The Latin American Cookbook, by Virgilio Martínez (Phaidon Press)

What food tome were you reaching for In 2022? It was the cuisines and ingredients of South America that most piqued your taste buds, with this tribute to its cultures and communities as your guide. You agreed with Gordon Ramsay’s hearty pinch of superlatives (“This incredible cookbook is truly extraordinary”), taking a tour from Mexico to Uruguay via 600 remarkable recipes under the tutelage of Peruvian chef Virgilio Martínez. From crispy empanadas to spicy arepas, there’s plenty in here to inspire even the most unadventurous home cook — the easy to follow, non-intimidating, must-read, must-cook book turns supermarket ingredients into Latin American meal magic. Those attempting the brilliantly named Chilean Disco Fries get extra points for flair.