Celebrate Read a Book Day with a Feast of Culinary Inspiration

Celebrate Read a Book Day with a Feast of Culinary Inspiration

Every year on 6th September, book lovers across the globe celebrate Read a Book Day. 

It’s the perfect excuse to curl up with a favourite title, discover something new, or finally open that book that’s been sitting on your shelf for months. 

While novels and biographies may get most of the attention, this year why not take the opportunity to explore a different kind of book—one that feeds both your mind and your stomach?

Culinary books and recipe collections have long been treasured companions in the kitchen, inspiring generations of cooks and capturing the flavours of cultures near and far. They’re not just manuals on how to prepare food—they’re windows into history, culture, creativity, and tradition.

Why Culinary Books Belong in Your Reading List

A Blend of Story and Flavour – The best recipe books don’t just tell you how to cook; they tell you why. Many are filled with personal anecdotes, regional histories, and cultural insights that enrich your understanding of the dishes.

Food as a Universal Language – Exploring culinary books is like travelling the world without leaving your home. From the spice markets of India to the pastry shops of Paris, each recipe book takes you on a journey.

Practical and Rewarding – Unlike most books, culinary titles give you something tangible to enjoy when you turn the page: a finished dish that you can share with friends or family.

Modern Favourites Worth Tasting

Ottolenghi Simple by Yotam Ottolenghi – Fresh, vibrant recipes with bold Middle Eastern flavours made approachable.

The Green Roasting Tin by Rukmini Iyer – A collection of fuss-free one-pan meals perfect for busy weeknights.

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat – More than a recipe book, this is a masterclass in the fundamentals of cooking.

The Book of St John by Fergus Henderson & Trevor Gulliver – A celebration of nose-to-tail eating and classic British cooking.

A Nod to the Classics

Let’s not forget the timeless cookbooks that changed the way we approach food:

Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management (1861), which shaped Victorian kitchens.

Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child, a landmark in bringing French cuisine to English-speaking audiences.

How to Mark Read a Book Day with Food

Cook a recipe you’ve never tried – Challenge yourself to explore a new cuisine.

Share the experience – Invite friends or family to join you in cooking a meal inspired by a favourite cookbook.

Read between the recipes – Take time to enjoy the author’s introductions, stories, and tips.

Start a food journal – Record your own notes, adaptations, and memories alongside recipes, turning your cooking into a personal story.

On this Read a Book Day, why not let your next culinary adventure begin with the turn of a page? Whether you’re baking bread, simmering a curry, or exploring forgotten family recipes, a good cookbook can provide both inspiration and comfort. After all, food—like books—is meant to be shared.

How to Write a Family Recipe Book and Have It Professionally Printed

Step 1: Collect Recipes from Family Members

Ask around: Reach out to parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins for their favourite recipes.

Record details: Note ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cooking times, and serving suggestions.

Include memories: Ask family members to share stories about the recipes—where it came from, who made it best, or which occasions it was served on.

Step 2: Organise the Recipes

Choose categories: e.g. Starters, Mains, Desserts, Baking, Holiday Dishes, Comfort Food.

Group by family member or generation if your focus is on preserving heritage.

Include an index so recipes are easy to find.

Step 3: Test and Edit

Make each recipe if you're unsure about quantities or steps.

Standardise measurements using either metric or imperial—choose one for consistency.

Proofread carefully—check for typos, unclear steps, or missing ingredients.

Step 4: Add Personal Touches

Photos: Include pictures of the dishes, family members cooking, or past holiday gatherings.

Stories: Write short intros to each recipe with memories or origin stories.

Tips and tricks: Add little handwritten notes, substitutions, or 'secret ingredients'.

Step 5: Design the Layout

You can:

Use templates from programmes like Canva, Adobe InDesign, or Microsoft Word.

Hire a designer via platforms like Fiverr or Upwork for a polished look.

Include a dedication page, table of contents, and family tree if you wish.

Step 6: Choose a Printing Option

Here are popular UK-friendly options:

Blurb (blurb.co.uk) – Offers cookbook-specific templates and small-batch printing.

Mixam (mixam.co.uk) – Known for high-quality print and reasonable prices.

Photobox – More image-focused, great for photo-heavy books.

Local printers – If you want to support a nearby business and see paper samples in person.

Choose:

Binding: Spiral (great for kitchen use) or hardcover (for heirloom appeal).

Paper type: Opt for matt or silk finish to resist smudges in the kitchen.

Step 7: Print and Share

Order copies for family members.

Consider gifting the book at Christmas, birthdays, weddings, or family reunions.

If there's wider interest, you can even sell it through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing or Etsy.

Bonus Ideas

Add a QR code to video clips of family members making the recipes.

Include a “Your Notes” section so people can personalise each recipe.

Create a digital version (PDF or e-book) for tech-savvy relatives.

How Restaurants, Hotels, and Pubs Can Achieve Fame with a Dedicated Cookery Book or Guidebook

In an era where storytelling and personalisation reign supreme, restaurants, hotels, and pubs have a unique opportunity to stand out by crafting their own dedicated cookery books or guidebooks. 

Such publications not only serve as a testament to their culinary or cultural excellence but also create lasting connections with patrons. 

Here’s how your establishment can achieve fame by venturing into the world of publishing and we share some practical steps to bring your vision to life.

Why Publish a Cookery Book or Guidebook?

Enhance Brand Identity: A well-crafted book embodies the essence of your establishment. It tells your story, highlights your values, and showcases your unique offerings.

Build Customer Loyalty: Guests appreciate being able to recreate their favourite dishes or relive their experiences at home. A guidebook keeps your brand present in their daily lives. And they can share the book with family or friends.

Create Additional Revenue Streams: Selling your book on-site, online, or through retail outlets provides an extra source of income.

Attract Publicity: A distinctive book can generate buzz, attract media coverage, and position your establishment as a trendsetter.

Preserve Your Legacy: For long-standing establishments, a book is a tangible way to document history and celebrate milestones.

Steps to Creating Your Own Cookery Book or Guidebook

Define Your Vision

Decide on the purpose of the book: Will it be a collection of recipes, a travelogue of your region, or a combination of both? Perhaps you can include the history of your establishment? 

Identify your target audience. Are you appealing to food enthusiasts, tourists, or locals?

Collaborate with a Ghostwriter

A skilled ghostwriter can transform your ideas into engaging prose. Look for professionals with experience in food writing or travel guides.

To find a ghostwriter:

Use specialised platforms like Reedsy or The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain.

Seek recommendations from industry peers or literary agents.

Post detailed job descriptions on freelance websites such as Upwork or Fiverr.

Ensure the ghostwriter captures your establishment’s voice and ethos.

Engage a Designer

A visually stunning book is essential. Invest in a professional designer to create layouts, choose fonts, and incorporate imagery that reflects your brand.

Look for designers with a portfolio of similar projects on platforms like Behance or Dribbble.

Collaborate closely to ensure the design aligns with your vision.

Source High-Quality Photography

Exceptional photography is crucial, especially for cookery books. Hire a food or lifestyle photographer to capture your dishes, interiors, and surroundings.

Ensure the photos are styled to evoke the mood and character of your establishment.

Work with a Printer

Choose a printing service known for producing high-quality books. Look for options that offer:

Eco-friendly materials.

Flexible print runs (small or large quantities).

Customisation options like embossed covers or unique paper finishes.

In the UK, companies such as CPI Books or Pureprint Group are excellent choices.

Plan Distribution

Sell the book in your establishment, on your website, and through online retailers like Amazon.

Partner with local shops, bookshops, or tourist centres to expand your reach.

Offer signed copies or limited editions for added appeal.

Marketing Your Publication

Host a Launch Event: Celebrate the book’s release with a special event at your venue. Include live cooking demonstrations, book signings, or themed tastings.

Leverage Social Media: Share behind-the-scenes content, such as the making of the book, on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Collaborate with Influencers: Send copies to food bloggers, travel writers, and influencers to generate reviews and buzz.

Pitch to Media Outlets: Reach out to local and national media with press releases and sample copies.

A Legacy in Print

Creating a cookery book or guidebook is more than just a business venture; it’s a way to immortalise the spirit of your establishment. 

With the right team of ghostwriters, designers, and printers, you can craft a publication that not only brings fame but also deepens the connection with your patrons. Start your journey today and let your story shine through the pages.

https://reedsy.com

https://writersguild.org.uk

https://www.upwork.com

https://pro.fiverr.com

https://www.behance.net

https://dribbble.com

https://www.cpi-print.co.uk

https://www.pureprint.com

15 Minute Indian by Anjula Devi Published 13th February 2025

This is fast, fresh & flavoursome, the game-changing way to cook Indian food!

Armed with a treasure-trove of recipes, Anjula Devi passionately believes Indian food should be accessible to everyone and very easy to replicate at home.

Her new book 15-Minute Indian teaches you the game-changing way to eat fresh and flavoursome Indian food. 

Each recipe takes less than 15 minutes to make and is cooked in one pan using minimal steps and ingredients. 

With in excess of 90 fuss-free recipes you'll be amazed at what you can achieve in the time. 

Cook healthy midweek meals from scratch such as:

Salmon with Fenugreek and Ginger

Tangy Chickpeas with Fresh Fennel

Sweet and Tart Aubergines

Garlic and Chilli Paneer

There are chapters for legumes, veggies, fish, potatoes and breads, so you can also combine dishes to create a sumptuous feast without spending a day in the kitchen. You'll find short ingredients lists, straightforward methods and genuinely quick recipes.

What's more, the clever short-sharp-cooking method releases the spices in a way that adds a whole new level of fresh flavours and textures - a completely different, achievable way to enjoy Indian food.

Lighter, fresher and full of goodness, 15-Minute Indian contains no-sweat recipes you'll turn to again and again – a must-have for the modern cook.     

Anjula Devi is a successful content creator, cookery school founder and consultant chef for Manchester United. Her earliest memories are of sitting on the floor at her father's feet, grinding and pounding spices, cooking vegetables on a makeshift tandoor. 

Her father was a culinary genius, creating perfectly balanced dishes that are part of Anjula's DNA and inspire her work every day. This deep love of creating authentic traditional Indian food led Anjula to perfect her own unique, simple method for cooking healthy Indian food in minutes in order to make it as accessible as possible for everyone. 

At over 60 years old, Anjula attributes her youthful appearance to the food that she eats, the spice combinations used and their natural health powers.

Munch Lunch & Dinner, Your New Kitchen Essential

Munch Lunch & Dinner will help you gain more confidence in the kitchen. It’s a new cook book that's packed with easy-to-follow, delicious meals. 

Discover how you can turn low-cost and easy to find ingredients into delicious and nutritious dishes.

We live in a world full of celebrity chefs, social media and aspirational cooking and it's all too easy to be overwhelmed by all the conflicting information that bombards us from all sides. 

One minute we're told to cook seasonably and shop locally and the next we're advised to hunt down unusual, exotic ingredients that probably go past their use by date before we ever need to use them again. 

But Munch Lunch & Dinner cuts through all this noise. Every single recipe uses ingredients that can be found in your store cupboard or a local supermarket. You won’t need any specialist equipment either, most of the recipes use only one saucepan. There are clear guides on how to shop and chop meat, fish and vegetables and how to substitute expensive ingredients without sacrificing taste. 

Munch CIC is passionate about fighting health inequalities, empowering communities, and helping individuals make healthy changes and learn about sustainable nutrition. The book was born out of Munch Community Cooking workshops and courses which they run to help people develop the skills and confidence they need to cook from scratch. 

Munch Lunch and Dinner was designed as a take home tool for the low income and disadvantaged groups they regularly work with. However, they realised many more people would benefit from their back-to-basics approach to home cooking and meal planning.

This cookbook is more than just recipes. It guides you through stocking your cupboards with versatile ingredients and batch cooking meals for future use. There are also tips for reducing waste and making your food go further by utilising leftovers. Throughout the book there is nutritional information and advice about eating sustainably including great ways to introduce more plants into your diet.

Mary Louise Needham-Carlton, is a Director of Munch CIC and author of Munch Lunch & Dinner. On releasing her first cookbook she said: “It’s really exciting to potentially be able help more people access good healthy food and learn about sustainable nutrition. Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated! We hope this book will be a useful guide for new cooks as well as a go-to for experienced cooks, for new ideas for quick mid-week meals. Plus, all profits help individuals and children at are Cooking Clubs learn valuable life skills, which is what we love more than anything here at Munch!”

The book is available to buy from the Munch website, munchcic.co.uk and online via Amazon. Priced at £21.99 hardback and £14.99 paperback. What’s more, the profit from every two books sold buys one space for someone to attend the Munch community cooking groups. These groups help children and individuals build a healthier relationship with food. Production of the book was supported by Winchester City Council.