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count_zero's review against another edition
3.0
There are some recipes in this cookbook that fit the criteria of Simple, Delicious, and Affordable.
Almost every chapter features multiple dishes that involve expensive cuts of meat like filet mignon, or expensive fish like salmon. Also, while the book is generally good about giving pictures of how to perform some of the more uncommon culinary techniques (like butterflying), the fact of the matter is that I wouldn't have someone try a recipe (or even look at a recipe) that involves butterflying until they'd figured out cutting, chopping, dicing and mincing. Butterflying requires dexterity and a really sharp knife, and if you don't have those (and I'd frankly expect most people to not have those), then it's not something your average reader (who Jamie claims he's shooting for) should be trying to do.
That said, the very first chapter of the book, where Jamie gives a list of (to use Alton Brown's terminology) useful and necessary hardware for your kitchen is incredibly useful and valuable. With the exception of the mortar and pestle, with this assortment of equipment, you have absolutely everything you need to learn to cook. The cupboard list is okay too, though I'd probably recommend dropping the Marmite or Vegemite for peanut butter.
Almost every chapter features multiple dishes that involve expensive cuts of meat like filet mignon, or expensive fish like salmon. Also, while the book is generally good about giving pictures of how to perform some of the more uncommon culinary techniques (like butterflying), the fact of the matter is that I wouldn't have someone try a recipe (or even look at a recipe) that involves butterflying until they'd figured out cutting, chopping, dicing and mincing. Butterflying requires dexterity and a really sharp knife, and if you don't have those (and I'd frankly expect most people to not have those), then it's not something your average reader (who Jamie claims he's shooting for) should be trying to do.
That said, the very first chapter of the book, where Jamie gives a list of (to use Alton Brown's terminology) useful and necessary hardware for your kitchen is incredibly useful and valuable. With the exception of the mortar and pestle, with this assortment of equipment, you have absolutely everything you need to learn to cook. The cupboard list is okay too, though I'd probably recommend dropping the Marmite or Vegemite for peanut butter.
roxyc's review against another edition
5.0
A really great cookbook for those that are just taking their first steps into the kitchen. Loaded with great everyday basic recipes that are fuss-free and mostly healthy. I'll definitely be adding some of these recipes to my everyday meals during the week.
stephgraves's review against another edition
4.0
I admit I am usually somewhere in between admiring Jamie Oliver and thinking he's a twat. But, that being said, I admire his goal-getting folks to cook real meals-and of the three recipes I have already made out of here, they've all been keepers. So chAlk this one up as a win.
lipsmovetheysay's review against another edition
3.0
lord knows i love me some naked chef. and i'm not gonna lie, his food revolution tv show has actually made me cry. this cookbook is good, not great. i think it's admirable to show that anyone can make easy, tasty meals that are generally far more healthful than what you'd find in a store. but maybe i've just been leaning too vegan recently -- but lots of his recipes are chock full of butter, sugar, salt and fat. again, far better to use these in non-terrifying quantities and enjoy them as part of a home cooked meal, but i wish that some of the recipes had been a little more healthful?
psteve's review against another edition
3.0
I actually read this book, and enjoyed it. It's a library book, so I'll copy come recipes and save them. I made his roasted vegetables last night (potatoes, carrots, onions, turnips) and the technique is good -- parboil them first, then "chuff" them up in the colander before roasting, so there are plenty of rough edges. It worked very well. The book is a bit irritating in some of the terms he uses -- 'lugs' of olive oil, stuff that adds a 'twang' to the flavor -- and some of the techniques are not all they should be (I think you'd consistently get burnt garlic following his methods, but it's still a fun read.
mayalaurent's review against another edition
5.0
We made a ton of recipes from this book and every single one was yummy! They all had ingredients that were easy to find and everything was just nice and light and tasty. Our son ate from every recipe too. This will be for sure added to our cookbook collection.
martina_p's review against another edition
5.0
My first Jamie book =)
I got it for graduation.
Every recipe i've tried i loved it, some of them didn't work from the first try but from third i even made changes that suit me better.
Well written and super easy even for the people that haven't tried cooking yet!
I got it for graduation.
Every recipe i've tried i loved it, some of them didn't work from the first try but from third i even made changes that suit me better.
Well written and super easy even for the people that haven't tried cooking yet!
sableleigh's review against another edition
2.0
Really good recipes and love that there are pictures on every page! Fantastic book for ideas or simple changes to old recipes!
createassemblage's review against another edition
5.0
It is hard to not get behind a book with such a worthy message. The photos are great - lots of steps and ingredient shots. The food looks good and I look forward to testing some of these recipes out.
rachelbaddorf's review against another edition
4.0
Checked this out from the library and after an hour flipping through it I think it has been deemed worthy of purchasing for the permanent cookbook library.