Saturday, September 24, 2011

Baking Bookshelf

I suppose I have always been a coffee-table bookworm.

There isn't much which beats opening the crisp pages of a new hardback coffee-table book. From the beautiful photography to the scrumptious recipes hidden within, everything about a new cookbook is delicious.

Sexy, stylish and super-scrumptious - in Cox Cookies and Cakes
The shelf in my bookcase dedicated to cookbooks has grown and grown in recent years with books of cupcakes, vegan delights, easy-peasy student books to my own scrapbook created from recipe cards and newspaper cuttings, displayed for all to see. 

It's not just about the ingredients and measurements, oh no. These kitchen manuals are much more than 'how to's' these days. Some people will never open their trusty copy of 'Domestic Goddess' and read it cover to cover, and nor did I. Until last Christmas....

I was kindly brought Nigella Lawson's 'Kitchen'  and on a snowy, cold and boring boxing day, I began to read it. The book captured the same flirty, witty and dearly delightful tone of her television series. It's only then I started to actually 'read' my cookbooks. 

Another worth reading is Sophie Dahl's book 'Voluptious Delights' The diaries from her kitchen adventures are just as spellbinding as her grandfather's magical tales of marvellous medicines and giant peaches.  

There are so many hidden pieces of gorgeous writing inside Dahl's books
There are so many little gems of wonderful writing hidden inside the pages of cookbooks and it's time you put down your latest chick-lit paperback and took time to read your recipe books.  I'm off to read my two newest editions - The Hummingbird Bakery's 'Cake Days' and the Official Great British Bake Off's 'How to Bake' cookbook. Yum.

Here are some of my favourites I can't help but pick of my shelf and read (even if I haven't got the time or ingredients to actually make anything!)



...the first of Nigella's books I was brought, and still my favourite



...is my all-time favourite and 'go to' cupcake cookbook.



....Because sometimes creating cakes can be guilt-free! 



....for days when I want my sweet treats served with added sex appeal!



......for simmering up some tasty vegan dishes 


Be warned though, reading them may cause cravings for cupcakes, candy, cous cous or curry! 




2 comments:

Shaheen said...

thanks for introducing me to cox cookies and cakes.

Sarah Robertson said...

No problem - the book is amazing. If you're ever in London - check out the soho bakery. Delicious.