Bake Me I’m Yours by various authors, three softback books in a hard case, published by D&C. ISBN 978-0-7153-3639-7, price 14.99 from www.davidandcharles.co.uk

Who said bad things come in threes? This is good things in triplicate. A fabulous collection of three cookery books that you will always want on hand. My favourite is Chocolate by Tracey Mann, but Cupcakes by Joan and Graham Belgrave and Cookie by Lindy Smith are close seconds. Each one is also available as a separate book. Full of wonderful recipes, lavishly photographed, you’ll want to eat the heart out of each of these. Instructions are easy to follow and some templates are included in the Cookie book. These would also make a super gift that is very reasonably priced for a total of over 225 recipes.

Fruits of the Earth by Gloria Nicol, hardback published by Cico Books. ISBN 978-1-906525-26-2, price 14.99 from www.cicobooks.com

This book is absolutely jammy. I know I shall never need another jam recipe book. Yes there is raspberry and other single fruits, but it’s the mixtures of fruits that makes this book. What about fig jam, green tomato jam, pumpkin and vanilla. Then there are the curds, always been partial to curds, but I never knew there was anything but lemon curd – until now. What about pickled damsons or pear chutney. My mouth watered with every page turn. I am a convert – weekends are now for jam making. If you have not already got this book, buy it now.

Sweet and Simple Party Cakes by May Clee-Cadman, softback published by D&C. ISBN 978-0-7153-2687-9, price 14.99 from www.davidandcharles.co.uk

Aimed at the beginner, these simple cakes are stunningly beautiful. Anyone presented with one of these would be over the moon. Good basic recipes to build on, excellent instructions and fabulous photography. Not being immensely confident with sugarcrafting skills, I found this book a real boon.

Cakes by Rachel Lane and Carla Bardi, hardback published by Apple Press. ISBN 978-1-84543-431-3, price 16.99 from www.apple-press.com

I am not sure this book should be allowed for I am certain I am going to get very fat. I doubt that I have ever seen a more sumptuous cake book and a small part of me wishes I had not seen this one. However 99 per cent of me is glad it is in my possession, and I won’t let anyone take it from me. I want to make almost all the recipes and eat them straightaway. Ok, I’ll share if I must. It’s a truly scrumptious book, delightfully photographed (challenging recipes have step-by-step instructions) and I can almost smell the delicious cakes in the oven just staring at the pages. It even includes gluten-free cakes and other dietary considerations in the huge number of over 250 recipes. Yes, you can have your cake and eat it.

The Help Yourself (and others) Cook Book by Dawn Waldron, softback published by Search Press. ISBN 978-1-84448-559-8, price 4.99 from www.searchpress.com

This is not a cook book to gloat over, there are no lavish illustrations to make your mouth water. There’s some great recipes and information with sound eating principles in this little book. Every book sold will help children in Ghana, so this book has a noble cause. The principles behind the book promote the ideas of less plastic, real food and so the less glitz in the production of the book fits in nicely.

The Vegan Scoop by Wheeler del Torro, softback published by Fair Winds Press in the USA. ISBN 978-1-59233-392-9, price 12.99 in the UK, available from www.fairwindspress.com

Wow, this is a delicious book full of yummy ice cream that is vegan. Healthier than the dairy alternative, you should quickly get hooked on these ice-creams. My only complaint is that as the recipes are all based on the same ingredients with just the flavourings being different, I was unsure of the need to repeat the basic recipe each time. Well worth experimenting with this book and coming up with some favourite personal recipes too. 238 pages of clearly designed recipes that are easy to follow accompanied by pics of the mouth-watering ice-creams.

Just as luscious to look at and cook from as the companion book on fruit that I have also reviewed. Just like that book too, this book is informative on vegetables – a talking point at dinner. This is not a vegetarian book as some of the recipes use meat or meat stock fo

r example, but the essence of the book is vegetable recipes and no vegetarian should miss out on this. Try chilli jam, zucchini patties, French shallot tatin or sweet potato filo pie. These are some of the delights found in this book that is filled with delicious recipes. Make sure you have the fruit companion book on hand to create an equally delicious dessert.  For guests or everyday, I would recommend this book.

Cooking From the Market Fruit, softback published by Murdoch Books. ISBN 978-1-7419-6545-2, price 9.99 from www.murdochbooks.co.uk

The cover of this luscious book should make your mo

uth water – if it doesn’t – you are already dead. Inside there are equally tantalising photos to tickle your taste buds. So do the recipes live up to the standard set by the photos?

I believe so – heartwarming recipes for wintry days, succulent fruits to clean the palette. Strictly no calorie counters allowed. This book does not give information on calorific value or fibre, fats etc. Mainly sweet dishes but there are some savoury dishes too. This book has such wonderful recipes like sweet grape flat bread and classics such as cherry clafoutis. I have to cut this short – I’m going to cook. Before I go, have I mentioned that this book is also a little potted history of fruit, so you will be armed with lots of knowledge too – something to talk about over pudding. I think you are going to like this 192 page book, not a little but a lot.

Sugar Animals by Frances Mc Naughton, softback published by Search Press. ISBN 978-1-84448-478-2, price 4.99 from www.searchpress.com

In the Twenty-to-Make series, this book includes twenty sweet little sugar animals to make. Made with sugar paste, the majority of the animals are easy enough for complete beginners. Clear instructions are given for each project in this all-colour 48 page book.

Homemade Gifts by Nicki Trench, hardback published by C&B. ISBN 978-1-84340-533-3, price 9.99 from www.anovabooks.ocm

Be a creative homemaker – here is a collection of recipes and patterns for those who feel that home is where the heart is. Family makes include a children’s top, fingerless mittens, egg cosies and bags. Recipes include cookies and cakes. This 96 page books has a timeless classic quality feel to it.