"My current favourite is Diana Henry's From the Oven to the Table, which has so many interesting comfort cooking recipes in it that it has seen me through a winter of lockdown. Now that the sun's out I'll be moving onto Lola's Ice Creams and Sundaes" says Anna, who regrets getting rid of half her collection when she moved house."My current favourite is Diana Henry's From the Oven to the Table, which has so many interesting comfort cooking recipes in it that it has seen me through a winter of lockdown. Now that the sun's out I'll be moving onto Lola's Ice Creams and Sundaes" says Anna, who regrets getting rid of half her collection when she moved house.
"My current favourite is Diana Henry's From the Oven to the Table, which has so many interesting comfort cooking recipes in it that it has seen me through a winter of lockdown. Now that the sun's out I'll be moving onto Lola's Ice Creams and Sundaes" says Anna, who regrets getting rid of half her collection when she moved house.

Scottish chefs and food lovers show us their cookbook shelves in time for World Book Day

We take a sneak peek at their collections
By Gaby Soutar
Published 25th Feb 2021, 16:45 BST

When we asked our foodie pals to show us their bookcases, in time for World Book Day (March 4), we were impressed by their vast libraries.

Some people pile them up horizontally as well as vertically, others are book-marked at favourite recipes, and everyone talks about regret over recent culls.

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"Just a few", says chef Billy Boyter. His collection includes Mugaritz: a Natural Science of Cooking by Andoni Aduriz and Noma by Rene Redzepi.

1. The collection of chef Billy Boyter (of The Cellar, Fife)

"Just a few", says chef Billy Boyter. His collection includes Mugaritz: a Natural Science of Cooking by Andoni Aduriz and Noma by Rene Redzepi. Photo: Billy Boyter

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"My favourite is Fuchsia Dunlop’s Food of Sichuan, both for its sheer beauty as a book and what a supportive and informed guide it has been in teaching me to cook in areas far beyond my comfort zone. Dishes I would previously enjoy only in Sichuan restaurants (a little thin on the ground in Edinburgh), now happen in our kitchen, aided greatly by the proximity of Leith’s Asian supermarkets. After that, anything by Diana Henry. Her chicken cookbook, A Bird in the Hand, is my favourite but I don't currently have a copy as I keep giving them away.", says Freya.

2. Wine expert Freya Reinsch's shelves

"My favourite is Fuchsia Dunlop’s Food of Sichuan, both for its sheer beauty as a book and what a supportive and informed guide it has been in teaching me to cook in areas far beyond my comfort zone. Dishes I would previously enjoy only in Sichuan restaurants (a little thin on the ground in Edinburgh), now happen in our kitchen, aided greatly by the proximity of Leith’s Asian supermarkets. After that, anything by Diana Henry. Her chicken cookbook, A Bird in the Hand, is my favourite but I don't currently have a copy as I keep giving them away.", says Freya. Photo: Contributed

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I've got about 120 books now, despite a cull a couple of years ago. My favourite is Moro: the Cookbook by Sam and Sam Clark. I've used it so often since it was published in 2001 that it's falling apart and the pages are taped in places, but I'd never trade it in for a new edition. Sam and Sam are so knowledgeable about the food of Spain, particularly by beloved Andalucia, and their recipes recreate the flavours that I yearn for when back home in Edinburgh", says Carrie.

3. Food and drink PR Carrie Hoy's bookshelves

I've got about 120 books now, despite a cull a couple of years ago. My favourite is Moro: the Cookbook by Sam and Sam Clark. I've used it so often since it was published in 2001 that it's falling apart and the pages are taped in places, but I'd never trade it in for a new edition. Sam and Sam are so knowledgeable about the food of Spain, particularly by beloved Andalucia, and their recipes recreate the flavours that I yearn for when back home in Edinburgh", says Carrie. Photo: Carrie Hoy

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Carol's shelves feature Polpo: A Venetian Cookbook (of Sorts) by Russell Norman and Ottolenghi Simple.

4. Creative director Carol Soutar's shelves

Carol's shelves feature Polpo: A Venetian Cookbook (of Sorts) by Russell Norman and Ottolenghi Simple. Photo: Carol Soutar

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