Fresh on the shelves: The best of the new cookbooks look good enough to eat

The best of the new cookbooks look good enough to eat – and their recipes are pretty inspirational, too

1. '365 Good Reasons to Sit Down and Eat' by Stéphane Reynaud (Murdoch, £30)

The seasonal format taken to its logical conclusion. Reynaud might lose points for a few quips too far, but the full-page pictures, month-by-month lists of what's good and range of recipes make a winning almanac.

USP: One dish for every single day of the year

2. 'India Cookbook' by Pushpesh Pant (Phaidon, £29.95)

The cheap-feeling thin paper and slightly scruffy photography add to the feeling of authenticity. The book contains 1,000 recipes from all over India, from simple dals to oft-ignored desserts.

USP: You'll never need a takeaway again

3. 'Kitchenella' by Rose Prince (Fourth Estate, £26)

Ultra-helpful format (Cheap, Kids, Fast, Slow, Rehash, etc) makes this an instant classic. All the charm of a sophisticated home cook but with none of the smugness of its near-namesake (yes, Nigella, I mean you).

USP: Feminine cookery over masculine cheffery

4. 'At Elizabeth David's Table' (Michael Joseph, £25)

The doyenne of cookery needs no introduction, but some may find it helpful to be reminded just how she changed our eating habits. These everyday recipes are deceptively simple with impressive results.

USP: Tributes from today's stars are a joy

5. 'Noma: Time and Place in Nordic Cuisine' by René Redzepi (Phaidon, £35)

The Best Restaurant in the World™ now creates one of the most idiosyncratic food books. Jaw-dropping photography make this more suitable for coffee table than kitchen counter (well, where does one find sea buckthorn berries?) – but mouth-watering all the same.

USP: Foodie yarns are surprisingly good read

6. 'How I Cook' by Skye Gyngell (Quadrille, £25)

Another elegant, desirable and very user-friendly book of recipes for every occasion from our own cookery writer, Skye. The emphasis is on unpretentious home cooking, but there are the finessing tips you'd expect from a stellar chef, too.

USP: Friendly, empowering tone

7. 'Leon: Naturally Fast Food' by Henry Dimbleby and John Vincent (Octopus, £20)

Humdinger dishes in less than 20 minutes... and stacks of ideas for make-ahead goodies, all wrapped up in a quirky, dippable format.

USP: Children will love the bonkers design n