Cookbooks: My recommended reads

A really great cookbook is harder to come by than you might think. In order to top the list, they need to bring a number of different elements to the party: great ideas, recipes that have been tested and actually work and a few (nicely shot and styled) photos, so that you know what you're aiming for.

Cheffy books such as Rene Redzepi's stunning Noma: Time and Place or Thomas Keller's classic Under Pressure: Cooking Sous Vide have their place, but for most of us this will be on the coffee table, rather than in the kitchen.

Despite having a bookshelf filled with all manner of cookbooks, there are a few that I tend to return to time and time again, and would happily recommend to anyone who likes cooking.

First up is this one:

Jo Pratt's In the Mood for Food is filled with interesting, appetising, achievable recipes. She includes ideas for healthy breakfasts and lunches, suggestions for quick evening meals when time, supplies and spirits are low, recipes for romantic dinners, luxurious treats and much more besides.

The recipes are divided into sections according to mood (hence the title), so if you're "In the Mood for Being Lazy" you'll find plenty of quick, hassle-free dishes that can be whipped up with minimum time and fuss (Greek lamb feta salad, parmesan-crusted chicken and corner-shop curry, for example).

Under the extravagant header, there's everything from cakes and sandwiches for an elegant afternoon tea party to interesting canape ideas and three-course meals that won't send you into a panic. In the "In the Mood for Some Comfort" part, the fish pie with sweet potato topping is a winner on a cold(ish) evening and the roast chicken for two...in one pan tastes great and saves on washing up. I'm also a big fan of her Vietnamese chicken noodle salad.

Jo writes in a fun, friendly way and comes across as a very good home cook, rather than chef - she's not afraid to include the occasional "cheat" ingredient or admit that you don't always need or want to spend hours preparing the evening meal. Recommended.