be particularly fitting. Titles like Nigel Slater’s The Christmas Chronicles and Jamie Oliver’s Christmas Cookbook focus on cosy, celebratory recipes. These books are perfect for anyone who loves the ritual of holiday cooking and entertaining.
6. Choose a Book That Encourages Culinary Exploration
If you want your gift to spark a bit of adventure, opt for books that inspire experimentation:
Ingredient-Led Books: Titles like Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat encourage cooks to understand the building blocks of flavour, giving them the confidence to create their own recipes.
Themed Cookbooks: Books dedicated to a single technique, like Mastering the Art of Fermentation, or to a specific ingredient, such as The Flavour Thesaurus, provide deep insights and encourage creative experimentation.
Wrapping Up: Making the Gift Special
Once you’ve selected the perfect cookery book, consider adding a personal touch:
Inscription: Add a message in the book’s cover with a festive greeting or personal note.
Accompanying Ingredients or Tools: If you’re gifting a book on bread-making, include a high-quality sourdough starter or baking tools.
Seasonal Wrapping: Wrap the book in festive paper with a decorative ribbon or tie it with a wooden spoon for a special touch.
Selecting a cookery book as a Christmas gift is a thoughtful way to inspire, educate, and bring a bit of joy to the kitchen. With the right choice, you’re not only gifting a book but an experience—one that they’ll cherish long after the holidays have passed.