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5 best Christmas-themed cookbooks

by Lottie Huckle

published on 31 October 2023

Want to cook your best ever Christmas feast this year? Get inspiration and essential tips on everything from the perfect roast turkey to Christmas party canapes with our top 5 books on festive cookery.

Jamie Oliver’s Christmas Cookbook

Jamie Oliver’s definitive Christmas cookbook is packed with everything from inventive starters to showstopping desserts to inspired uses for leftovers. A comprehensive, exciting collection of festive recipes from an author who embodies the spirit of Christmas, it also features many of the recipes from Jamie’s Christmas specials on Channel 4.

Get a taste of the book with… Jamie’s Christmas PuddingRed Cabbage Crispy Smoked Bacon & Rosemary, Apple, Fennel Seeds & Balsamic and Turkey Sloppy Joes

The Great British Bake Off: Christmas

by Lizzie Kamenetzky

Indulge in some sweet and savoury baking this Christmas with one of our favourite festive cookbooks. With countdown recipes loaded with anticipation, gifts and decorations, and a plethora of sweet and savoury entertaining recipes, this book has all you’ll need to bake your way through the Christmas period. 

Get a taste of the book with… Gingerbread Nativity, Baked Christmas Ham and Edd’s Spiced Chocolate Bundt Cake

Nigella Christmas

Enjoy Christmas Nigella-style this year with Nigella’s complete Christmas cookbook. This book is an easy, approachable guide to cooking Christmas food your way. Whether you’re after a traditional affair, a Christmas brunch or even an American-style feast, Nigella’s versatile cookbook has a collection of recipes for each occasion. Plus check out the Dr. Lawson Prescribes section, for restorative recipes to help you keep your head through the festive season. 

Get a taste of the book with… Prodigious Pavlova, Christmas Salad and Nigella’s Traditional Christmas Cake.

Primrose Bakery Christmas

by Martha Swift

Make Christmas extra sweet this year with help from London institution, the Primrose Bakery. Whether you’re looking for edible gift inspiration, to cater for free-from diets or just to enjoy creating magical bakes this Christmas, Primrose’s festive collection will have you covered. It even has a couple of dog-friendly recipes so you can make sure everyone has a gift waiting for them under the tree. 

Get a taste of the book with… Mulled Wine Cupcakes, Salted Caramel Cheesecake and Eggnog Cupcakes.

Delia Smith's Christmas

Delia Smith’s Christmas

You’ll be in safe hands this Christmas if you plump for Delia’s Happy Christmas. This book is a comprehensive guide to cooking your way through the holiday season, from making ‘The Plan’ all the way down to recipes for the last 36 hours, leftovers and Hogmanay. For traditional tastes, this cookbook is a must and you’re sure to find it a dependable addition to your bookshelf.

Get a taste of the book with… Traditional Roast Turkey and Traditional Pork, Sage & Onion Stuffing.

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