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The culinary world is always evolving, and cookbooks play an integral role in shaping our tastes and techniques. We’re nearly in the middle of 2023, and that means it’s the perfect time to take stock of the best cookbooks we’ve come across so far — and which ones we’re pre-ordering for the months to come.
From international flavours to plant-based cooking, this year’s crop of cookbooks has something for everyone. Now only will they offer you a glimpse into the culinary trends and techniques that are shaping the way we cook and eat right now, they’ll simplify your weeknights, give you a history lesson, and maybe even inspire you to try something new.
If you’re ready to cook up a storm, here are the most exciting, innovative, and best cookbooks of 2023.
Food of the Italian Islands
This cookbook by veteran food writer and recipe developer Katie Parla will transport directly to Italy’s islands. From the seafood-centric dishes of Sicily to the hearty stews of Sardinia, this cookbook gives you an opportunity to explore the vibrant flavours and traditions of Italy’s island regions, without the expensive flight.
With over 100 recipes and stunning photography, Food of the Italian Islands is a must-have for anyone interested in Italian cuisine and culture.
Cost: $35
Buy it on Amazon
Malta: Mediterranean Recipes from the Islands
In this vibrant book, Simon Bajada explores his own family’s heritage with recipes including ftira, a sourdough bread drenched in tomato, tuna and olives; aljotta soup, a flavour-packed brew of fish and garlic; and pastizzi, a deliciously addictive pastry.
Bajada shows us that the joy of Maltese cuisine is that it’s not so exact. Maltese food allows us to relinquish the methods we may be accustomed to in other Mediterranean cookery, and inject a little of our own taste into the dishes.
Release date: June 7, 2023
Cost: $45
Pre-order on Amazon
Fish Butchery: Mastering The Catch, Cut and Craft
From selecting the freshest fish to breaking it down into fillets, Josh Niland’s new cookbook offers step-by-step instructions and expert tips for mastering the art of fish preparation.
Niland’s previous books, The Whole Fish Cookbook and Take One Fish, revolutionised fish preparation. In this book, you can expect over 50 recipes featuring a variety of fish and seafood dishes.
Basically, it’s a must-have for anyone interested in elevating their seafood cooking skills and learning about sustainable fishing practices.
Release date: August 30, 2023
Cost: $70
Pre-order on Amazon
Philoxenia: A Seat at My Table
Cost: $45
Release date: October 4, 2023
Pull up a chair at Kon Karapanagiotidis’s table and discover Greece through vegetables and vegan dishes.
Drawing on the knowledge and wisdom of ASRC’s founder, as well as his mother, Sia, this book showcases the incredible meals of Greece.
Each chapter is a tribute to the resilience and survival of Karapanagiotidis’s own refugee grandparents, and offers a message of love and hope through the power of food.
Release date: October 4, 2023
Cost: $45
Pre-order on Amazon
Sweet Enough by Alison Roman
Sweet Enough by Alison Roman is a delightful culinary journey, which celebrates the beauty of natural sweetness.
With her signature wit and charm, Roman guides readers through a collection of recipes that rely on the inherent sweetness of their ingredients, which reduces the need for added sugars.
From fruity desserts to comforting baked goods, each recipe showcases the incredible flavours that can be achieved without excess sugar.
Cost: $39
Buy it on Amazon
Sohn-mat: Recipes and Flavours of Korean Home Cooking
Sohn-mat is your master class in making the exceptional tofu soup served at LA hotspot Beverly Soon Tofu, as well as other delicious dishes, like banchan, kimchi, and bibimbap.
The restaurant received critical acclaim from the likes of Jonathan Gold, Ruth Reichl, and Anthony Bourdain, and now, the cookbook gives you an opportunity to bring Sohn-mat into your kitchen. Follow the recipes and learn the practical know-how of Korean cooking at its finest.
Release date: September 19, 2023
Cost: $50
Pre-order on Amazon
A New Way to Bake
Chef Phillip Khoury dives deep into the world of desserts in this all plant-based dessert cookbook.
The book provides a brief history of baking before introducing the Plantry, where the main ingredients and their functionalities are explained.
Khoury transforms traditional baking by only using natural, plant-based ingredients, and the cookbook features a range of delicious bakes, including Apple Pie, Banana Bread, Lamingtons, and Tiramisu, offering sweet treats for any occasion.
Release date: August 31, 2023
Cost: $25
Pre-order on Booktopia
Lune by Kate Reid
Want to make the best croissants in the world? Grab a copy of Lune by Kate Reid. With her expertise as a master pastry chef, Reid shares her techniques, recipes, and insights into creating exceptional pastries.
From the delicate layers of buttery dough, to the flakiness of the final product, Lune is a testament to Reid’s dedication and passion for her craft. This beautifully illustrated book is a must-have for pastry enthusiasts and anyone seeking to elevate their baking skills.
Cost: $60
Buy it on Amazon
Pasta et Al: The Many Shapes of a Family Tradition
This heartwarming culinary memoir celebrates the art of making pasta, as well as the power of family bonds.
Through vivid storytelling and mouthwatering recipes, Morris takes readers through generations of his Italian family’s pasta-making traditions. From delicate ravioli to hearty tagliatelle, each pasta shape is lovingly crafted and carries a unique story along with it.
With a blend of nostalgia and expertise, Morris shares the joy of homemade pasta, inviting readers to savour the flavours and embrace their own culinary heritage.
Release date: August 7, 2023
Cost: $50
Pre-order on Amazon
My Family Kitchen
From his Vietnamese roots to his experiences growing up in America, Pham intertwines personal anecdotes and treasured family recipes to create a vibrant mosaic of flavours and traditions.
With warmth and authenticity, Pham invites readers into his family’s kitchen, where love and laughter permeate each dish. This captivating book showcases delicious recipes while highlighting the power of food, heritage, and memories.
Release date:Â July 4, 2023
Cost: $32.99
Pre-order on Amazon
There’s Always Room for Cheese
In There’s Always Room for Cheese Colin Wood takes readers on a cheese-filled journey, exploring various types of cheese, as well as flavours and pairings.
Written with passion and expertise, each page celebrates the diverse and tantalising world of cheese, from creamy bries to tangy blue cheese. With enticing recipes and helpful tips, this book is a must-have for cheese enthusiasts.
Release date: September 20, 2023
Cost: $50
Pre-order on Amazon
The Little Box of Veg
Packed with vibrant flavours and creative recipes, Zaslavsky encourages readers to embrace the versatility and goodness of vegetables.
From hearty mains to vibrant salads and tempting snacks, each recipe is accompanied by Zaslavsky’s charming storytelling and helpful tips. With its colourful illustrations and engaging card format, The Little Box of Veg is a fantastic resource for seasoned vegetarians and those looking to incorporate more plant-based dishes into their diet.
Cost: $30
Buy it on Amazon
Vegemite
Vegemite by Jamie Callister is an intriguing exploration of Australia’s iconic spread. With a mix of history, anecdotes, and recipes, Callister delves into the cultural significance and polarising nature of Vegemite. From its humble beginnings to becoming a national symbol, this book unravels the story behind the yeast extract spread.
Callister also offers creative ways to enjoy Vegemite beyond the classic toast application, showcasing its versatility in both sweet and savoury dishes.
Cost:Â $32.99
Buy it on Amazon
Bao Family
Through evocative storytelling and delightful illustrations, Chung introduces readers to the vibrant world of the Bao Family and their generations-old tradition of crafting these delectable treats.
From traditional fillings to innovative flavours, each recipe carries a story and a sense of togetherness. This charming book shares cherished recipes and celebrates the cultural heritage and the joy of sharing food with loved ones.
Release date: May 30, 2023
Cost:Â $45
Pre-order on Amazon
7 Days of Dinner
7 Days of Dinner by Adam Liaw is a fantastic culinary guide that simplifies weeknight cooking with delicious and easy recipes. Liaw provides a practical approach to meal planning and offers a variety of enticing dishes for each day of the week.
From comforting pastas to flavourful stir-fries and hearty roasts, the recipes are diverse and sure to be delicious. With his clear instructions and helpful tips, Liaw shows home cooks how to create satisfying meals without sacrificing time or taste.
Release date: October 4, 2023
Cost:Â $50
The Food I Love
The Food I Love by Neil Perry is a beloved culinary masterpiece filled with the passion and delight of creating exceptional dishes using quality ingredients. More than just a recipe book, it serves as a lifelong companion, offering invaluable techniques and principles inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. With 200 mouthwatering recipes, ranging from breakfast to desserts, it embodies the essence of home cooking: uncomplicated, seasonal, and incredibly tasty.
Release date: August 29, 2023
Cost: $65
Korean Home Cooking
Discover the essence of Korean Home Cooking, where simplicity meets art and tradition. Embrace the vibrant palette of colours and flavours through a delightful array of small dishes, fostering lively conversations around the table. From beloved classics like Kimchi Fried Rice and Bibimbap to mastering the art of pickling and creating traditional stews, soups, and Korean barbecue, Jina Jung shares authentic family recipes rooted in her grandmother’s and mother’s teachings. Unleash your inner chef with this invaluable resource for crafting delicious Korean meals at home, influenced by Jina’s experiences as a cook and caterer in Korea and France.
Release date: September 2023
Cost: $49.99
Sundays
Indulge in the ultimate Sunday cookbook that caters to every mood. Whether you’re sharing a feast with friends, enjoying a leisurely brunch, or recovering from a night out, this go-to guide has you covered. Embrace ravenous hunger, savour copious carbs, and relish binge-watching a TV show on dreary days. Seeking a Sunday reset? Find solace in a relaxing bath, a good book, and a nourishing plate of greens. No matter your preference, discover the perfect recipe to suit your mood within these pages.
Release date: September 2023
Cost: $39.99
The Flavour Thesaurus
Experience the highly anticipated sequel to Niki Segnit’s acclaimed book, The Flavour Thesaurus. In More Flavours, Segnit delves into 92 predominantly plant-based flavours, including Kale, Cashew, Pomegranate, and Pistachio. With over 800 clever and informative entries, this modern classic of food writing combines recipes, tasting notes, and captivating stories, bringing each ingredient to vivid life. A must-have companion to The Flavour Thesaurus, it solidifies Segnit’s status as a masterful culinary author.
Release date: September 2023
Cost: $35.99
Now & Then: A Collection of Recipes for Always
In her latest masterpiece, “Now & Then”, celebrated food writer Tessa Kiros takes us on a captivating culinary journey, blending cherished memories and flavours from her past with the vibrant dishes that delight her family today. Embracing the diversity of her experiences, Tessa shares an array of delectable recipes inspired by her South African childhood, Mexican and New Orleans adventures, and her heartwarming connections to Thailand and Greece. This enchanting book intertwines memoir, travel guide, and food odyssey, offering over 150 new recipes accompanied by Tessa’s personal reflections and favourite food memories.
Release date:Â October 2023
Cost:Â $45
Ester
Discover the essence of modern Australian cuisine with “Ester,” by renowned chef Mat Lindsay and founder of the acclaimed Ester restaurant. Embrace the spirit of playfulness and culinary adventure as you explore your kitchen’s foundations for new ideas. Experience full-flavoured Australian food, from thoughtfully selected seafood to wood-fired bread, perfectly cooked vegetables, and respectably treated meats.
Release date: October 2023
Cost: $55
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