Christmas shopping panic set in yet? If, like us, nothing is done yet, then fear not. You've got this week to get the orders in online and it's still 16 days til the shops close (for one day!) Anyway in the spirit of helping out (and getting some ideas ourselves), this week we're bringing you a week of Gift Guides starting with a perennial favourite: the cookbook. These are our favourite Irish cookbooks of 2014 and it was a bumper year - there's something for everyone you know: the vegan who wants everything from sugar-free, the craft beer enthusiast or the fine dining foodie. As always, we've covered all bases!
1. No-Bake Baking
Sharon Hearne-Smith's No-Bake Baking book is a great one for the kids. Sharon's book is filled with fun and colourful sweet treat recipes, none of which requires any cooking. The dream lazy bakers cookbook.
2. Gubbeen: The Story of a Working Farm and its Foods
Gubbeen (you've probably eaten their cheese and oatcakes) Is a cookbook for farmers, by farmers. Not just a cookbook Gubbeen gives insight on how to run a farm, everything from growing your own veg and making your own cheese to rearing animals. Recipes are included after each section, using the produce that was discussed. Unique and intriguing.
www.gubbeen.com/gubbeen-the-book
3. The Extra Virgin Kitchen
If you want to improve your health through diet, or if you feel certain foods just don't agree with you The Extra Virgin Kitchen might just be your new best friend. This sugar, dairy and gluten free cookbook is anything but dull and boring, and the recipes look and taste darn good too.
ww.susanjanewhite.com/the-extra-virgin-kitchen
4. Guilt Free Gourmet
The Guilt Free Gourmet is another good healthy cookbook with delicious recipes made from the best of ingredients. You may have to pay a visit to your health food store for some but believe me it'll be worth your while. The sweet potato, chilli and red pepper soup is particularly delicious.
www.theguiltfreegourmet.com/book
5. The Happy Pear Cookbook
The Happy Pear in Wicklow is a bright and colourful store & café specialising in simple, healthy food bursting with flavour. The brand new Happy Pear cookbook has 100 recipes, covering healthy food and incorporating lots of veg. Perfect for novice and experienced cooks alike.
6. Surf Cafe Living
Inspired by the very cool lifestyles of Myles and Jane of Shells Cafe in Strandhill, Surf Cafe Living is part cookbook full of "fresh, fun, unpretentious and tasty" food, and part interiors and lifestyle manual. One for those who dream of escaping the rat race and living the dream by the sea.
www.thesurfcafecookbook.com/pages/the-book
7. The Pleasures Of The Table: Rediscovering Theodora Fitzgibbon
Combining Irish cookery talents old and new The Pleasures Of The Table brings together Theodora FitzGibbon's best recipes and Donal Skehan's style and fab food photography. Classic recipes taught with style, what's not to love?
www.donalskehan.com/the-pleasures-of-the-table-rediscovering-theodora-fitzgibbon
8. The Complete Guide To Irish Craft Beer & Cider
Not quite a cookbook but this guide to Irish carft beers would be a great buy for the guy in your life. The guide includes everything from the basics of how beer and cider are made to stories behind Irish, tips on matching beer and cider with food and some tasty recipes that incorporate craft brews.
www.newisland.ie/product/slainte-the-complete-guide-to-irish-craft-beer-and-cider
If cooking isn't your thing be sure to have a look at our list of the Best Wedding Books for 2014.