The Hebridean Baker: Recipes and Wee Stories from the Scottish Islands

by Coinneach MacLeod

Fàilte, I'm the Hebridean Baker!

Close your eyes and imagine yourself in the remote Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Do you see yourself walking along a deserted beach? Climbing a heather-strewn hill with a happy wee dog by your side? Sipping a dram at a ceilidh to the tune of a Gaelic song? Or chatting by a warm stove with a cuppa and a cake? For me, it is all these things, and more... and they have inspired every page of this book.

From Croft Loaf to Cranachan Chocolate Bombs, Oaty Apricot Cookies to Heilan' Coo Cupcakes, there's something here to put a smile on everyone's face. Focusing on small bakes that use a simple set of ingredients, these recipes will unleash your inner Socttish baker—it's all about rustic home baking and old family favorites because, as the Hebridean Baker always says, "Homemade is always best!"

The Hebridean Baker is your ticket to the Scottish Highlands. Perfect for fans of Outlander and anyone who loves to discover new books via TikTok and BookTok, this beautiful cookbook is a wonderful gift for home bakers and lovers of Scottish culture. It features:

More than 70 traditional recipes (with a modern twist)
Gorgeous full-color photos
Heartwarming stories from the Hebridean Baker himself
This unique baking book is a must-have in any cookbook library!

Genres: Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Cooking, Scotland, Food, Travel, Culinary

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Melindam · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Cha bhòrd bòrd gun aran ach 's bòrd aran leis fhèin."
(A table without bread is not a table but bread is a table on its own.)

A lovely wee heartwarmer of a book/listen.

While I was at first a bit unsure if having purchased the audio edition for a book with recipes & photos was a wise move, but I'm a sucker for authentic Scottish accents, plus the recipes are included in an attached pdf, so I feel like a winner on this.

Coinneach MacLeod has a lovely voice while narrating, but we are also treated to a bit of Gaelic singing and obviously listening to all the Gaelic sentences/words pronounced makes much more sense.

His little stories of himself, his family and of the Isle of Lewis & Harris as well as the recipes make a perfect little mix and I really recommend it if you are in need of some heart-warming and recipe inspiration.

[❀⊱RoryReads⊰❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

I went through this last night, read all the legends and funny stories, scanned the recipes and it was just delightful! The photography is fantastic as well and I'll be trying out the courgette and cheddar scones tomorrow. This book is so lovely, even people who don't bake or cook will enjoy it.

[b.andherbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly gorgeous photos of the baker himself, his adorable west highland terrier, and his husband Patrick surround enchanting essays and delicious and easy to create recipes. With a focus on local ingredients and traditions, the author does a divine job of making you feel confident in your own baking skills (as long as you try using a scale to weigh your ingredients) while also regaling you with stories both mythological and personal.

I was lucky to receive an early copy to review, and was able to interview the author ahead of the book's USA release for my work.

Thank you!

[Miss✧Pickypants ᓚᘏᗢ · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have enjoyed the prior Hebridean Baker cookbooks then it is highly likely you will appreciated this latest offering. The cookbook comes across as very warm due to the recipes that lean towards the comfort food spectrum, the folksy storytelling style of the headnotes and the wee stories interspersed throughout.

Recipes are easy to follow and be aware, the author calls himself a baker but the recipes include all types of dishes not just baked ones. There were some authentic sounding Scottish recipes but many seemed like Scottish takes of familiar foods. The plentiful pictures of the finished dishes, the author and places around Scotland are lovely.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cookbook that is a joy to read. Full of interesting stories and legends from the Scottish isles and beautiful photographs, I couldn't help but want to travel to the places mentioned for a wee bit of vacation. The recipes range from basic to more advanced, and the author helpfully offers some American substitutions for ingredients like black treacle and bicarbonate of soda. I can't wait to try some of these recipes, though not all ingredients are easily available. If you like to cook with alcohol, there are a lot of options here for you!

[Sam Daab · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s not often that I actually *read* through an entire cookbook, but this book is an incredible treat in and of itself from cover to cover. The Hebridean Baker has been a favorite TikToker of mine for years now and his book matches his cozy and comforting videos. The book is filled with quaint stories, gorgeous photos, and plenty of recipes that I can’t wait to try out for myself. I couldn’t be happier than to have my own copy, signed by the baker himself at his recent book tour stop near me. Definitely more than worth a read as well if you are interested at all in Scotland, baking, and general wholesomeness.

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like a big, warm hug. The pictures are gorgeous and the recipes, cozy. Some of which have the most creative names around. You can’t help but love the color the Scots give to the English language.

My only drawback is, that as an idiot American, all of the measurements are in metric. Yes, I could absolutely do the conversions myself, but in buying a cookbook, I would hope the publisher would do that for me. Many cookbooks from the US include both measurements due to the inevitable movement of goods across borders. It’d be nice to receive in kind.

[Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming and delightful. The recipes need some interpretation if you're American (I had no idea what strong flour was and used the wrong thing, but I'm not an accomplished baker either), but I absolutely loved all the cultural notes, the gorgeous photos, and the gentle sweetness of the authorial voice. Several of my friends also bought this book, so it's a lot of fun hearing how the recipes go for different chefs.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous pictures, enthralling stories, and delicious sounding recipes.

My only complaint is that the recipes aren’t Americanized, which is very much a me problem lol.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had the good luck to meet Coinneach when he popped into our restaurant in Cape Breton. The loveliest human and a very excellent cookbook. Beautiful photos and nice stories, its like he's showing you around the Scottish islands and taking you for a tour of all the best things to eat and making friends as you read it. Recipes are heavy on the whisky which is always a plus for me. On my list of things to bake is the Dundee muffins, tablet, custard cream cookies, and the ahem, RABARBRAKAKE!

[Shiloah · Rating 5 out of 5]

He cooks and bakes, he sings, he loves wee little doggies, great storyteller, and historian, proud Scotsman and an all around nice guy. What is not to love? I got this cookbook for Christmas. I also met him in Arizona last year and my friend and daughter and I are going to meet him again this year.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t made all the recipes, so can’t speak to every one, but those that I have are easily followed and so delicious! The book itself is a joy to read, with lovely details, stories, and a bit of history!

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. I would have given it five stars, but there is nothing in here that I can cook! I can enjoy reading the recipes and looking at the beautiful photos, but I couldn’t even think about trying any of this in my kitchen!

[Drmarion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never felt so Scottish

My great great grandmother was Scottish and until I read this marvelous book I never really felt Scottish. After finding several recipes I am very excited to make, I feel happy and proud of my heritage. This is not just a cookbook. Its a sharing of culture and Scottish folklore, traditions, and Scottish Gaelic. He even provides a music playlist of hauntingly beautiful Scottish tunes. I felt as if I were sitting in front of the fire with a new friend, sipping tea, and enjoying the warmth. What a treat!

[Berita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really liked reading Coinneach's book, and his love for his beautiful islands. The recipes were sweet, and full of love for tradition and family, and were so infused with a sense of belonging and pride. I would love to visit these islands, and experience them for myself at some point - and maybe eat some of the good stuff described in the book as well. Would have liked more pictures of how to do the recipes though. Step by step instructions along the way, would have been nice.

[Karen Ruymann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming in every way. The stories, myths, and anecdotes that precede each chapter will pull you towards a stay in the Outer Hebrides. It is a lovely way of life. The recipes look accessible and delicious.

[Theresa DePaepe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun cookbook about Scottish food (and drink) with lots of recipes which will require some substitutions if made in the States; however, my goal was to learn about the food since my daughter is getting married in Scotland later this year!

[Bill McFadyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wonderful book combines recipes with tales from the Western Isles. - I enjoyed the stories and will now engage in baking many of the wonderful cakes and savoury meals to be tried.
In addition are some fab photographs.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

Great cookbook, travel guide, family/personal memoir and journal, and excellent pictures, stories, reflections, and the food looks amazing. Highly recommend

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although not a lot of recipes that would work for our household, I enjoyed this cookbook. There was history included as well as absolutely beautiful photographs.

[Gill Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cookbook and a storybook. Hebridean stories and bakes, what's not to love. Stunning photography too - I'm inspired to visit. Dundee muffins are our current favourite bake 💜

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! The combination of storytelling, recipes, and beautiful pictures of the Hebrides was wonderful and really brings things to life!

[Tam Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another recipe book and travel log all in one. And I've been able to veganize the recipes I have tried so far.

[Olya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting stories, fun recipes that are not too complex. Wish there was some sort of an index.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mercifully short

[Dray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darling book. Great stories. Fab photos. Delicious recipes.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

lots of recipes with whisky, maybe too many

[Daniela Anders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rezepte und Geschichten von den schottischen Inseln – ein echter Schatz!

Nach einem Vorwort des Autors, ein paar Hinweisen und einer Liebeserklärung an seine Heimat startet das Buch direkt durch mit Rezepten und Geschichten in acht Kapiteln:

• Traditionelles aus der Küche
• Rund um den Hafer
• Aus dem Backofen
• Vom Land zum Meer
• Kleine Leckereien
• Crumbles & Desserts
• Slàinte (Getränke)
• Backen zum Fest

Zwischen den Kapiteln werden ganz persönliche Geschichten des Autors zum Besten gegeben, kombiniert mit schottischen Mythen und Legenden, sowie geschichtlichen Begebenheiten. Das Buch schließt mit einer Playlist zum Backen.

Ich bin vielleicht voreingenommen, weil ich Schottland schon immer sehr liebe, bereits ein paar Mal dort war und es sich jedes Mal anfühlt wie Heimkommen. Doch ich kann nur sagen: das ist sicher eins der besten Kochbücher, die ich kenne. Diese Mischung aus Erzählung, Geschichte, Mythologie, Kochen, Backen und Reiseführer ist phänomenal, was sicher auch daran liegt, dass Coinneach MacLeod so ein sympathischer, authentischer Mensch ist, was ich auf jeder Seite des Buches deutlich spüre. Seine Geschichten sind super interessant und sehr mitreißend. Er erzählt zum Beispiel die Legende von each-uisge, einem Gestaltswandler. Die Geschichte selbst ist schon berührend, der Autor verweist aber auch auf ein traditionelles Lied, das die Geschichte aus der Sicht des each-usige erzählt (Julie Fowlis: Dh’èirich Mi Moch, b' Fheàrr Nach Do Dh’èirich). Ich habe es mir angehört und Mann! Das geht unter die Haut! Neben den vielen fesselnden Geschichten gibt es aber natürlich auch viele Rezepte und auch die sind schlicht genial. Ganz einfach, mit Zutaten, die man kennt oder doch zumindest adäquat austauschen kann. Der Aufbau ist verständlich, mit Zutatenliste und Zubereitungsablauf und jedes Rezept hat ein Foto. Da läuft einem schon beim Betrachten und Durchlesen das Wasser im Mund zusammen und es kribbelt in den Fingern, weil man sofort losbacken oder -kochen möchte.

Ein Buch, aus dem einen von jeder Seite die Liebe und Leidenschaft entgegenspringt, die der Autor seinem Land, der Insel und seiner Geschichte, den Menschen und Traditionen gegenüber empfindet. Ein absolutes Wohlfühlbuch. Ich werde förmlich infiziert und würde am liebsten meine Sachen packen und nix wie hin! 5/5 Sterne und ein extra Highlight-Stern! Is toigh leam e! (Ich liebe es!)

[Lisa of Hopewell · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
My Interest

Had I not just the day before sat listening to the Mc Ian Duo at my tiny rural Ohio library, I might have overlooked this little gem of a book. But suddenly, my eye is drawn immediately to anyone in a kilt! A nonfiction novella in length, this was just what I needed when I was too tired to start another novel on my drive home from a roadtrip. Who knew he was a TikTok sensation? Not me, that's for sure!

The Book

Part growing up memoir, part geography and history lesson, part folklore, and part cookbook, this "wee" book packs a lot of fun between very few pages. I was concerned about staying awake on the road as he read out long recipes, but thankfully he was aiming this at today's cooks! (A Tik Tok star would do that, wouldn't he?) What's not to like about Whiskey Ice Cream or a Smoked Salmon Cornish Pasty? LOL. (Thankfully, all the recipes were not read out).

My Thoughts

The audio was about 2 hours--novella length and since I listened to it I'm "counting" it as a novella. The actual book was 321 pages, so more than a novella. Who cares--it was fun! He even tells you to go listen to a certain Celtic singer! My kind of "cookbook." And, with a degree in Icelandic sagas, he's a great storyteller.

I borrowed the e-book as well and hope to try a couple of recipes soon.

My Verdict
3.5

The Hebridean Baker by Coinneach MacLeod

I listened to the audio version.

[Book-Social · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Coinneach x’ at the end of the book's blurb sums up the book perfectly. It is a love story to all things Hebridean, personal, full of warmth and good food. At times rose tinted (I’ve been in Harris in 80 mile an hour wind!) the recipes all seem tasty and fuss free. There are the deeply traditional (is it even a Scottish cookbook if it doesn’t have a shortbread recipe?) but also the trendy (are you even a Tiktok sensation without overnight oats and alternative milk?) From cute highland cow cupcakes to a cracking looking cullen skink there is something for everyone and I flicked through thinking I’d like to make that and that and that!

You can’t just flick through this book though as alongside the recipes are stories about the Hebrides and Coinneach himself. My particular favourite being how Coinneach’s dad gave the Queen crabs (that I just happened to read on the day of the Queen’s funeral). There is a smatter of Gaelic, a westie and even a Gaelic inspired baker’s playlist to get you in the mood. Whilst I haven’t yet listened, I have baked. The Oat, Raspberry and Honey cake was simple to make and delicious if a bit on the small side. I would double up next time especially if baking for friends. I say that, I could have just been greedy! Now it’s just a matter of deciding which recipe to make next….