Taryn Das NevesA Cook’s Tour of France (Hardie Grant, R350) With 22 cookbooks under his belt, French chef Gabriel Gaté certainly knows his country’s cuisine. And this book is no exception: a culinary trip through the towns, cities and countryside of France. These rustic recipes are perfect to fill winter evenings – stews, casseroles and gratins. Highlight: With pages printed in sepia or black and white, it’s a romantic tour de France. Available at Exclusive Books.

Taryn Das NevesEasy Cooking from Nina’s Kitchen (Random House Struik, R210) SA’s winner of Blogger of the Year Award from Eat In magazine 2012, Nina Timm’s blog, my-easy-cooking.com, has made her a local, household foodie name. Her first cookbook captures her essential style – easy, everyday cooking for everyone. The drunken lamb shanks made with beer are the perfect winter warmer. Highlight: Nina’s individual mini braais made in clay plant pots so every dinner guest can cook their rump steak to perfection. Genius! Available at Exclusive Books.

Taryn Das NevesThe food of Vietnam (Hardie Grant, R740) Australian chef Luke Nguyen has produced an evocative tribute to his heritage. Filled with typical ingredients, like fish sauce, as well as fresh exotics, such as lotus flower and dragon fruit, The Food of Vietnam is an all-encompassing tome. Think salt and pepper tiger prawns or pork ribs braised in young coconut juice. Highlight: This immense cookbook is as enlightening as it is delicious. Available at Exclusive Books.

Taryn Das NevesNo-Bake Baking (Quercus, R391) Filled with over 100 delicious treats to whip up in an instant – no oven needed! From an upside-down and inside-out peanut butter cheesecake bombe, Snickers ice-cream cake to white chocolate and pistachio tiramisu, the recipes are simple and easy-to-follow creations for all types of parties and celebrations. Highlight: Even power outages can’t stop your weekend baking plans! Available at Exclusive Books.