If there is one book that stood out to me this year, it’s Lucy Burton’s Postal Bakes.

With more than 60 simple, yet decadent recipes that can easily be posted, Lucy’s bakes tempt the reader into the kitchen with ease.  

Baking blogger, food stylist and wedding cake maker – she started out by selling her brownies and blondies on Instagram in March 2022.  

During the pandemic, Lucy decided to make her delicious baked goods with one small change – all of them would be ready to be posted! What I appreciate the most about this book is that every recipe can be made in the same tin, ensuring that the home baker has no need to go out and buy gadgets and gizmos of different sizes.  

What’s more, Lucy also shares packaging tips and tricks to ensure that your baked goods look as good as they taste. While our postal service is unreliable in South Africa and we’re a few years away from being able to safely post food items, the recipes and advice in this book are helpful for homemade gifts that would serve well for birthdays, parties or around Christmas.  

My favourites are her brownies and truffles, both of which are serious crowd-pleasers!  

Words by Fatima Saib

Photography: Unsplash, Courtesy Image