Cookbooks are hardly a new revelation — the first recorded ‘cookbook’ is said to be four clay tablets from 1700 BC in Ancient Mesopotamia, and by the 1300s, cookbooks were a norm for kings and nobles. But today’s iterations are a breed unto themselves, serving a purpose that goes well beyond a kitchen companion. Modern cookbooks not only offer an aesthetic addition to shelves, with their beautifully captured covers and glossy, coffee table book-esque layouts, but are now also written and structured in a way that inspires you to read them cover to cover — not simply leaf through in search of a relevant recipe.
Here, we round up six of the newly-released cookbooks that are on our Christmas wish-lists.
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I’ll Bring Dessert
by Benjamina Ebuehi
From author, food stylist, and Guardian Feasts baking columnist Benjamina Ebuehi comes a new cookbook brimming with easy-to-make desserts for any occasion. Spanning 70 recipes, from desserts made in one dish to sweet treats that are easy to transport, this is the only dessert book you will ever need. With a range of vegan, gluten-free, and crowd-pleasing recipes, from quick treats to show-stoppers, consider this your new dessert bible.
Ottolenghi Comfort
by Yotam Ottolenghi with Helen Goh
Ottolenghi’s latest book redefines comfort food with over 100 flavourful, homely recipes. Blending childhood memories and global inspiration, Comfort transforms familiar classics into vibrant, heart-warming dishes that evoke a sense of home and togetherness.
Wafu Cooking
by Sonoko Sakai
In Wafu Cooking, Sonoko Sakai’s globally influenced recipes redefine Japanese cuisine. Blending international flavours with traditional techniques, this cookbook celebrates cultural exchange with a fresh take on fusion recipes, showcasing the versatility and modern evolution of Japanese cooking for today’s interconnected world.
Pass the Plate
by Carolina Gelen
In Pass the Plate, viral food influencer Carolina Gelen presents 100 easy, flavourful recipes inspired by her Romanian upbringing. Known for her breezy style, Gelen’s debut cookbook offers creative yet comforting dishes using everyday ingredients. From week night meals to festive feasts, these simple, crowd-pleasing recipes promise big flavours with minimal effort, perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
Moroseta Kitchen
by Giorgia Goggi
In Moroseta Kitchen, chef Giorgia Goggi reimagines Italian cuisine with a vibrant, modern approach. As the resident chef at Italy’s celebrated Masseria Moroseta — a boutique farmstay, restaurant, and cookery school in Puglia — Goggi crafts approachable yet inventive recipes that bring the flavours of each season to life. Her debut cookbook showcases dishes like grilled asparagus with gremolata and lemon-scented tomato risotto, celebrating the essence of homegrown ingredients. Accompanied by evocative essays and striking photography, this book invites readers into the rich culinary traditions of Italy.
Tipo OO
by Andreas Papadakis
Chef Andreas Papadakis shares over 80 irresistible recipes from his cult Melbourne pasta bar in Tipo 00. Famed for its exceptional dishes and endless queues, the restaurant’s ethos shines through in every recipe, from handmade pasta techniques to standout sauces. This book invites you to recreate Tipo 00’s magic at home, elevating your culinary repertoire in the process.
