The Hebridean Baker: My Scottish Island Kitchen

by Coinneach MacLeod

The landscapes, stories, history and culture of the Outer Hebrides of Scotland are what make our islands unique. In this book, I'm sharing recipes filled with tradition, Scottish flavors and local ingredients that you will love to make in your kitchen, from hearty dishes and comforting desserts to delicious cakes and perfect biscuits to dunk in your tea! The book is jam-packed with the stories behind the recipes; some I've found in my much-loved old cookbooks, others I've persuaded friends and family to share, as well as lots of new recipes which put a twist on a classic dish. So, get the oven on and choose your first recipe! Praise for The Hebridean Baker:

Genres: Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Food, Scotland

256 pages, Hardcover

Published March 7, 2023

Reviews

[Hilary]

I was surprised how much I enjoyed this one! Although this is a recipe book that includes meat and fish recipes, there were actually quite a few recipes that are vegetarian and vegan.

I made a fruit loaf called Hufsie that was really good, I've made a lot of tea bread recipes but all the tea bread fans in my house said this was the best one yet, it was very easy to make and the only thing I changed in the recipe was substituting water for chai tea. There are some nice bread recipes, a whisky marmalade recipe which I haven't tried yet but soon will, several alcoholic drink recipes that I will look forward to trying in the festive period and some Nordic bakes that have an egg free version of amaretti.

I really enjoyed the way the book talks about island life and has many wonderful photos of the beautiful Hebridean scenery, crofters cottages and turquoise sea with white sand. It has interesting information about folk lore and customs and I found this a really interesting read.

This is the second book this author has written, I'm looking forward to reading his first.

[Paige]

The stories weren’t quite as good as the first one, but these recipes look so good and the photography is excellent

[Janice Chan]

This is the Hebridean Baker's (Coinneach MacLeod) second book of recipes and stories, and it may be even better than his hugely popular first book, Recipes and Wee Stories from the Scottish Islands. Even if you have never baked a thing in your life, or ever intend to, both of these (coffee table) books contain a wealth of information about Scottish island culture, beautiful photographs, and delicious-looking recipes that should be easy enough for even the casual baker to make (with the caveat that measures are weighed, so a food scale is needed).

In addition to Baa Baa Cupcakes (cupcakes decorated to look like wee sheep that look too cute to eat), there are recipes for Fisherman's Pie, different types of scones, breads, and a whole section of Nordic recipes (Vikings invaded western isles between 700 and 900 and they came under the rule of the Norse in 1098). You can also find recipes to make your own jaffa cakes, chocolate-covered digestives and crumpets.

While you are waiting for your cakes to bake, you can read about island wedding customs, malevolent fairies, the Gaelic language, island history and folklore, and a tale tale or two.

[Tina Culbertson]

My first book in the 2023 nonfiction challenge is The Hebridean Baker: by Coinneach MacLeod.

Prior to  requesting this book from the library I'd read this is more than a cookbook.  It's almost equally portioned with stories about the Scottish Outer Hebrides island of Lewis.  In depth historical lessons, engaging tales of living on a remote island and communing with nature.  The scenery photos are so lovely as are the stories about learning gaelic, local produce, crofting, kayaking in the frigid waters and tending garden.

Apparently MacLeod brought the secluded Lewis island life into homes around the world by starting his TikTok channel.  Once it was discovered, his follower numbers jumped overnight by 20,000 new followers - all this over his chatty videos and a carrot cake recipe.   I think he has over 15 million followers now :-)

The recipes are interspersed throughout and while there aren't many vegetarian options, there are some great meals and sweets to enjoy reading about.  Mainly I am loving the photographs of the island and the rich story telling.

Category: Published in 2023

Hosted by Shelleyrae at Book'd Out. Sign up may be found HERE. It's not too late, I signed up a week ago!

[Ryan]

I received this book as a gift from my brother.

This is the second cookbook put out by Coinneach MacLeod, the titular Hebridean Baker. MacLeod does make YouTube content but he seems, beyond anything else, to be something of a staple on BBC Alba (the primary TV station for Scotland) and in various other forms of European entertainment. I say it that way because I have never consumed any of his content but I would like to.

The recipes are really interesting, they remind me a great deal of the kind of elaborate, high end dishes you'd see in an episode of the Great British Bake Off. The photographs are, as is usual for any decent cookbook, beautiful but again, I'm mildly disappointed by the paper not being glossy. The stories that punctuate each chapter are really engaging and touch on both personal anecdotes from MacLeod's life and elements of Scottish/general Celtic mythology and history. My brother got this for me because he watched some of MacLeod's content with a friend and thought I'd enjoy it, which I did. So much so, in fact, that I plan to track down some of content.

[Laura]

This is a lot of fun! MacLeod is very likeable, and the photos and scenery are gorgeous. He strikes a very good balance of backstory and recipes. And while the names of many of the recipes are intimidating, most are one page and feature mostly ingredients you'd have at home.

My favorite section, oddly, was the Scandinavian-inspired chapter, which features an incredible chocolate tray bake-like cake. I also liked reading about the holiday and seasonal recipes.

While most of these aren't going to make it into heavy rotation, I did enjoy this book a lot and will try to check out his others.

[Joy]

Not having read his other books, I was pleasantly surprised at how much of the book was story to accompany the recipes. This made for an excellent read. I appreciated the quality photographs, detailed descriptions, and as another reviewer stated, the number of vegetarian recipes included. Loved it and will read his other books too!

[Mike]

My daughter brought this book to me from her recent trip to Scotland. It has some interesting recipes that I will definitely be m(b)aking. The best part is that all of the recipes are very very simple and don't have a long list of ingredients nor exotic ones, mostly what most people already have in their pantries. The patter between chapters is informative and fun to read.

[Elizabeth Judd Taylor]

Another great cookbook, with more great writing about Hebridean life.

[James Taylor]

Another enjoyable mix of Scottish recipes and tales and pictures from the Hebrides. An intoxicating and enjoyable mix. Throughly recommended.

[Sarah]

Disappointing, really.

[Karen Ruymann]

Charming, entertaining, educational. I bought as a gift for my Highland way hiking son and know he will be entranced. I hope to cook a few of the dishes for Robbie Burn's Day.

[Eliana Lazzara]

Nothing not to love about this book. The essays are gorgeous, the recipes are homey and comforting, and LOOK AT THAT DOG OH MY GOD

[Jan Duthie]

Excellent recipes and a vivid reminder of our “Island Hopper* trip.

[Leigh]

Wonderful combination of Scottish recipes and history and folklore all in one book.

[Marie Bailey]

What a beautiful book! Nice mix of savory and sweet recipes, with standard measurements for those, like me, who are metrically challenged. Amazing photography of both food and landscape. And lots of folktales and anecdotal stories. The adorable dog and a man in a kilt are the cherry on the top!

[Amanda Bright]

Tons I want to make here!

[Mitzijanell]

3.75 - I wish the photos corresponded with the stories. But otherwise a delightful book to read while on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. I enjoy learning about culture through recipes.