10 perfect lesser-known cookery books 

(from Stella magazine)

Looking to buy a recipe book for someone for Christmas?  This list of lesser known cookery books will have something for everyone - but on the other hand I'd love to buy them all!

The Scandinavian Kitchen by Camilla Plum (appropriate name):  Horseradish and rhubarb, herring and crab-apples - Britain shares so many ingredients with Scandinavia, and Camilla Plum's book brims with seasonal recipes showing how to use them in a simple, family-friendly way. Everything you nedd to know about Nordic cooking is here (kylebooks.com, £25)

Good Things to Eat by Lucas Hollweg:  There is nothing revolutionary here, but when you own this book you find yourself turning to it more and more, for a family supper, or lunch for friends.  Lucas Hollweg writes with self-deprecating charm about  the food that makes him feel hungry and happy. (harpercollins.co.uk, £20)

Vegetable Literacy by Deborah Madison: The latest and best book by America's vegetarian queen, with 400 pages of wonderful recipes, divided by botanical families, and with interchangeable ingredients.  You could cook from this all your life - and need never look at another vegetable cookery book (randomhouse.com, £23.50).

The Real Taste of Spain by Jenny Chandler:  Jenny Chandler trawled the markets of Spain for classic recipes from the country.  This is home cooking, plus useful advice on how to choose produce or the right pan.   Perfect for anyone cooking in Spain, but all easily doable here too (anovabooks.com, £14.99).

A Platter of Figs by David Tanis:  A great book on entertaining friends.  David Tanis was head chef at the legendary Chez Panisse in California for half the year; the other half he cooked in his tiny home kitchen.  He organises each menu so you are not too exhausted to talk to your guests, with delectable fail-safe recipes (workman.com, £20.57).

Lulu's Provencal Table by Richard Olney:  Lulu Peyraud, Olney's Provencal neighbour, was a brilliant intuitive cook of traditional dishes from the region.  He vividly records her easy-to-follow recipes (with her assertive comments) for bourride and aioli, though few can grill fish, as she does, over vine embers (grubstreet.co.uk, £16.99)


A Little Table of ... China by Deh-Ta Hsiung and Nina Simonds: If you've never pleated a dumpling wrapper, the step-by-step instructions and photographs here act like a reassuring hand on the shoulder.  Family meals are covered in depth, and you'll learn about the history of the Peking duck and how to perfect dipping sauces (murdochbooks.co.uk, £8.99).

The Food of Morocco by Paula Wolfert:  Paula Wolfert has loved Morocco for 50 years, says she finally understand its varied cooking:  this book is the result.  Authentic tagines and pastillas not prettied up for the photographer (though the images are beautiful) are simply explained and utterly delicious (bloomsbury.com/uk, £35).

Memories of Gascony by Pierre Koffmann:  Britain's finest French chef tenderly evokes the coking and peasant family of his creative grandmother and cantankerous grandfather in deepest Gascony, when oxen still did the heavy work.  A moving read and glorious recipes.  (octopusbooks.co.uk, £30).

You're All Invited by Margot Henderson: When art-world grandees or fashion and bohemian celebrities throw a reception, they call in Henderson's catering firm.  This is the only book on cooking for a cool drinks party for 50 or a wedding.  There are also great dinner parties, and picnics that survive a journey (penguin.co.uk, £25).

What a wonderful selection of ideas, many thanks to Stella Magazine for doing all the work and bringing these books to our attention.