It's unusual for a book on baking to do full justice to the whole, glorious range of the baker's art—from the robust and primitive physicality of bread-making, through exquisite cakes and biscuits, to the most rarefied patisserie. Baking With Passion is that book. Inspirational in the highest degree, it will send seasoned bakers back to the kitchen and embolden the most timid cook to start kneading. Dan Lepard is probably the hottest baker (figuratively speaking) in London, while Richard Whittington is busily establishing a reputation as one of the best cookery writers in the business. The fountainhead of their book is the London bakery Baker and Spice, where Lepard is consultant baker. The productions of this business, which delight a growing and enthusiastic retail clientele and are also supplied to many of the top restaurants in the capital, have been skilfully reinterpreted for the domestic kitchen and the unprofessional baker. Everything here can and should be reproduced in the home.

This is not to say that the recipes are unchallenging. Baking, as embodied here, is perhaps the most demanding branch of cooking in what it asks of the cook's patience, commitment and willingness to meet the highest standards of integrity in technique and choice of ingredients. Once these are met, however (and the skills are easily acquired), the rewards are stunning. Particular highlights among the breads include the San Francisco Sourdough, one of the greatest breads in the world; a Garlic Bread made with whole garlic cloves braised with balsamic vinegar and a perfect Focaccia. Among the varieties of cake, the exquisite Lemon, Apricot and Carrot recipes stand out. Pear Tarte Renversée (a form of Tatin),Pithiviers and a simple but sensationally good Croissant recipe are the highlights of the section dealing with patisserie. —Robin Davidson

Diana Henry's Cook Simple is subtitled Effortless Cooking Every Day, and for some of us, the latter concept may be a little hopeful (if, that is, cooking is not one of our natural abilities). But it has to be said that Diana Henry has the ability to lead us by the hand through basic — and more advanced — cookery to produce results that might even be as satisfying as the recipes displayed here. The secret is transforming everyday ingredients into something more special — with a minimum of effort. Often, when such claims are made, a little stretching of the truth is necessary — but that's definitely not the case here. Diana Henry begins with just the basic things you'll find in most cupboards — from tuna steak, to vegetables and sausages — and make of them something surprisingly ambitious. If this weren't enough, we are even promised free time to do other things during the cooking process — who could ask for more? There are over 150 recipes here (gleaned by the author on her world travels), and if you're tempted by Hot and Sweet Roast Mediterranean Vegetables with Tahini Dressing — or Baked Lime and Passion Fruit Pudding — the wherewithal to prepare them with a minimum of fuss can be found in these pages. The photography (by Jonathan Lovekin) matches the appeal of the food, and if you can look at the latter's shot of Penne with Roasted Onions, Gorgonzola and Walnuts without instantly wanting to (a) cook it, and (b) consume it, then you're made of stern stuff. There are also useful side notes for preparing other items similar to those presented in the main menus. —Barry Forshaw

This book is very close to my heart. It's about no-nonsense, simple cooking with great flavours all year round. When I began writing it, I didn't really know what recipes I would come up with, but something began to inspire me very quickly... my vegetable patch! I came to realise last year that it's not always about looking out at the wider world for inspiration. Being at home, feeling relaxed and open, can also offer this. I love to spend time at home in the village where I grew up, working with the boss, Mother Nature, in my garden and seeing all my beautiful veggies coming out of the ground. Inside, you'll find over 100 new recipes, plus some basic planting information and tips if you fancy having a go at getting your hands dirty as well! The fabulous new cookbook from the international bestseller ties in with his new Channel 4 series about no-nonsense, simple cooking inspired by growing your own vegetables.