Cookbooks for Anyday of the Week
What is it about the humble cookbook? A beautiful thing to hold in our hands or put on our coffee table. Today’s cookbooks are works of art, giving us insights into other worlds. But just as often they bear the hallmarks of sauce, butter, elbow grease. They might be followed to the letter or simply serve as a jumping off point. But regardless, they transport and inspire. They tell stories and help us create our own. They’re a reminder of when things went well and sometimes, when they didn’t. They’re an homage to the food we love to share with others. And if they make us better home cooks in the process, that’s just gravy.
Below, Ben, Tyron and Bianca share their favourites.
The Art of Escapism Cooking by Mandy Lee
I stumbled on Mandy Lee’s cooking blog many years ago where she creates utterly delicious and unashamedly flavour-explosive dishes, through the unique lens of an expat living in Beijing. I loved reading her introduction to each dish, delivered with an acerbic wit providing insight into the reasons for their creation — which are incredibly entertaining in their own right. The recipes are accurate, unapologetic and unbelievably delicious and designed for those with a propensity towards evolved street food, in a way only Mandy can deliver.
Ben Williamson
Eat Drink Nap by Soho House
A fantastic book for the home entertainer. Easy-to-follow recipes (both food and cocktails) that vary to suit the most novice chef or bartender. The book also has fantastic ideas for table settings. Essentially, the inimitable folks at Soho House have created a step-by-step guide to hosting parties at home, without the stress. For me, the title encapsulates it all.
Tyron Simon
A House Party in Tuscany by Amber Guinness
Who doesn’t love a house party, and one in Tuscany, at that? In an idyllic home in Arniano, English-born Amber Guiness learned to cook at her mother’s side. This book speaks to the colour, romance and seasons that are innately Tuscan, with recipes that champion the sentiment that underlies all good Italian cooking – simplicity. Sumptuous, colourful and full of evocative stories and art, I love this one. I promise it (almost) has nothing to do with me being Italian!
Bianca Marchi-Simon