The An Post Irish Book Awards are on the way and the nominees for 2023’s edition bring another wealth of literary gems.
This year’s winners will be announced on 22 November at a special event held at Dublin’s Convention Centre, with the overall An Post Irish Book of the Year set to be revealed as part of a TV broadcast on 6 December.
Here’s a look at the six books up for the overall Cookbook of the Year. Note that this post contains affiliate links meaning books purchased through the link may generate a commission.
Bored of Lunch: The healthy air fryer book
Whether you’re an air fryer fanatic or new to these time- and money-saving appliances, hugely popular healthy-eating platform, Bored of Lunch, will revolutionise your cooking. Packed with recipes that are quick, healthy and completely delicious.
Nathan Anthony’s book features fan-favourites such as Honey Chilli Beef and Cream Egg Croissant Balls as well as brand new recipes such as Sweet Potato Katsu Curry, Fish Tacos and Buffalo Chicken and Cheese Taquitos. Chapters include Starters and Snacks, Speedy Lunches, Fakeaways, Weekday Dinners and Sweet Treats; making this food for every day and every occasion.
Buy Bored of Lunch: The healthy air fryer book on Amazon
Paradiso
When Denis Cotter opened Paradiso in Cork City in 1993, he wanted to create an exciting, modern, vegetable-based cuisine. The restaurant soon gained local and international recognition for its ground-breaking, flavour-driven food, and its dedication to local and seasonal produce was ahead of its time. Along the way, a unique cuisine came into being, a style of cooking that grew into something that remains identifiably Paradiso.
This new book – aptly titled Paradiso – captures the essence of Paradiso now, with just a nod to the past and an eye on the future. It is a collection of new and evolved recipes, presented in a way that reflects how the dishes are prepared and served in the restaurant.
The Gathered Table: A Taste Of Home
The Gathered Table: A Taste of Home is a collection of 55 recipes from across Ireland’s food world. Bakers and butchers, farmers and food champions, producers, shopkeepers and chefs have shared their most cherished recipes, all for a good cause. Compiled by Gather & Gather, whose ethos is about using food to bring people together, all proceeds from this book will go to Peter McVerry Trust, the national housing and homelessness charity whose work is needed now more than ever. In buying this book, you will be helping Peter McVerry Trust to change more lives and give more people a home of their own with a table at the heart of it to gather around.
Buy The Gathered Table on Amazon.
Spice Box: Easy, everyday Indian food
Great Indian food is about making food come alive from a handful of spices you can buy anywhere. In Spice Box, Ireland’s favourite Indian chef Sunil Ghai takes the mystery out of creating authentic Indian dishes at home. Spice Box includes over 100 recipes that you will find amazingly easy to make.
With his beloved restaurants Pickle, Tiffin and Street, award-winning chef Sunil Ghai has revolutionized Indian cooking in Ireland. In his first cookbook, Spice Box, Sunil shares his approach to making delicious Indian food at home with readily available ingredients.
Buy Spice Box: Easy, everyday Indian food on Amazon.
Flavour
Everyday food, refreshed and packed with flavour. This is Mark Moriarty’s cooking. In his first cookbook, the former San Pellegrino World Young Chef of the Year brings restaurant know-how into your home, making everyday food exceptional. Filled with delicious yet very achievable recipes, Flavour will be your go-to for everything, from the very basics of cookery to quick midweek fixes, weekend specials and classic desserts and sweets.
Home Kitchen
In his new book Home Kitchen, Donal Skehan brings us into the heart of his kitchen, showing us how he cooks for his family and what inspires him – from his granny’s handwritten recipes and his Irish heritage to his time living in LA. Donal shares delicious recipes from his many experiences and travels, as well as his decades as a home cook, that you’ll want to make time and again.
Packed with amazing recipes, tips and tricks, this book will help you get the most out of every week and learn to truly love your own home kitchen. With ten cookbooks under his belt, Donal is a former winner having seen Everyday Cook (2021) named Cookbook of the Year at the 2021 An Post Irish Book Awards.
The overall winner will be announced on 22 November. Check out all nominees across this year’s awards here.
