Quadrille
Buy online at guardianbookshop.co.uk
Tired of turkey? If you’re not now, you will be shortly and John Torode's book is the perfect antidote. It contains absolutely everything you need to know about cooking cow, with amazingly delicious recipes for roasts, casseroles, pies and steaks. The jacket even folds out for a chart of the different cuts.
Perfect for: The macho cook Photograph: PR
Ebury Press
Buy online at guardianbookshop.co.uk
This has been our bestseller this year. It's full of delicious salads, main courses and baking - much of which can be done ahead of time. The meringue recipe alone makes it worth the cover price. Strong flavours and interesting combinations make this a winner
Perfect for: The modern entertainer Photograph: PR
Ebury Press
Buy online at guardianbookshop.co.uk
A passionate collection of recipes for sustainable seafood, from simple suppers to sophisticated entertaining.
Perfect for: Fishermen (and women) Photograph: PR
Random House
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This is the book we all need to see us safely through the festive season. You can't beat Nigella for glitter and sparkle, and she is the perfect guide to making Christmas special
Perfect for: Domestic gods and goddesses Photograph: PR
Food Creations
Buy online at amazon.co.uk
If you're eating out less these days, it doesn't mean you are condemned to beans on toast. Franck Pontais's book will give your next dinner party the wow factor. Verrines are little layered glasses of intense flavour which look fabulous and are perfect as starters or canapés.
Perfect for: The hostess with the mostest Photograph: PR
Simon & Shuster
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The thinking cook's writer looks at the emotions evoked by seasons and how these shape our food cravings. Whether it is the toasty smells of autumn in sole beurre noisette or early summer's sweet floral notes, you’ll be able to cook through the year with Sybil.
Perfect for: Grow-your-own fans Photograph: PR
Murdoch
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Sumptuously produced with gold-edged pages, flowing italics and carnival-inspired photographs, this is the next best thing to going to Venice for Christmas. Tessa is a master at getting beneath the skin of a place and she brings out the true flavour of Venice.
Perfect for: Old-fashioned romantics Photograph: PR
Mabecron Books
Buy online at guardianbookshop.co.uk
This sweet little book is the perfect stocking filler. Charmingly illustrated, it includes the history and lore of pasties and pasty-eating along with heaps of recipes from Cornwall and beyond. Lindsey Bareham beautifully illuminates a national treasure
Perfect for: Regional food fans Photograph: PR
Phaidon Press
Buy online at amazon.co.uk
Gain an insight into the world of El Bulli, arguably the world's leading restaurant, with this beautifully produced book. It includes a photomontage that takes the reader through a day at the restaurant, plus background on Ferran Adria’s methods and a selection of recipes
Perfect for: The committed foodie Photograph: PR
Quiller Press
Buy online at guardianbookshop.co.uk
Another charmingly quirky volume, this little book tells you everything you need to know about smoked fish. You have not lived until you have tasted the taramasalata recipe - you will never pick up one of those lurid pink pots from the supermarket again
Perfect for: The cook who has everything Photograph: PR
