Top Cookbook Recommendations from Second Chance Books

There's something special about a well-loved cookbook — the splattered pages, the dog-eared corners, the recipes that have fed families for years. At Second Chance Books, we regularly stock a wonderful range of secondhand cookbooks, from everyday family meals to gourmet adventures. Here are some of our top picks.

Everyday Cooking

The Edmonds Cookery Book is a New Zealand kitchen staple and one of the most beloved cookbooks in Kiwi homes. If you spot a copy on our shelves, snap it up! For simple, reliable everyday meals, Jamie's Quick & Easy Food by Jamie Oliver is hard to beat — packed with fuss-free recipes the whole family will enjoy.

Baking

The Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook is a gorgeous read for anyone who loves baking cakes, cupcakes, and sweet treats. For a more classic approach, Nigella Lawson's How to Be a Domestic Goddess remains a firm favourite for home bakers everywhere.

Healthy Eating

Plenty by Yotam Ottolenghi is a stunning celebration of vegetables that will inspire even the most committed meat-eater. The Green Kitchen by David Frenkiel and Luise Vindahl is another beautiful option for those looking to eat more plant-based meals without sacrificing flavour.

New Zealand & Pacific Flavours

We love stocking cookbooks that celebrate local and Pacific cuisine. Keep an eye out for titles by Annabel Langbein, whose Free Range Cook series captures the best of New Zealand's seasonal produce and relaxed outdoor lifestyle.

Find Your Next Favourite Cookbook

Our cookbook collection changes regularly as new donations and trade-ins come in. Browse online or visit us in-store to discover your next kitchen companion — at a price that leaves plenty left over for ingredients. Happy cooking!