cookbook wish list + a giveaway

Good morning fine friends!

I have an admission. I’m not much of a cookbook girl. I adore the ones I have and turn to them often but I’m much more likely to garner recipe inspiration online. I’d like that to change. Like I said, I love the books I own. We turn to Mark Bittman’s How to Cook Everything for, well, everything! He has a basic recipe for all you can imagine – it’s a great jumping off point. I was gifted Ottolenghi: The Cookbook last year for Christmas and I adore it. I want my collection to grow.

As I did last year, I’d like to share with you my wish list of 5 cookbooks I’d love to see on my shelves this year. I know they’re not all brand new – I’m a bit behind the times but most of them came out this year and all of them I’m sure would inspire and enchant.

And because I’d like to give something back to you, my lovely readers who have kept coming here week after week to read about my adventures in the kitchen and general ramblings, I’d like to give one of them to you. Details to follow, but first…my wish list, in no particular order:

1. Tender: A Cook and His Vegetable Patch by Nigel Slater

One of my very favourite blogs to read is Orangette, though I’ll admit, often it’s more for the writing than the recipes. Molly just has a way with words. And so, it turns out, does Nigel Slater. Molly has mentioned on several occasions what an inspiration she finds Nigel Slater to be and those recipes of his she’s featured have just really spoken to me. Pudding Cake of Honey, Cinnamon, and Plums. Apple Crumble. Poached Pears with Warm Chocolate Sauce. I’d like more of him in my kitchen, on my table, but mainly in my mouth.

2. Plenty: Vibrant Recipes from London’s Ottolenghi by Yotam Ottolenghi

I love his first cookbook, enjoy his columns in the Guardian, and now I’ve eaten at one of his restaurants. I think it’s safe to say I’m hooked on Yotam Ottolenghi. His recipes aren’t difficult and the focus is less on technique and more on incredible fresh, vibrant flavour combinations. Top of my list.

3. Momofuku Milk Bar by Christina Tosi

There has to be something sweet on this list! Written to complement the Momofuku cookbook, Momofuku Milk Bar reveals the recipes behind what I’ve heard are their addictive cookies, pies, cakes, ice creams, and more. The bakery (in NYC – have you been?) seems to be wildly popular and you can’t seem to go five minutes without seeing their Compost Cookies talked about or baked from this book. I’ll jump on that band wagon in a second.

4. Super Natural Every Day: Well-loved Recipes from My Natural Foods Kitchen by Heidi Swanson

If you aren’t familiar with Heidi Swanson’s blog, 101 Cookbooks then get to know it. Her recipes always work wonderfully well and are not only delicious but incredibly healthy and wholesome. I’ve heard rave reviews about how well that translates to this book and I’d love to have it on my shelf.

5. The Homesick Texan by Lisa Fain

Lisa Fain’s blog of the same name offers me a rare connection to the food I grew to love in my year as an honorary Texan. The Homesick Texan cookbook is filled with Texan comfort food like cheese enchiladas drowning in chili gravy, chicken-fried steak served with cream gravy on the side, warm bowls of chile con queso, and big pots of fiery chili made without beans. Not forgetting Coffee-Chipotle Oven Brisket, Ancho Cream Corn, and Guajillo-Chile Fish Tacos. Drooling much? Yeah. That’s what I thought.

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To win one of the cookbooks listed in my Top Five Wish List:

– Leave a comment below telling me which cookbook from the list you’d like to win and why.

For up to two additional entries:

– Follow me on Twitter @Eating4England AND tweet: I’d really like to win the cookbook of my choice from @Eating4England. Enter to win here: http://bit.ly/rrr4sB.

– ‘Like’ Eating for England on Facebook AND leave a comment on the Facebook page telling me which cookbook you’d like to win and why.

This giveaway is now closed. The winner has been selected using random.org and is Amanda Stevens! Congratulations Amanda! Email me at eatingforengland at gmail dot com with your shipping address and I’ll get a copy of Plenty in the mail to you!