My Go-To Cookbooks And Some Of My Favourite Recipes
Flip with me through my favorite cookbooks for recipes that always hit the spot.
Planning a dinner or lunch at home is something I love. While the guest list is key (refer to Truman Capote’s previous post…), the menu is just as important. Sometimes, I already have a recipe in mind—one I’ve saved to try or a favorite I want to cook again. And some days, I’m not inspired. That’s when I grab my cookbooks, sit on my couch, and start going through the pages...
There’s something very comforting and nostalgic about cookbooks. From the pages marked by cooking stains to the highlighted recipes—whether recommended by a friend, gifted, or discovered on my own—they remind me of some of the best cosy moments.
I’m always looking for new cookbooks so please if you have a favourite one, write it down in the comment section :)
Nothing Fancy by Alison Roman
This is one book I return to time and time again. It also has a special place as it was recommended by my sister Elvire, and we cooked many recipes together.
I love hosting family-style, with dishes placed in the middle of the table, inviting everyone to dig in. It’s easy, cozy, and delicious—exactly what the book title suggests, no fuss, just simple pleasures, Nothing Fancy. These are the kinds of meals you want to enjoy with friends on a weekend night, where the food disappears from the plates, and the conversation flows long into the evening
Some of my favourite dishes
Starters
Creamy Sesame Turmeric Dip (p26), Tomatoes Dressed in Toasted Fennel and Anchovy (p112), Roasted Pumpkin with Yoghurt and Spiced Buttered Pistachio (p148), Chizzled Chickpeas and Onion with Feta and Oregano (p168)
Mains
One-Pot Chicken with Dates and Caramelised Lemon (p194 and Coconut-Braised Chicken with Chickpeas and Lime (p199). Trust me these are always a hit and easy to cook.
Persiana, Recipes From the Middle East & Beyond by Sabrina Ghayour
As a Lebanese, I’ve always tried to recreate the dishes we eat at home, but no matter how closely I follow the recipes, they never quite match. So when a close friend recommended Persiana, it felt like the perfect opportunity to explore Middle Eastern dishes without the memories tied to those familiar recipes.
At first, the recipes might seem a bit daunting, especially as you start noting down a list spices you’ve never heard of. But after trying just a couple of dishes, you’ll find that you’ve stocked up on most of what you’ll need. The recipes follow a similar rhythm: sauté onions and spices, add the meat—whether chicken, lamb, or beef—pour in the stock, and let everything simmer, for a very long time. Trust me, you’ll get the hang of it in no time!
Some of my favourite dishes
Starters & Dips
Maast O Khiar - Yogurt, Cucumber & Mint (p20), Sigara Börek Peynir - Turkish Feta Cigars (p33).
Grains
Morassa Polow - Persian Bejewelled Rice (p60), Chelo - Persian Basmati Rice (p63), Bulgur Pilavi - Tomato Bulgar Wheat (p66).
Mains
Chicken, Preserved Lemon & Olive Tagine (p80), Saffron Chicken, Fennel & Barberry Stew (p83), Fesenjan - Chicken, Walnut & Pomegrenate Stew (p85), Lamb & Vegetable Tagine (p86).
Dessert
Pistacchio, Coconut, Almond Cake with Rose Cream
I could easily keep going with this list, but I’ll leave you the pleasure of discovering the other recipes for yourselves!
A Table Full Of Love by Skye McAlpine
If you haven’t heard of Skye McAlpine yet, you’re missing out. I own all of her cookbooks and love them. She’s my go-to for inspiration, whether I’m hosting a large group or planning a cozy dinner at home. Thanks to her meringue recipe, I’ve even managed to perfect mine to the point where they rival my mom’s!
Her latest book, A Table Full of Love, is a must-have for anyone who enjoys hosting. It’s divided into five sections: Comfort, Seduce, Nourish, Spoil, and Cocoon. Tough to choose a favorite, right? You’ll want to try them all!
One of my favorite sections is Spoil, where you’ll find recipes for edible gifts like Strawberry & Vodka Jam or Pistachio Butter.
Some of my favourite dishes
Mains
Baked Fennel & Burrata Gratin (p37), Creamy Saffron Chicken Pie (p47), Spaghetti with Chilli & Hazelnut (p96), Polpette alla Ricotta with Tomato Sauce (p168).
My Favourite Section - Baked Gift Ideas
Pistachio Butter (p215), Strawberry & Vodka Jam (p216), Pistachio Pesto (p220), Sfogliatine (p236),.
SIFT, The Elements of Great Baking by Nicola Lamb
Discovering this baking bible instantly made me feel like a pastry chef—an apprentice pastry chef, of course! I was so excited that I decided to bake my way through every recipe in the book. Four months in, and I still have plenty of baking to do!
One thing I’ve always missed in baking recipes is precision. They rarely give you all the exact details—whether it’s quantities, timing, or process. In SIFT, Nicola Lamb not only provides step-by-step instructions but also breaks down the science behind baking techniques, making it much easier to follow and understand.
Whether you’re looking to improve your baking skills or just want to give it a go, this should be your first buy!
Some of my favourite desserts
Ricotta, Marmalade & Hazenult Chocolate-Chip Cake (p147), Lemon Curd Meringue Tarts (p157), Choconut Tart (p159), Sablé Breton Fruit Tart (p165), Lemon Basque Cheesecake (209)
Desserts I haven’t baked yet but are next on my list
Earl Grey Scones (p181), 3PM Oat Biscuits (p195), Crullers (p221) and my ultimate goal, although I am not confident enough to tackle them yet, French Toast Cinnamon Buns (p257).
Stay cosy until next time!