This from the introduction to our new 2011 catalogue: a précis of what this year’s new titles have in store (Download a copy of our 2011 catalogue)

2011 sees Absolute Press continuing to release strikingly original and significant books across many genres of food and drink.

Two of the most eagerly anticipated come from three of the most talented chefs working in Britain today. Two of those chefs are the Galvin brothers, Jeff and Chris, who have finally distilled the wonders of their take on French bistrot cooking into Galvin: Cookbook de Luxe, due for September. Linked by Michelin stars, culinary passion and prowess, Phil Howard is also finally set to reveal the secrets of his meticulous and extraordinary craft, when the exquisitely illustrated and monumental work that is The Square Cookbook lands in November.

Reiko Hashimoto’s debut book is here in October; Hashi: A Japanese Cookery Course is intended to demystify and celebrate the wonders of Japanese food like no other book before it. Two classic Absolute Press books are revamped for May. Anissa Helou’s Offal: The Fifth Quarter is reissued in a new edition with beautiful photography and new recipes and will reassert itself as the benchmark book on the subject, at a time when nose-to-tail eating is more fashionable and necessary than ever. Similarly, Fiona Beckett’s The Frugal Cook, first published at a time when credit was being crunched, is now more vital than ever. In these austerity-driven times this newly formatted, fully illustrated, purse-friendly edition is a timely release. Stew! is the follow-up title to the huge bestseller, Mince!: it is another book of practical and hearty food that we all love. It includes traditional favourites but also many new twists and turns on a food that is truly back in vogue. Melt is a book where sublime talents have combined to produce something of genuine beauty and originality. The most gorgeous book on chocolate it most surely is, courtesy of head chocolatier Chikako Watanabe and the magic of photographer Jean Cazals, but it is also one of the most exciting collections of chocolate recipes around. Years in creation, it is due in September. Staying on a sweet theme, Babycakes Covers the Classics is here for October, where more wonderful sugar- and gluten-free vegan delights will be on display from Erin McKenna.

Cook with Kids is a book that we are very proud to be releasing in September. It is a collection of mouthwatering recipes to be shared and cooked with children. This brightest and cheeriest of cookbooks is being sold to raise awareness and support for the School at Great Ormond Street Hospital to which all royalties will be donated.

And also this year, three gift-gilded gems as follows. Berger & Wyse, which is a collection of the ingeniously funny cartoons that have adorned the pages of the Guardian for the last few years: a real foodie treat. Foodie treat too in the form of Everything But The Oink!, a quiz book which is the perfect present for the trivia-loving gastronaut. And finally, The Marvellous Miniature Marmite Cookbook seeks to emulate the astonishing success of its big-brother predecessor, The Marmite Cookbook. Its small format and keen cover price belie a whole host of ingenious ideas for enhancing and rescuing everyday meals, snacks and treats.

Jon Croft
Publisher, Absolute Press