Over the past couple of months, much of the world has begrudgingly transitioned to spending almost all our time at home. Part of this newfound situation has meant that meals—all meals—have been prepared and eaten in home kitchens. Whereas previously we might have enjoyed the hospitality and variety of eating in restaurants, suddenly, this was no longer an option.
As we continue to spend most of our time at home and dining out remains a future dream, investing in some new and inspiring cookbooks can make time in the kitchen more exciting and enjoyable. Here are some of our new favourites that have kept eating at home appealing over the past days and months.
Nothing Fancy by Alison Roman
The celebrated New York Times columnist—of Shallot Pasta fame—released this, her second cookbook, last October. It quickly climbed bestseller lists, and with good reason. The recipes are laid-back and varied, but most importantly, infinitely satisfying. The Lemon Turmeric Tea Cake is so good, and her personal preferences like anchovies, Maldon salt, and preserved lemon, add depth of flavour to every recipe.
Bitter Honey by Letitia Clark
This brand new cookbook from British chef Letitia Clark is inspired by her adopted home, the Italian island of Sardinia. Slow, simple and beautiful meals encourage lingering and conversation; a story or anecdote accompanies each recipe in the book. Regional specialities beckon sun and sea—we recommend the pasta with crab, saffron and tomato, which is sunshine in a bowl—enjoy them alfresco, with a crisp bottle of white wine. You’ll feel as if you’re on the Sardinian shores.
Jack’s Wife Freda by Dean and Maya Jankelowitz
Proprietors of popular dawn-to-dusk NYC cafes Jack’s Wife Freda, Dean and Maya, have compiled some of their best-loved recipes for this book. Colour photos of the couple in their restaurants help recreate the familial energy of dining there; recipes such as Rosewater Waffles and Lamb and Eggplant Lasagne—as well as Nana Tea, a favourite—can be enjoyed any time of day, much like the ethos of the restaurants themselves.
Cherry Bombe by Claudia Wu and Kerry Diamond
Published in 2017, this cookbook comes from the creators of the magazine of the same name. Celebrating women in food, the compilation-style book features beautiful photography and spotlights recipes from some very prominent female chefs, such as Padma Lakshmi and Chrissy Teigen. A variety of recipes makes it widely appealing; the dessert options are particularly delicious.
Dinner with Georgia O’Keeffe by Robin Lea
This stunning book comes courtesy of Assouline, and as expected, it features gorgeous photography and many engaging anecdotes. Fifty of her most-loved recipes are included, and explored within the context of O’Keeffe’s love of nature, creating a beautiful connection between our meals and the ingredients themselves. Uncovering flavours of the American southwest, as well as dishes that nod to her Irish and Hungarian heritage, this is a unique book.
Quintessentially Cookbook
Created in collaboration with some of the biggest names in the restaurant industry, the Quintessentially Cookbook compiles recipes from UK favourite restaurants. From starters to mains to puddings, you can sample Amazonico’s Guacamole or Claridge’s Chicken Pie or Adam Handling’s Bread & Butter Pudding. Don’t forget drinks either—Diageo expertly paired several original cocktails with the book’s recipes; they’re excellent enjoyed on their own as well.
To order any of the above books or for further recommendations, please speak to your lifestyle manager.
