Jenny Chandler

The first cook book I really read and still dive into regularly, 30 years later. All Claudia Roden's books are inspirational but this opened up an entirely new world of food and culture not just to me but to the British nation.

My trusty go-to guide for all the basics and classics, also a great reminder of my training many years ago.

Grigson's writing is glorious, I'd love to have The Vegetable Book on my list too, but this is the most dog-eared of the two which says it all.

A brilliantly researched, incredibly thorough guide that was absolutely indispensable to me as a cook on a yacht based in the Med'. North Atlantic Seafood is wonderful too.

The fabulously relaxed style of these recipes changed the way I cook. Moorish, that Hispanic/Arabic flavour suddenly felt so accessible.

Down to earth recipes from one of the greatest Spanish chefs. It's not really a classic collection, there's plenty of French influence (he's a BasqueCountry chef after all) it's just modern Spanish food that I really want to eat.

So difficult to chose which of Diana's books I love the most but this collection of "accidentally healthy" recipes is perhaps my favourite. A million miles away from all the "clean" eating trends, this is fabulously tasty food that we guzzle as a family with no sense of deprivation.

My complete bible during 7 years working as a private yacht chef for a Milanese family. Everything works.

A stunningly written, seasonal cook book that came with me everywhere during my years as a nomadic chef.

The book I turn to if I'm lacking in inspiration, Nigel's writing is a delight and always sparks ideas even if you are missing half the ingredients.