On my cookbook shelf.

A totally arbitary review of what's on my shelf. What I want to read is very much like what I want to cook, it depends on my mood, so I have tried to break my library (sounds grand, it isnt!) into region/type of food. Some days are all about Mexican, some days comfort food is where it's at. A book for every occasion?
Not yet but I'm working on it.........    

                                                                                                    

The Hungry Girls Cookbook by The Hungry Girls

These self-published books are all hand stiched together, and the recipes are created & photographed by the girls, Rachel Pitts, Leah Holsher & Katherine Bird. Great recipes, try the Ethiopian Lamb or the divine Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

Mexican Food Made Simple, by Thomasina Miers
Great format, with plenty of simple recipes. She has a really relaxed writing style, and for newbies there are good explanations of Mexican ingredients. The pictures are great, and I like the matt paper. For an idea of the sort of dishes see these Oaxacan Pizzas, or her excellent Burritos

Great for: Anyone who wants to try authentic Mexican flavours without having a breakdown
                                                        

 River Cottage Everyday by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

A true everyday cookbook, (I mean that in the most positive way possible ) chock full of things you would actually cook at the end of a busy day. I am a big fan of Hugh, his recipes are reliable and I enjoy his writing. In fact it could be described as a crush.........
The styling is simple, with good clear pictures, and plenty of useful tips. Try his amazing Cheats Chorizo for a brilliant fridge standby.

Great for: New inspiration for simple meals you can actually whip up at the end of the day with collapsing from exhaustion



The Kitchen Diaries by Nigel Slater

One of my all time favorite writers, Nigel's books are a must have on my shelf. This one is full of recipes, but also  interesting snippets from Nigel's life in the kitchen & outside. Being nosey in the extreme I love that kind of thing. Especially because he occasionally has oven chips and beans for dinner. And isn't afraid to admit it.

Great for: Reading in bed, planning treats and feasts while enjoying wonderful food writing. And cooking from of course, particularly his savoury dishes.