Books for cooks

On the Pulse by Georgina Fuggle (£16.99, Kyle Books)

Nutritious, cheap and illing, pulses are a brilliant staple, and this collection of modern recipes shows how versatile they can be. Ideal for family meals, there are comforting pies, stews, curries, soups, roasts, cakes and bakes. There’s a handy guide to the varieties of pulses, soaking and cooking times too. Must-try recipe Cheese & cannellini bean pie with fennel seed pastry.

Gatherings by Flora Shedden (£25, Octopus Publishing)

Flora was just 19 when she reached the semi- inals of 2014’s Great British Bake O , impressing the judges with her complex bakes. She’s pared things back for her debut book, focusing on relaxed dishes for sharing – slow-roast meats, platters of salads and beautiful desserts. Must-try recipe Sloe ginbraised venison.

Healthy Baking by Jordan Bourke (£20, Orion)

Irish chef Jordan champions ‘real’ bread and makes bakes healthier by using natural ingredients, ancient grains such as spelt and rye, and fermenting. His sweet bakes, including plum & raspberry buckwheat crumble, are free from re ined sugar and packed with fruit, nuts and spices. There are lots of dinner ideas too, with tarts, pizzas and whole baked vegetables. Must-try recipe Kimchi sourdough.