After a bit of a delayed start to 2026 (who knew moving was that hectic?! Everyone, probably), I’m back with my first instalment of cookbooks worth waiting for.
Some of these books are already out in the world, so the wait now is hardly anything. But all these titles have been on my radar for a while, and I think you might be keen to hear more about them too?
I’ve tried to limit the number of baking books on this list this year. I’m aware there were a few last year, and I’m also aware that like me, if you already have a few baking cookbooks in your collection, you might feel like you don’t need that many more right now. Let me know if you feel otherwise though! A separate round up of upcoming baking books can be arranged 😉.
Home Food by Elizabeth Hewson (March) - I really love Lizzie’s style of cooking, flavoursome, yet relatively unfussy. Lizzie has a unique way of creating recipes I really want to eat, that don’t seem typically ‘simple’ yet not overly complex either. There’s a lot of reliance on good pantry staples which is always a great way to bring flavour fast. I love Lizzie’s brand Saturday Night Pasta as well, plus her second book of the same name. I am really looking forward to Home Food, and while it was released this week, I am extending my waiting time a little with this book. I am attending one of Lizzie’s cookbook launch events later this month, and the ticket price comes with a copy of Home Food - but I’m quite sure this one will be worth waiting for!
Simple Italian Dinners by Melanie Lionello (May) - I have been following Mel on Instagram for a little while now, and I really like her approach to food. Mel is a qualified dietician and academic in the same field, yet her approach to food doesn’t come across as preachy or an ‘I know best’ kinda way (even though she probably does!). Mel’s Italian background comes through strongly in her cooking and love of food, and I really appreciate that her focus seems to be a lovely balance between, eating nutritious meals and also just really loving food and wanting to enjoy it (sometimes regardless of nutritional value or lack there of). Not all food needs to be ‘good for you’ in the traditional sense, sometimes food can be comforting, joyful, celebratory, festive or rooted in memory or tradition. I see all these play out in Mel’s recipes, plus her extensive knowledge as a dietician. I am looking forward to Simple Italian Dinners, as I think the title sums up how I like to eat so often. Simple, often Italian style or flavours, yet super flavoursome. I think between Home Food above, and Mel’s new book, I will have so much dinner inspiration this year!
Med-esque by Georgina Hayden (March) - I have really loved all of Georgina’s previous books, Taverna and Nistisima particularly, so I am always really keen to see what’s next in store from her. Med-esque follows on from Georgina’s last book, Greek-ish, where the recipes were inspired by Greek cuisine but weren’t necessarily traditional. Med-esque follows a similar theme but using inspiration from Mediterranean cooking, which is quite a diverse region full of fresh, bright and bold flavours. Georgina has a great way of making recipes accessible yet flavoursome, so I am looking forward to seeing what Med-esque has in store for us.
Bittersweet by Thalia Ho (February) - There is no wait on this title, with it being released in February, but it makes the list here as I am a little delayed on my end and I still think it’s a great addition. Thalia’s first book Wild Sweetness is baking focused, but has a cute yet gothic style, with interesting use of flavour. It’s quite unlike any other baking book. I assume Bittersweet will contain more of Thalia’s signature style in both styling and ingredient choice. There are a few other baking/dessert books coming out in the first half of the year, but I think Thalia’s is most likely to bring something different to the table so it is the one I am most keen to add to my collection. Fellow cookbook reviewer Julia from Apples & Elderflower has already reviewed Thalia’s new book, so check that out as well if you are keen to add this one to your collection.
