We explore the pages of four distinct cookbooks that promise to tantalise your taste buds and elevate your kitchen adventures. From the vibrant streets of Southeast Asia to the comforting gatherings inspired by Joanna Gaines, and from the disciplined world of ketogenic delights to the rustic charm of an Italian kitchen garden, these cookbooks offer a diverse range of flavours and culinary philosophies. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, these hard cover cookbooks will add a delightful addition to your kitchen bookshelf.
Bowlful: Fresh and vibrant dishes from Southeast Asia, Norman Musa
Hailing from Penang, Malaysia, Norman Musa, a seasoned chef and author, unfolds the rich tapestry of Southeast Asian cultures and cuisines in his latest culinary masterpiece, Bowlful. This gorgeous cookbook is a testament to his lifelong exploration, distilling the fresh and diverse flavours of Asia into delectably simple bowl dishes. Bowlful is a celebration of economical, vibrant, and straightforward bowl food from the different regions he has travelled to.
From refreshing and zesty salads to comforting rice bowls, flavourful noodle tangles, and enticing plant-based options, Bowlful beckons with 90 easy-to-follow recipes. Ideal for both beginners and for those with busy weeknights, these recipes offer an authentic taste of Southeast Asia, without too much prep. Favourites like Singapore Noodles and Pad Thai mingle with hidden gems such as Lombok Grilled Chicken and Squid Sambal, showcasing Norman’s streamlined approach to quick, vibrant dishes.
Organised into three main sections – Salads, Curries and Stir-fries, and Noodles & Rice – each chapter begins with a comprehensive recipe list. For those not entirely sure about the ingredients, the ‘Bowlful Cupboard’ is a helpful guide. While not every dish is accompanied by a photo (which, for me, was disappointing), the vibrant, tantalising images that do appear showcase the culinary delights served in an array of bowls.
Having sampled Norman’s creations, including the Soy & Ginger Chicken with Glass Noodles, Crunch Green Salad, and Honey & Chilli Grilled Chicken with Cucumber and Mango Ribbons, I can attest to the cookbook’s promise – a delightful journey into Southeast Asian flavours that are both accessible and extraordinary.
Here’s a recipe from Bowlful we were given to publish and definitely recommend – The Night Market’s Baked Chicken Slaw
The Keto Chef’s Kitchen II: Ketogenic, Low-Carb, Sugar Free & Gluten Free Cookbook, Nerys Whelan
Nerys Whelan started working in kitchens when she was 16 years old. She’s worked for some of the best chefs around and has won a number of culinary competitions which led to her participation in the 2016 Bocuse D’or – Asia Pacific Continental Selection as a proud member of Team New Zealand.
With a firm belief that embracing a Keto lifestyle should be a seamless blend of ease, indulgence, and sustainability, Nerys presents her second Chef’s Kitchen cookbook as a treasure trove of resources and delectable, health-conscious recipes. The pages of this cookbook are brimming with inspiration for those navigating the path to improved health. From sweet and sticky sauces to tempting slices and doughnuts, bacon and egg pie, cheese scones, Chipotle Chicken Poppers, and classic sausage rolls – this cookbook boasts a diverse array of delights to suit every palate.
The recipes align with Keto principles, making them not only low-carb but also sugar-free and gluten-free. Beyond the delectable offerings, Nerys extends her culinary expertise by providing readers with comprehensive nutritional information for each recipe. The inclusion of details on sweeteners, conversion charts, insights into interpreting nutritional panels, and practical tips for embarking on a ketogenic lifestyle adds great depth to the cookbook.
Whether you’re well-versed in the Keto lifestyle or just starting, Nerys’s expertise and thoughtful guidance shine through, making this cookbook an invaluable companion to the Keto lifestyle.
Magnolia Table: A collection of Recipes for Gathering | volume 3, Joanna Gaines
In her much-anticipated third cookbook, Joanna Gaines opens the doors to her culinary world, generously sharing a mix of cherished classics and innovative new recipes that have graced her table over the years.
As with her previous works, Magnolia Table 3 is more than a compilation of instructions; Joanna sticks to her signature style where she engages with the reader within each recipe, providing insights into why a particular dish holds a special place in her heart, what inspired its creation, and how she loves to present it. The recipes are easy to follow, and the inclusion of vibrant images alongside each recipe help demystify the cooking process and serves as a helpful visual guide for the end result.
I have successfully made Jo’s delectable Pastitsio as a satisfying main course and found the Pear Bread recipe to be a divine treat at any time of day.
Nostrama: Flavours from my Italian kitchen garden, Bri Dimattina
Bri’s familial roots trace back to her grandparents who, as young immigrants from Italy, cultivated a thriving edible garden in New Zealand, adorned with lush lemon trees and trellised tomato vines that spanned every inch of their quarter-acre property. Nurtured by the culinary legacy of her chef mother and the gardening traditions of her grandparents, Bri was naturally drawn to cheffing and seasonal recipe development, further fuelled by her own bountiful home garden.
Nostrana draws inspiration from her garden, her nonna’s treasured recipe book, and her mother’s café. Organised with a seasonal theme and complemented by growing guides for each ingredient, this cookbook unveils a tapestry of simple, stunning, and delectable recipes featuring fresh vegetables and fruits easily cultivated and harvested at home.
Distinguished by its seasonal organisation and accompanied by cultivation guidance, Nostrana not only shares a delectable array of recipes but also serves as a practical companion for those seeking to grow and harvest their ingredients. Bri’s culinary journey unfolds through these pages, creating a harmonious blend of flavours that resonate with her heritage and the vibrancy of the seasons. Try the Green Bean Panzanella, Bottled Spaghetti, Zucchini Arancini and Limoncello.