With cooler days and cosy evenings starting to draw in, we’re yearning to dive into those warm, spicy flavours of autumn. Plus, with the Great British Bake Off back on our screens from next weej, the anticipation for peaceful moments creating sweet and savoury treats from home is definitely in the air. As a little bit of inspiration, I’ve rounded up my favourite recipe books as well as my own recipes to get you excited for the upcoming season of cooking and baking!
A Table in Venice: Recipes from my Home by Skye McAlpine
This cookbook by Skye McAlpine is a beautiful collection of recipes inspired by her life and travels in Venice, Italy. The book includes over 100 recipes for every occasion, from classic Venetian pastas to hearty soups, this cookbook has it all.
I love this cookbook as it's filled with beautiful photographs and stories that accompany each recipe and help me hold on tightly to beautiful travel memories in Italy. It really transports you to Venice and makes you feel like you're cooking with a friend.
5 Ingredients Mediterranean by Jamie Oliver
After a summer relaxing in Mediterranean paradise, I'm not quite ready to let go of the gorgeous flavours as we head into autumn. If you're looking for simple, delicious recipes that won't break the bank, Jamie Oliver's 5 Ingredients Mediterranean cookbook is a great choice.
As the name suggests, all of the recipes in this book require only 5 main ingredients, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Some of my favourite recipes include the Greek Style Fish Stew, the Smoky Chorizo Salmon, and the Fig and Ricotta Tart.
Yiayia by Anastasia Miari
Autumn is all about comfort food, and what better way to indulge than with some authentic Greek cuisine? Yiayia by Anastasia Miari is a stunning tribute to her grandmother, who passed down recipes and traditions that have been in the family for generations.
This cookbook is perfect for those who want to master the art of Greek cooking from the comfort of their own homes. Between the recipes, photos, and stories, you'll feel like you've been transported to the Mediterranean with every turn of the page.
Baking Made Easy: 100 Fabulous Easy to Bake Recipes by Lorraine Pascale
In Baking Made Easy, patisserie chef Lorraine Pascal shares her foolproof recipes and tips for growing into a confident, talented baker. You may have spotted her similarly named TV series and this recipe book is the perfect accompaniment to make those tv-worthy, photogenic breads, cakes, desserts and plenty more from home.
The recipes are easy to follow, full of fresh inspiration, bold flavours and ideal if you want to turn your cooking or baking skills up a notch. We especially love the new twists on old favourites such as Naughty Mini Toad-in-the-Hole or her Baked Alaska with Champagne Strawberries!
The Sweet Roasting Tin: One Tin Cakes, Cookies & Bakes by Rukmini Iyer
The Sweet Roasting Tin recipe book from Rukmini Iyer is an absolute favourite for simple, tasty and fuss-free bakes.
A combination of moreish treats and mind-blowing flavours make this book such a joy to peruse. We love simplicity and the idea of easy-to-prep, make and bake recipes with great tasting results is a win in our eyes. The cook book also has recipes with perfectly apt flavours for the upcoming autumnal season, such as: Caramel, Apple Chelsea Buns, Peach, Ginger and Almond Crumble and Orange and Hazelnut Cake (all pictured above!).
If the thought of a one tin bake is right up your alley, our Falcon enamelware pie dishes are the ideal staple to use in these recipes. With a variety of sizes in the set, check them out here.
Mary Berry's Baking Bible
Traditional and comforting, Mary Berry’s Baking Bible is our go-to for mouth-watering cake recipes. Filled with 250 recipes, The Baking Bible is comprehensive and covers British bakes such as a classic Victoria Sponge, bread and butter pudding as well as scones and even a heavenly hazelnut meringue cake.
On top of expansive recipe choice, the instructions are easy to follow if you’re a baking novice looking to pick up a whisk for the first time. I’d recommend starting with The Very Best Chocolate Fudge Cake for something truly indulgent to serve up as a dessert or keep as a perfect tea time accompaniment.
More recipes and baking inspiration
If you’re looking to whip up some sweet treats right now, here are a few of our own baking recipes which are easy to follow and simply delicious.
Easy Chocolate Cakes & Bakes Recipe
Demerara Shortbread Biscuits Recipe
Plus check out these delectable looking bakes from a few of our customers and be inspired to get creative with your recipes this season.
Banana bread by Fliss North and chocolate orange loaf by @louise_loves, both displayed on our brass wire cake rack.
These treats look so beautiful and worthy of a star baker award! Homemade meringue nests filled with whipped cream & lemon curd, topped with summer berries and jammie biscuits by @anna__croft.
EmmaMT
I’ve got Mary Berry’s baking bible. Some of the pages open on their own the recipes are used so much. Love that book x