New releases, hidden gems and the classic must reads you shouldn’t miss
This week’s selection brings together summer cooking, nostalgic comfort, bold storytelling and a deep dive into the outdoors. If you are planning long lunches, dreaming of easier dinners or simply want a book that brings joy, flavour and inspiration, these five new reads are a perfect place to start.
Sunshine, Lemons and Sea Salt – Donna Hay
Donna Hay’s newest cookbook feels like summer captured page by page. It is vibrant, beautifully styled and built around complete menu plans, which makes it ideal for planning effortless barbecues, alfresco lunches and Christmas entertaining. The structure is a standout feature, guiding you through cohesive meals that look impressive without the stress of juggling multiple recipes.
Her dishes strike that classic Donna Hay balance between simplicity and impact. I have already made her ‘Everyone’s Favourite Fluffy Chocolate Cake’ and the ‘Ginger Tonic’ from this collection and can highly recommend both. The cake is shockingly light, and decadent and the tonic is bright, refreshing and exactly the kind of drink that belongs in your summer rotation. These are the sorts of recipes that become instant regulars in your kitchen.
This book feels like an invitation to slow down, savour the sunshine and cook for people you love. For anyone hosting over summer or searching for fresh inspiration for the festive season, it is the companion you want on your bench.
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Mary 90 My Very Best Recipes – Mary Berry
Mary Berry’s newest release celebrates her remarkable ninetieth year with a collection of recipes that have shaped her career. It mixes nostalgic favourites with fresh additions, all presented with her unmistakable warmth. Her voice is steady and reassuring and her approach remains grounded in simple, good food made well.
These pages feel like an afternoon spent in the kitchen with someone who has spent a lifetime perfecting the basics. There are recipes for everyday meals, special celebrations and comforting classics. Nothing is overcomplicated and every dish feels achievable. This is the kind of cookbook that earns a permanent place within easy reach.
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The Anthony Bourdain Reader
This anthology brings together a wide range of Anthony Bourdain’s writing from sharp, funny reflections on kitchen life to evocative travel essays and cultural commentary. It captures his restless curiosity and his ability to observe the world with honesty, irreverence and surprising tenderness.
Reading his work in this format is a reminder of how powerful his voice was. The pieces move across locations, moods and time periods yet remain cohesive because everything is anchored by his perspective. It is gritty and thoughtful and full of the vibrant, lived in language that made him so widely admired. It is a book to linger over, revisit and enjoy in quiet moments.
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The Shortcut Queen – Chrissie Swan
Chrissie Swan brings her practical, relatable style to this bright and friendly cookbook designed for real life. The focus is on simple techniques, time saving ideas and food that tastes good without needing hours in the kitchen. The recipes cover weeknight meals, brunches, snacks and clever shortcuts that make every day cooking feel lighter.
Her tone is warm and conversational, making the book feel more like a chat with a friend than a formal set of instructions. The recipes are straightforward, colourful and easy to adapt. It is a refreshing reminder that good food does not need to be complicated to be satisfying.
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Gone Bush – Tom Forrest
Gone Bush is a celebration of Australian outdoor cooking. Tom Forrest blends campfire techniques, big flavour and a sense of adventure into a cookbook that feels both rustic and modern. The recipes work outdoors or at home and they carry the unmistakable spirit of the bush.
The writing is enthusiastic and generous, and it captures the joy of slowing down and cooking over fire. Whether you have a fire pit, enjoy caravanning or want to bring a bit of outback character into your kitchen, this book offers plenty of inspiration. It has heart, humour and a deep appreciation for simple ingredients treated well.
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