If you find yourself reading this blog and scrolling through my recipes, you will be aware that I am a big fan of cooking and baking. Many of the recipes I bake and cook regularly are available on this website, including my lemon drizzle cake, my tea brack and my chicken noodle stir-fry.

I would be a fraud to say that I’ve made up all of these recipes myself. Of course, I refer to recipe books and the internet too, regularly turning to Pinterest for inspiration.

There is something lovely about seeking out a particular recipe book and flicking through the pages. Below are some of my faves. They are as useful for the novice as they are for the experienced.

5 Ingredients by Jamie Oliver

This book is easily one of the best resources you can have in your kitchen. Have you ever read a recipe and disregarded it because there are too many ingredients? I for one definitely have. Jamie takes away the hassle in 5 Ingredients. Doing exactly as the title suggests, each recipe features only five ingredients but in no way does any recipe skimp on flavour. My favourite sweet recipe is Buddy’s Flapjack Biscuits and my favourite savoury recipe is an Italian classic – Aubergine Penne Arrabbiata.

Complete Family Cookbook by Neven Maguire

I have a soft spot for Nev so I couldn’t write a cookbook list without giving him a mention. Neven’s recipes, similar to Jamie Oliver’s style, are no-fuss recipes. The dishes are wholesome and hearty, many packed with nutritious veggies and quality cuts of meat. I love Neven’s Leek & Potato Soup recipe – I made it ALOT during lockdown. Along with many more yummy soup recipes, Neven’s Complete Family Cookbook is a one stop shop for breakfast, lunch and dinner recipes for the whole family.

The Oh She Glows Cookbook by Angela Liddon

This book was given to me as a birthday present and it is full of the most wonderful, tasty plant-based recipes. I am not a vegan, nor am I a vegetarian. However, I do eat a predominately plant-based diet which by default means I eat lots of vegetarian and vegan-friendly meals. If you’re trying to eat a little more plant-based, maybe you’re partaking in Meatless Monday, this recipe book is just for you. My favourite recipe from this book is the Glo Bars. I have made these for my office before and they’ve gone down a treat. Every recipe is packed with only wholesome ingredients so ever the “treats” are doing you good, on the inside and on the outside. Angela’s hummus is also a delicious snack to whip up and perfect with rice cakes and veggie sticks.

Bake by Rachel Allen

Bake by Rachel Allen has been in our kitchen for years and years. It definitely has a few splash marks on it that I have left behind. Time and time again, I go back to Rachel’s pastry recipe in this book. It’s got a wonderful biscuit texture to it thanks to the addition of an egg. I use it all of the time in my own fruit tarts. Other favourites from Bake are shortbread and oat cookies. Always a winner.

Have you a recipe book that you go back to again and again? Let me know via the contact page or on Instagram.