This book is excellent. I am fairly average at cooking and have enjoyed making a number of the recipes which are simplier than they first appear.
Because the recipes are mainly from "normal" people throughout the country (rather than chefs and cooking experts) they are not complicated and do not rely on odd ingredients that are difficult to come by.
The basis for the book is that we should be using (as far as possible) ingredients from the fairtrade scheme which is an excellent scheme providing growers/farmers light at the end of the tunnel. I'm not the best person to explain the fairtrade system obviously but basically the farmers are ensured a fair price for their produce ensuring that they (an their community) are not living ... Read More:
>>More Details
I bought this book two years ago and am forever recommending it. As other reviewers have said, too many cook books assume a level of knowledge/skill that we don't all possess. If you're an older cook, you might, like me, have forgotten many of the more simple recipes that Sophie Grigson presents so clearly and with such good photographs.
My current favourite is the one for Beef Stew with Mushrooms and Guinness. Don't be put off by the title, it's not just for beginners.
>>More Details
`In this classic work, Jane Grigson reveals the richness and surprising diversity of England's culinary heritage.
From modest dishes such as `Gloucestershire Cheese and Ale`, and `Toad-in-the-Hole', to grander ones using roast game, local fish and fresh vegetables, as well as traditional puddings, teatime cakes and preserves, this joyful celebration of our national cuisine is a pleasure to cook from and a delight to read.'
Penguin Cookery Library format - paperback with 384 pages, split over chapters:-
Soups
Cheese and egg dishes
Vegetables
Meat, poultry and game
Puddings
Teatime: - bread, cake, griddle cakes and pancakes, biscuits
Stuffings, sauces and preserves
I have recently decided to start cooking fish, and knowing nothing about fish (where to get it, what to get, how to cook it) I decided to buy this book.
It is brilliant, the information on fish is extensive and informative showing extensive research and knowledge. The recipies are also great.
I got the book for christmas, immediately liked it and tried some recipes during the holidays. They all went down well, even with my parents who sometimes aren't the most adventurous eaters but rather prefer things the way they always were. The "Japanese cucumber salad" or the "Pink grapefruit and Chinese leaf salad with beetroot threads" (that really puts some sun into your winter days!) got no bad critics though and there are lots more recipes you should definitely try! A good gift too.
>>More Details
This is one of the best and most useful cook books I have ever owned!
If you are in a bit of a rut and fed up of the same old stodgy British dinners, this is THE book to shake you up and remind you what Summer tastes like.
You don't need to have been travelling to the places which Sophie mentions to appreciate the foods and in fact, if you haven't, this might give you just the kick you would need, to set off on your own tour of the Med!
The best bit is that none of the recipes are very difficult and all are set out in such a way that you can prepare in advance and just enjoy your evening, without worrying about the food. Buy it now!
>>More Details
I bought this book after being inspired by the TV series. I love it! I have tried the Indian meal and it worked out very well. Great food and cheap - what more could you ask for?
>>More Details
I have many cookery books, but return to this one again and again. I would rate this the best cookery book for meat. The recipes work and remind one that the old classics are delicious.
>>More Details
I have recently decided to start cooking fish, and knowing nothing about fish (where to get it, what to get, how to cook it) I decided to buy this book.
It is brilliant, the information on fish is extensive and informative showing extensive research and knowledge. The recipies are also great.
I took this book out of the library many times before finally buying my own copy. This is beatifully laid out and well written. Sophies way of writing persuades me every time that I just have to try new foods and recipes.
Last autumn I moved into a more rural area and was amazed by the abundance of damsons and elder berries and buckets full of windfall quince and cooking apples. Thanks to this book I will know what to do now when those things are set before me once more.
I am really looking forward to trying her elderflower cordial and have a long list of other must try recipes . A lovely book that doesn't try to baffle you with fancy ingredients or make you feel silly for not knowing how to do complicate manouvres. It simply reminds you of the beauty of ... Read More:
>>More Details