I guess the books you like will be influenced by the type of food you like to cook and eat. Me, I like simple food with strong flavours, and I love to bake. I also like reading recipe books for pleasure, so I love books where there is a short background blurb about each recipe. Here are some authors I’ve used a bit:
Nigella Lawson: I love her interest in food, her emphasis on flavours. But I have to admit, I’ve had some real problems with some of her recipes – incorrect measurements, lack of detail in instructions, and underwhelming results. There have been a few real gems – her recipe for spaghetti alla carbonara is one of my all-time favourites – but overall, her books are a bit hit-and-miss. I think she’s better watched than read.
Donna Hay: these recipes are always clear and easy to follow and very reliable, and often have a nice twist. The results are usually delicious and good to look at.
Jamie Oliver: another cook who I think is better watched than read. I’ve been really uninspired by most of the recipes in the books of his that I have read.
Delia Smith: usually pretty reliable, I like the way she explains why you do things; results can be a bit on the boring side.
Women’s Weekly: these recipes are easy to follow and very reliable. The results are usually good, if a bit boring and plain.
Elizabeth David: I have only actually ever cooked one or two things from her books, but I love to read them for fun.
Other favourites…?
