A festive feast: the best Christmas cookbooks
Serve up a series of seasonal delights with these recipe collections
A good cookbook is both a vital ingredient for preparing festive feasts and a great Christmas present for foodies.
Delia Smith, Nigella Lawson and Jamie Oliver are among the celebrated chefs who have penned collections of recipes for seasonal favourites ranging from turkey and pigs in blankets to Christmas pudding and mince pies.
Here, we pick out some of the best Christmas cookbooks on the market.
Delia’s Happy Christmas by Delia Smith
Delia Smith has long been the go-to guide for a stress-free Christmas in the kitchen. In this collection, she shares 150 easy-to-follow recipes along with advice on how to prepare for the big day.
RRP £27; Amazon.co.uk
Nigella Christmas: Food, Family, Friends, Festivities by Nigella Lawson
Nigella has everything you need to make your Christmas extra tasty, from scrumptious cakes and puddings to the main event itself - turkey with all the trimmings, or delicious variations including a vegetarian Christmas dinner.
RRP £26; Amazon.co.uk
Jamie Oliver’s Christmas Cookbook by Jamie Oliver
Jamie’s got you covered with his ultimate festive guide: from mouth-watering classics to tasty veggie alternatives, the TV chef shares recipes that you’ll want to enjoy year after year.
RRP £26; amazon.co.uk
Elizabeth David’s Christmas by Elizabeth David
A timeless new edition of the ultimate festive food book, from one of the most loved and respected British cookery writers of the 20th century. This celebration of traditional dishes and treats contains more than 150 classic Christmas recipes, together with a selection of articles, notes and observations from the Elizabeth David archive.
£14.99; theweekbookshop.co.uk
Christmas with Kim-Joy: A festive collection of edible cuteness by Kim-Joy
Kim-Joy’s baked creations have charmed fans since she made it to the final of the Great British Bake Off in 2018. Following on from her bestselling debut book, Baking with Kim-Joy, she’s now helping fellow baking enthusiasts add quirky twists to their festive treats.
RRP £15; amazon.co.uk
Christmas with Dickens by Pen Vogler
No author is more closely associated with the food of Christmas than Charles Dickens, and with this collection you will be able to recreate classic Victorian dishes and drinks of the season.
£9.99; theweekbookshop.co.uk
Vegan Christmas by Gaz Oakley
Vegans and vegetarians everywhere can have the most indulgent festive season ever with Gaz Oakley’s fantastic alternatives to the trad turkey and trimmings. The “Avant-Garde Vegan” also shares his recipes for mince pies, Pavlova, the traditional Christmas pudding with custard, and even a “cheese” board for afters.
Christmas with Good Housekeeping by Good Housekeeping
The ultimate Christmas cookery companion for every household. Christmas with Good Housekeeping provides 150 recipes, including canapés, starters, vegan and vegetarian options, baked goods, showstopper desserts, edible gifts, and not to forget Christmas lunch with all the trimmings.
£18.99; theweekbookshop.co.uk
ScandiKitchen Christmas by Bronte Aurell
Bronte Aurell of The ScandiKitchen Cafe explains how to celebrate Christmas Scandi-style by sharing with her delicious recipes and fun family traditions.
£16.99; theweekbookshop.co.uk
Fortnum & Mason: Christmas & Other Winter Feasts by Tom Parker Bowles
Capturing the magic and finest festive traditions of Fortnum & Mason, Christmas and Other Winter Feasts gathers together everything you need to enjoy a truly delicious winter.
The Week Bookshop
For more cooking and recipe inspiration, see theweekbookshop.co.uk or speak to a bookseller on 020 3176 3835. Opening times: Monday to Saturday 9am-5.30pm and Sunday 10am-4pm
