5 of my favourite cookbooks

Cookbooks are my jam. I don't even want to count how many I have. I absolutely love buying them, settling down in bed flicking through the pages and rustling something up that looks vaguely like the picture. I am addicted. But these five are my current favourites.

1. Levi Roots Reggae Reggae Cookbook
Caribbean food is up there with one of my favourite cuisines and this cookbook is perfect for beginners. The recipes are so simple to make, ingredients aren't too tricky and everything tastes utterly delicious. I love the fact the book tells you all about Levi Roots and the journey he's made to get to where he is today. The Jamaican Ginger Cake recipe is perfection. Next on my list is the coconut cake and sweet potato pudding. Best start baking!

2. Lola's Forever
Every single recipe in this book looks mouth-watering. I've had a Lola's cupcake before in London so was over the moon when I was kindly treated to this book from the mother. It has every different type of cupcake, tray bake and loaf you can imagine. And then some more. Some recipes are quite time-consuming so it's best to set aside a lot of time for the kitchen. But they always come out perfectly and taste great. The rocky road cupcakes are bookmarked for my next baking session.

3. Mary Berry's Baking Bible
How could I not include the Queen of baking eh? The recipes always use simple, wholesome ingredients - nothing worse then wondering where the hell to get certain bits and pieces - and Mary always break down exactly what you need to do perfectly so there's not room for error on your part. She has everything covered. The cakes aren't anything too fancy but they're old favourites and always hit the spot. The Frosted Walnut Layer Cake has been calling my name for a while!

4. Jamie's Ministry of Food
I have a soft spot for Jamie Oliver but sometimes he gets a bit too fussy and includes recipes that take forever. That's ok on a lazy Sunday but who has time for that midweek when you feel like your stomach is about it eat itself? This is an oldie but a goodie. It's got some great British classics and lots of hints and tips to help you get to know your way around a kitchen. It's a fantastic option for those who are just starting to experiment. I still can't believe I haven't made the Baked Camembert Pasta. I'm slacking.

5. The Hairy Bikers' family Cookbook Mums Know Best
I wish I could employ the Hairy Bikers to be my full time cooks. These men are my heroes! They always create such hearty dishes with a slight twist to help keep them feeling fresh. After all, how many times can you have Shepherd's Pie eh? This one features all different types of cuisines but they all have a slight British twist to them which means they'll suit even the fussiest of eaters. Nothing to too intense. The cheesy cottage pie is such a crowd pleaser and always gets a nod of approval from guests. I think the curried salmon will be my next dish I tackle!

What are your favourite cookbooks? I'm always after suggestions! 

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A few favourites #2

Mary Berry Baking Bible
I was very kindly given this by my sister-in-law for Christmas. I just adore Mary Berry - she's such a babe and whenever I follow her recipes I always have such incredibly tasting cakes. Admittedly I haven't made anything out of this yet as I've just not had time to think since the festive period. But things should calm down soon and I have the cheese straws and Swiss Roll at the top of list of things to bake.

Matalan Pink Initial Scarf
My mum bought my dad his own version of this scarf just before Christmas and kindly treated me too when I expressed an interest. I love things with my initial/name and I kind of feel a little like High School Musical in it. It's very warm and the £10 goes straight to Alder Hey charity. Not only do you look good but you do a good deed at the same time!

Topshop Forest Green Tunic
I've been on the hunt for suitable tops for jeans for what feels like my whole life. Okay slight exaggeration there... But in an era of crop tops, they're like a needle in a haystack. I'm quite fussy and like tops to cover my bum and to be long and flowing.  Thankfully Topshop have come up trumps with this tunic. I love the colour and it skims perfectly past my rather large booty - winner all round! I might have to get it in the oxblood colour too.

No7 Pop and Glow Cream Blush Stick
I bought this with a No7 voucher, used it once and then popped it in my make up drawer and promptly forgot all about it. Fast forward to a day where I was determined to finally get a hold on my mountain of stuff - never did - and I came across it. Since then it's barely left my cheeks. Although the colour looks a touch scary, it's the perfect shade to build to your tastes and has great staying power. I'd love to try other shades in the range.

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Laquer Big Bang
Over the last few months I can seem to get enough of a red lip and this is one of the top contenders that I reach for. It can be a little tricky to apply as it's so easy to be heavy handed with it. A lip liner might help to keep it under control. But it really does pack a punch.

Enrapture Totem Styler 
I asked for this a few birthday's ago when it reached the dizzy heights of the blogger hype. Everyone and their dog seems to have one. Again it had been pushed to one side for a good few months - sense a theme? I need to detox my room. But I picked it up before Christmas and instantly remembered how much I loved it. I adore the fact you can adjust the curl depending on your mood and it really does lasts on my dreaded heavy hair. Perfect!

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