After two long months of battling soggy bottoms and impressing Paul and Prue, we’ve reached the final three: a trio of star bakers set to go head-to-head in the famous white tent for the right to be crowned Britain’s Best Amateur Baker.
To celebrate the final of The Great British Bake Off, we’re serving up the best books to make your mouth water. Whether you want to have a crack at being the next Nadiya Hussain, or are just looking for a great read to accompany your tea and biscuit break, here are our recommendations for a rumbling stomach…
Peter Bakes – Peter Sawkins (Black & White Publishing)
A man with the Prue Leigh seal of approval and more Hollywood handshakes than you can shake a baguette at, Peter Sawkins is the Great British Bake Off’s youngest ever champion, and the baker this year’s contestants aspire to be. His debut cookbook provides recipes for over a hundred easy-to-follow bakes – and is careful to cater for the gluten-free cook too. A book you’ll turn to again and again.
The Woman Who Wanted More – Vicky Zimmerman (Zaffre)
When Kate Parker – life and relationship unravelling – volunteers at a local retirement home, she finds a kindred spirit in the sharp-tongued and ninety-seven-years-young Cecily Finn. Cecily hands over a self-help recipe book, sending Kate on a transformative culinary odyssey. A foodie’s paradise loaded with friendship and feasting – and a wise and warming book that packs plenty of bite.
I Really Want The Cake – Simon Philip and illustrated by Lucia Gaggiotti (Templar Books)
We’ve all been there… Passing through the kitchen as the irresistible scent of a freshly baked cake wafts up our nose and practically begs us to start cutting the biggest slice we can. How are you supposed to resist?! Written in rhyme and beautifully illustrated throughout, this wonderfully witty novel about temptation will leave you belly laughing (even as your stomach rumbles!).
The Hebridean Baker – Coinneach MacLeod (Black & White Publishing)
The Hebridean Baker serves up hearty homemade bakes interspersed with loving vignettes of island life and windswept walks with his faithful four-legged friend Seòras. From Heilan’ Coo Cupcakes to Granny Annag’s Christmas Cake, the charismatic Coinneach MacLeod details the small bakes with simplest of ingredients that will unleash your inner Scot. Comfort food in a wild setting.
Monster Doughnuts – Gianna Pollero and illustrated by Sarah Horne (Piccadilly Press)
Ten-year-old Grace is a monster hunter. She has a special weapon up her sleeve: the delightful doughnuts and cookies that beasts of all kinds find simply impossible to resist – chomping away until Grace can defeat them! But can she get the better of her biggest test yet: the people-eating cyclops Mr Harris? A deliciously funny series from a new talent rising faster than a Yorkshire pudding.
The Real Greek – Tonia Buxton (Blink Publishing)
The nights are closing in, there’s a chill in the air, and the Great British winter is on its way. Most of us would rather be luxuriating on a Greek island beach. This book provides the next best thing: a comprehensive guide to creating restaurant-standard meals – from meze dishes to sumptuous lamb kleftiko feasts – that will cast out the cold and put a slice of Greek sunshine onto your plates.
Max’s Sandwich Book – Max Halley and Ben Benton (535)
Sometimes, all you need is a sandwich. Forgot Michelin stars, small plates and fine dining: Max Halley and Ben Benton are on hand to show you how to elevate the simple sandwich to elite meal. From variations on classic combinations to ingenious new creations, this book is a tribute to the greatest thing since sliced bread, and an expert guide that will forever transform your approach to the humblest of meals.
