The season to savour: September’s most inspiring cookbooks    


September is the month for a quiet reset. Poised as it is to welcome the cooler months, the air shifts, and we yearn to return to comforting traditions, roots, and rituals. At its best, cooking encompasses so much more than physical nourishment. It’s about storytelling, nostalgia, traditions, and philosophy. This season, we bring you a curated shelf of cookbooks that gently coax you into the kitchen—whether to concoct a sesame farro salad from California or to daydream about caramel toffees from Landour.

The Missoni Family Cookbook by Francesco Maccapani Missoni (Assouline)

From revolutionising knitwear to forging a lifestyle rooted in tradition, fashion, and sophistication, the Missoni family lives life in colour. Just as Missoni’s style is instantly recognisable—and coveted by muses and museums alike—the same effortless glamour threads through the way they entertain. Chronicled by Francesco Maccapani Missoni, through this cookbook, we discover just how delicious and lush their recipes are. With lovely illustrations depicting the Missoni motto, such as “The Missoni lifestyle is all about giving”, to fresh recipes for Insalata di Cicoria e Cipolle Rosse (a chicory leaf and red onion salad), this book celebrates tight-knit family values that focus on making guests feel at home.

Ice Cream, A Global History by Laura B Weiss (Pan Macmillan India)

 

Whether you’re a gelato purist, a soft serve lover, or a sorbet enthusiast, this lively account of the history of the world’s favourite frozen treat deserves space on your bookshelf. Author Laura B Weiss takes us on a fascinating journey, from ancient empires to contemporary vendors, to describe just how our favourite childhood treat emerged and conquered. Featuring kings, slaves, inventors, and entrepreneurs, this book is a delicious, in-depth look at the allure of ice cream. On the one hand, it traces its myths and origins from Asia and Europe, and its meteoric rise through the American industry, from the cone and sundae to the soda fountain. On the other hand, it offers a look into its evolution as a cultural and emotional icon. Included are some rather delectable recipes as well: from Mary Eale’s Ice Cream (London, 1733) to Chef Renee Marton’s rather bold, modern avocado ice cream parfait. 

The Landour Cookbook: Over Hundred Years Of Hillside Cooking, edited and introduced by Ruskin Bond and Ganesh Saili (Roli Books)

A sense of cosiness pervades you when you pick up this beautiful, handy book. Celebrated author Ruskin Bond gives us yet another glimpse into the Himalayan life, this time through the lens of the kitchen. Along with Ganesh Saili, he has put together this delightfully charming book that compiles recipes and household tips that date back to the 1920s. Here, you’ll find everything from quaint recipes for confectionery, puddings, jams, and jellies, to robust recipes for soups, vegetables, and tiffin dishes. With a cheeky introduction that spotlights life in the mountains and the emergence of Anglo-Indian flavours where Indian, British, and American flavours intermingle, this is a nostalgic feast. I’m keen to try the vegetable and fruit club sandwiches by Miss Vance, and the grated carrot sandwich that intriguingly pairs carrots with apples on buttered bread. The vast range of syrups from cocoa to lemon, with notes from the makers (Children love this drink) is lovely, and makes this book as much a keepsake as a collection of recipes.

Dolci!, American Baking With An Italian Accent by Renato Poliafito and Casey Elsass (Penguin Random House)

Looking to capture the flavours of la dolce vita, but with a twist? Have a look at Dolci! which is a vibrant co-mingling of cultures, and hits the sweet spot between Italian and American baking. Renato Poliafito puts his unique spin on the traditions of both countries. His recipes include intriguing creations like an Aperol Spritz cake and a malted tiramisu. He also shares a host of savoury recipes like sourdough focaccia and cacio e pepe arancini. He writes how his dual identity as an Italian in America, from early childhood to adulthood, has trickled down into his recipes. Packed with the flavours that he grew up with and refined by time and technique, this book is both creative and interesting.

India In A Bowl by Megha Kohli (Roli Books)

 

The core of this cookbook is the author’s belief that food should be nourishing, sustainable, and deeply personal. From being inspired by her home’s kitchens to training across luxury institutes in the country, Megha Kohli has put together an ode to heart-warming meals. The idea is to capture India’s diversity through simple everyday fare to elaborate meals. I particularly liked the spread on chutneys and dips. There are the usual suspects like mint and mango, but also unexpected pairings such as litchi mirchi. Divided into various meals such as breakfast bowls, green bowls, and dessert bowls, the book promises complete Indian meals for novices and seasoned chefs alike.

The Forest Feast: Simple Vegetarian Recipes From My Cabin In The Woods by Erin Gleeson
(Stewart, Tabori and Chang)

When Erin Gleeson moved from New York City to a beautiful cabin in a Californian forest, the tranquil surroundings and fresh local produce inspired her to create her popular blog, The Forest Feast. This compilation features 100 of her best recipes, including honey-pepper fresh figs, strawberry salsa, and sage chips. Most call for minimal steps and focus on fewer ingredients, resulting in dishes that are equal parts wholesome and simple. Rustic chic to the core, they also feature her very own watercolour illustrations for these recipes, resulting in a stunning visual feast. 

Lead image: Getty Images 

Inside images: Publishers, Amazon 
 

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