Essex's answer to Escoffier returns home for his 14th book. Jamie's Great Britain ($65; Penguin) is probably Mr Oliver's best. Mercifully less laddish in tone, it features finessed versions of local favourites from curried roast chicken to a haggis-based shepherd's pie. Oliver's "humble pea and ham soup" (more of a stew) looks equally tempting, but why use butter rather than beef suet in the dumplings?
- Chris Hurst, The Independent
Spanish memories
Miguel Maestre may live in Australia but his heart is most definitely in the land of his childhood, Spain. The respected television chef brings together in Spanish Cooking ($59.99; New Holland) a wonderful selection of recipes that reflect Spain's vast size and therefore the regional differences in flavours and techniques. If you love Spain, you will love this book filled with personal tales from Maestre and humble, simple food that draws on traditional techniques and authentic ingredients.
- Amanda Linnell
Sicilian flavours
Giorgio Locatelli's Made in Sicily ($69; Harper Collins) is not so much a coda to his monumental Made in Italy as a rich and distinctive sequel, like the island itself. In his intelligent, evocative introductions, Locatelli unfolds a cuisine seasoned with agrodolce (sweet and sour) Arabic influences - pasta with sardines, sultanas and pinenuts, rice pudding with candied peel. Most dishes, such as warm octopus salad or pasta with cubed swordfish, are feasible here.
- Chris Hurst, The Independent
