Books Kinokuniya has announced Christopher Thé’s Modern Australian Baking cookbook as its Cookbook of the Year.

In the announcement the Sydney-based bookstore, which is part of the larger international chain based out of Japan, said they were delighted to present the award to Christopher.

“In this beautifully designed cookbook, Christopher Thé, founder of Blackstar Bakery and creator of ‘the world’s most Instagrammed cake’, offers a masterclass in cakes, breads and pastries and shares his recipes and tips for showstopping results,” they wrote.

“The book includes more than 80 sweet and savoury recipes, arranged by season, from Geraldton Wax Cheesecake with Strawberry Gum Biscuit to Saltbush Scones with Desert Lime Marmalade and Kangaroo Shepherd’s Pie with Bush Tomato Relish. Chris grew up in Stanmore, Sydney, and now runs the artisan cake shop Hearthe. His recipes are suitable for anyone who is new to this style of baking, but will also inspire more skilled cooks and bakers.

“A native ingredients guide provides information on ingredients that are becoming more commonly used – such as wattle seed, lemon myrtle and lilly pilly – and how to use them. This is a cookery book intimately rooted in place, uniquely Australian, and crafted for a sustainable future.”

Christopher released Modern Australian Baking earlier this year, and said the whole purpose behind the book was to help everyday Australians to use native ingredients in their own kitchens.

“It’s kind of like a guide, something to help everyone to start to learn about these things,” he said.

“My favourite one to make, I have to say, are the saltbush scones, and that’s a very easy recipe. We do it here at Hearthe all the time. [The salt bush] just elevates it; it transforms the flavour…I love the way that it’s transformed just by that simple step.”