My Christmas Wishlist

I think I have mentioned several times that I love cookbooks - and that I have quite a few. But I think I have also mentioned a few times that you can't have enough cookbooks. So here is my wishlist for Christmas - please feel free to ask for my mailing address :-)

Pierre Hermé - Pastries

 “I consider the creation of pastries as an Art with a capital A, in that it is a true form of expression, just like music, painting, or sculpture. I imagine and then create pastries the way I would like them to taste. Many people, places, and cultures throughout the world inspire me in the creative process, but at the core, pleasure is my only guide.” - Pierre Hermé - Words from the famous French Pastry Chef who is most famous for his macarons. He is a real artist when it comes to patiesserie and has outlets in Paris, London and Tokyo. Pierre Hermé was the youngest person ever to be named France's Pastry Chef of the Year, and is also the only pastry chef to have been decorated as a Chevalier of Arts and Letters

I love preserving food - everyone who grows their own food will do it eventually.
Diana Henry is a food writer for The Sunday Telegraph. She is also one of the presenters on Good Food Channel's daily show, Market Kitchen. Diana started to write about food after the birth of her first child. Jams and jellies, chutneys and pickles, smoked and potted meats and cured fish, cordials and alcohols, vegetables in oil, mustards and vinegars- inspirations have been taken from all over the globe. When reading this book - it becomes clear why Diana Henry is an award winning author

And here it is - my favourite food writer. Tessa Kiros has written several cookbooks - being the daughter of a Finish Mother and a Cypriot Father - you can imagine the food memories this woman must have. But now consider this, she lived in South Africa, married an Italian and lives now in Tuscany - the wealth of knowledge of food - wow. But next to that, she is an amazing writer and reading her books will transport you right into her kitchen. The photography is also beautiful - this book is on top of my list this year

 Ahh, the Roux brothers. What is there to say that hasn't been said already. Michel and Albert Roux turn their attention to the traditional French art of patisserie - a speciality in which they both served apprenticeships and for which Michel Roux was awarded the Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 1976. This book is for the serious cook who doesn't mind a challenge and who loves to create outstanding dessert to wow their guests.

 Yotam Ottolenghi is an Israeli-born chef, cookery writer and restaurant owner. Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi go on a journey to explore the flavours of their childhood, flavours that made Ottolenghi what it is. Now accomplished chefs, they don't only explore their families' cuisine, but also delve into the incredible richness of this exciting city. The result is a book bursting with incredible recipes, intriguing stories and striking images (taken from their website).

Based in both Paris and Amsterdam, Yvette van Boven works as an illustrator, food stylist, recipe writer and culinary editor. Home Made is a series of books with Winter being the latest. Summer will be following soon. The photography is amazing and mouthwatering - you just want to start cooking straight away and invite all your friends over. The photos were taking by her husband and everything else, creation, design, cooking - has been done by Yvette herself. A labour of love - I know I will love this book