If it’s about love, the Lord, military history, corridors of power or personal development, it will sell like hot cakes.
That’s the maxim many publishers swear by when it comes to deciding what kind of non-fiction will get #BookTok’s approval and/or hit the bestsellers’ lists in popular bookstores.
Throw in a whodunnit based on real events or people, self-help and a cookbook that promises to teach you how to make the most Insta or TikTok-worthy meals, and you might just have the right recipe for success.
These are some of the hottest cookbooks of 2023.
- THE SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FRYER COOKBOOK BY LOUISA HOLST
The first volume of these recipes for people who love kitchen gizmos that cook healthy(ish) food fast did so well, Holt had to do it again.
The South African Air Fryer Cookbook 2 published in October is even better. “As a best-selling author, she (Holt) knows what air-fryer fans – and inexperienced newbies – want and need,” according to her publisher, Human & Rousseau, an imprint of NB Publishers.
“Holt uses local flavours in fun and innovative ways. Think brandy and Coke chicken wings, snoek and apricot samoosas, and fish-finger Gatsbys that will inspire you to fire up your air fryer everyday.”
- BUDGET AIR-FRYER COOKBOOK BY JENNY TSCHIESCHE
Turns out air fryers are here to stay as one of the most popular small kitchen appliances. Tschiesche (pronounced Teeshee) decided to continue spreading the gospel of nutritious, quick and simple meals for a new generation of readers and cooks – and it could not have been more timely.
“In a time when South Africans are looking to cut costs wherever possible, the air fryer offers an efficient, cost-effective solution to cooking every day, due to the strength of the air current inside. The fast and powerful fan means you can cook food in shorter periods of time, and at lower temperatures, than in a conventional oven,” her publisher, Penguin, an imprint of Penguin Randomhouse South Africa.
“Combine this money-saving cooking method with inexpensive ingredients and you have an easy way to prepare tasty and nutritious meals that will save you money – on your electricity bill and at the supermarket.”
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The author of four recipe books believes making memorable meals doesn’t mean you need to be elaborate with the ingredients. “The recipes in this book cater for a wide range of tastes and needs, exploring ideas for using tins, jars and tins, cooking from frozen, using up leftovers, using cheaper cuts of meat, grains and pulses, vegetable-based dishes and much more.
“Jenny Tschieshe’s previous book, Air-Fryer Cookbook, taught us that an air-fryer doesn’t just have to be for bland, boring, beige food. Now, it’s time to take things a step further by focusing on making the most of your air-fryer in terms of keeping your energy and food costs as low as possible.”
- FATIMA SYDOW – CAPE MALAY COOKING: MY STORY, MY HERITAGE
The magnitude of the Cape Malay cooking style on South African cuisine is underrated but thanks to cooks such as Sydow and her sister, Gadija, are preserving this heritage and distinct food culture.
Her new book, Fatima Sydow – Cape Malay Cooking: My Story, My Heritage, published in April just a few months before the author’s passing, promises to help readers feel confident cooking for anything from a wedding to breaking fasts during Ramadaan.
It was nostalgia for her childhood memories growing up in the Cape Flats that inspired Sydow to write this book.
“Her infectious love of both cooking and humanity radiated through every dish, bringing joy to countless individuals around South Africa. Through her Facebook page, where she generously shared her recipes, Fatima garnered a massive following and became a beloved national treasure,” the publisher of the beloved cook shared earlier this week in announcement announcing the cook and former caterer’s death on 19 December 2023, following a long battle with cancer.
“In 2020, she embarked on a new culinary journey, starting a YouTube channel that quickly gained traction, amassing an impressive 61,400 subscribers. Fatima's ability to connect with her audience showcased her genuine passion for cooking and her unwavering commitment to sharing her knowledge.
“Together with her twin sister, Gadija, Fatima graced the television screens of food enthusiasts with their own cooking programme, Kaap, kerrie & koesisters, on Via TV (DStv 147).”
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- 5 INGREDIENTS MEDITERRANEAN BY JAMIE OLIVER
The Naked Chef returns with a second volume of a recipe book that’s helped thousands readers learn how to master the basics of Mediterranean cuisine.
“Ingredients Mediterranean is everything people loved about the first book, but with the added va-va-voom of basing it on Jamie’s lifelong travels around the Med. With over 125 utterly delicious, easy-to-follow recipes, it's about making everyday cooking super-exciting, with minimal fuss - all while transporting you to sunnier climes,” says his publisher, Penguin, an imprint of Penguin Randomhouse South Africa.
- BEER COUNTRY’S BLACKOUTS & BOEREWORS BY KARL TESSENDORF & GREG GILOWEY
With all these cookbooks targeting the broader South African audience, one might be tempted to believe that we are living in times of pandemic, loadshedding and not having enough money to make it to the end of each month.
Beer Country’s Blackouts & Boerewors is a tongue-in-cheek response to this. Authors Karl Tessendorf and Greg Gilowey reckon when Eskom serves you lemons, have a beer and braai, and use the lemon for the zest.
The third book from the authors of Beer Country fame, a TV series that has aired in Africa, 40 recipes and full-colour photographs throughout.
“Load-shedding sucks! You know it. We know it. The whole country knows it. It’s also no secret that it’s here to stay for the foreseeable future. Is it annoying, frustrating and downright infuriating? Yes, no question about it,” according to publisher Penguin.
“However, every blackout is a fire begging to be built, a juicy chop ready to be turned and a family braai just waiting to happen. With a little planning, some clever thinking and 40 great recipes – quick and easy, plan ahead and weekend winners – load-shedding can go from the worst part of your day to the best.”
