BOOKS OF THE YEAR

Give the gift of inspiration from this collection of the best cookbook releases from 2020.

SATURDAY NIGHT PASTA

(Pan Macmillan, $36.99)

Elizabeth Hewson first started making pasta as a form of self-care, developing a regular Saturday night ritual to calm her anxiety. In her cookbook, the Sydney-based cook shares her story, along with 40 simple, satisfying recipes.

BEATRIX BAKES

(Hardie Grant, $45)

Melbourne’s Beatrix bakery is renowned for its whimsical cakes and creations. In this book, owner Natalie Paull reveals the recipes behind her best-loved treats, including smoky-salty chocolate chip cookies and custard crumble pies.

AUSTRALIAN FOOD

(Murdoch Books, $49.99)

Responsible for transforming the humble café into destination dining, Bill Granger helped introduce Australian café culture to the world. In this book, he continues the trend, celebrating all-day dining.

PARWANA

(Murdoch Books, $45)

Since 2009, the Ayubi family has been sharing the colourful culinary traditions of Afghanistan at their popular Adelaide restaurant Parwana. This year, Durkhanai Ayubi shares her family’s spice-fuelled recipes, giving readers a taste of the country and culture they left behind.

ALWAYS ADD LEMON

(Hardie Grant, $50)

Danielle Alvarez, head chef of Fred’s in Sydney, believes a touch of lemon can transform any dish. Raised in a family that lived to eat, her colourful recipes are both delicious and approachable.

COMIDA MEXICANA

(Smith Street Books, $45)

The pages of Rosa Cienfuegos’ debut cookbook come alive with the frenetic energy and rich culture of Mexican street food. Inspired by different regions from across the country, recipes span tacos and tortas to tamales and sweets.

A TABLE FOR FRIENDS

(Bloomsbury, $49.99)

Sunday Times columnist Skye McAlpine brings a “sharing is caring” philosophy to her kitchen. The recipes in these pages are bountiful and hearty, made to share at any occasion, for two or 20.

SIMPLY

(Hachette, $39.99)

Sabrina Ghayour’s fifth cookbook is a gastronomic ode to her Persian heritage. The self-taught home cook delivers recipes that are fun and flavour-packed and can be made any day of the week.

EAT CALIFORNIA

(Smith Street Books, $49.99)

Light, bright and refreshing, this cookbook from recipe writer and food stylist Vivian Lui celebrates the abundance of America’s west coast.

TO ASIA, WITH LOVE

(Pan Macmillan, $39.99)

As a Chinese girl born in Australia, cook and author Hetty McKinnon showcases the humble, soul-enriching flavours of her childhood with this collection of vegetarian and vegan Asian-inspired dishes.

AFRICOLA

(Murdoch Books, $49.99)

Duncan Welgemoed’s Adelaide restaurant, Africola, is renowned for its fiery flavours and enchanting atmosphere. In his debut cookbook, the outspoken South African-born chef encapsulates the restaurant’s energy through an eclectic spread of recipes.