Looking for holiday gift-giving inspiration? I’m your girl. It wasn’t easy, but I’ve picked out my top 3 favourite cookbooks of 2024 – check them out!
As the scent of Christmas cake, and the hair-tearing hysteria of last minute shopping fills the air, it’s time to get serious and think about the perfect gifts for the food lovers in your life (or, let’s be honest, for yourself!). Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned chef, a beginner finding their way in the kitchen, or someone who just loves to flip through mouthwatering recipes, cookbooks make for thoughtful, inspiring presents.
A LOT of cookbooks come across my desk each year, and for that I am very, very grateful – especially to the publishing houses of Murdoch Books/Allen & Unwin, Hardie Grant Books, Harper Collins, Pan Macmillan and Penguin Australia. The field of cookbook publishing in Australia is competitive, and the standards are high, so it’s the cookbook addicts (that would be me) who are the winners.
In this post, I’m sharing my favourite cookbooks of 2024—each packed with delicious ideas, stunning photography, and stories that will spark culinary creativity. From show-stopping holiday dishes to easy weeknight dinners, there’s a little something for everyone. So, pour yourself a cup of tea/glass of wine, and let’s dive into the books that will fill kitchens with love, laughter, and irresistible aromas this season!
Easy Wins by Anna Jones
In a surprising turn of events, one of my favourite cookbooks of 2024 has been a vegetarian one. Anna Jones has long been a champion of fabulous meat-free cooking that refuses to compromise on flavour, and Easy Wins is no exception. There’s a lot to like about how this cookbook is curated – and it is seriously curated.
I love how Jones has divided it into chapters on 12 different essential ingredients, providing a fabulous selection of recipes for each. I love her suggestions for flavour. She takes us through vegetarian flavour swaps, and gives us a deeper understanding of flavour layering, seasoning and textures. I love the section in the back that examines the flavour profiles and complimentary uses for a range of popular herbs and spices. I love pretty much all of the recipes – every single one is incredibly delicious, really versatile and super-reliable.
The design of the book is as inspiring as the content. Gorgeous, yet unfussy photography captures the vibrant essence of each dish, while Jones’ friendly, encouraging tone makes the recipes feel personal and accessible. It’s the kind of cookbook that works equally well as a practical kitchen companion or a source of inspiration when you’re meal-planning for the week ahead.
And if you’re still looking for a reason to buy this one, check out the recipe for Smoky mole-spice confit tomatoes – Easy Wins is worth the purchase price for this recipe alone. Just saying …
Salad for Days by Alice Zaslavsky
Here in Australia we are definitely in the midst of our salad days – it’s high summer now, where the weather can often be searing, and the thought of pulling together a hot meal for family or friends is beyond the scope of most of us.
Enter Alice, our own vegetable queen. If you think salads are just side dishes or boring bowls of lettuce, Alice Zaslavsky is here to completely change your mind. Salad for Days reimagines the humble salad as the centerpiece of every meal. This isn’t your average collection of leafy greens—this is a celebration of texture, color, and big, bold flavors that will have you craving salads like never before.
The recipes are as versatile as they are exciting. From the “Zingy Za’atar Roasted Veg Salad” to the “Crunch Factor Thai Slaw,” each dish is bursting with color and personality. Zaslavsky’s ingenious dressings and sauces elevate every bite, while her “Anything Goes Grain Bowls” encourage flexibility and creativity with what you have on hand. The book is fairly simply divided between two sections – “Warmer Days” and “Cooler Days” – with heaps of tips and hacks to dress things up or down, and a cracker selection of 80-odd dressings.
It’s a sign that times, and salads, have changed – I just nominated another veggie-forward collection as one of my favourite cookbooks of 2024!
Bethlehem by Fadi Kattan
The last selection in my favourite cookbooks of 2024 is an important one. Fadi Kattan’s Bethlehem is more than just a cookbook—it’s a culinary journey through the heart of Palestinian culture and the soul of one of the world’s most storied cities. This cookbook isn’t just for those seeking to expand their culinary repertoire, it’s for anyone who values food as a bridge to understanding and connection.With each page, Kattan invites readers into his kitchen and his heritage, celebrating the rich traditions of the city, it’s culture and history, with vibrant, modern flair.
At its core, Bethlehem is about celebrating the flavors of home. The recipes are steeped in history yet brimming with creativity, from classics like Musakhan (sumac-roasted chicken) to inventive dishes like Freekeh Risotto. Fadi’s thoughtful storytelling weaves in memories, cultural context, and a sense of place, making this more than just a guide to cooking—it’s a connection to the vibrant, enduring spirit of Bethlehem.
What truly sets this cookbook apart is its warmth. Kattan’s inviting tone, paired with stunning photography of both dishes, the people who cook and eat this food, and the city itself, creates an experience that feels personal and immersive. Each recipe is approachable, with clear instructions that welcome cooks of all skill levels.
Palestinian food is a testament to resilience and resourcefulness. Despite the hardships faced by Palestinians, their cuisine remains vibrant, creative, and rooted in hospitality. Honouring it is a way to celebrate the strength and spirit of the Palestinian people. Celebrating Palestinian food isn’t just about the dishes; it’s about recognizing and respecting the culture, history, and people behind them. It’s a flavourful and meaningful way to keep their stories alive and thriving – particularly in times of increasing chaos and destruction.
