Reviews

Miss Dahl's Voluptuous Delights by Sophie Dahl

emilywv's review against another edition

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3.0

Lots of yummy-looking vegetarian dishes and a few vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free ones too. Also includes meat dishes though.

kristennd's review against another edition

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4.0

The four stars are conditional because I haven't actually tried any recipes, but they certainly sound tasty. And simple. And healthy. Yet luscious.

I can't imagine picking up a cookbook by an American fashion model, but it's somehow different with the British. And it is mostly recipes, not memoir.

Quite a bit of it is homey nursery type food, which is a plus for me. In a more contemporary vein, there's lots of goat cheese, sweet potatoes, spelt flour, agave syrup, and yogurt. Meat as well. Sometimes. As with many British cookbooks, there's a lot of broiling. And flapjacks that have no relation to the American dish of that name (but they sound delicious).

I like the organization by season and within that by meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner). Just a single dessert section at the end, however. And most dishes serve just two people, which is a lovely change from the usual. Speaking of lovely, the kitchen sequences look like Nigella shoots and the atmosphere shots look just like an Anthropologie catalog. (This is a plus.)

It's not a book for beginners. She assumes some basic kitchen knowledge. I loved the assumption that everyone butters their chickens before roasting. The writing is wonderfully conversational, with small fat pans and plenty of flexibility. She understands that an effective hangover breakfast requires a Coke, in this case to accompany an egg sandwich recipe that can be placed in any sort of "bready thing." Macrobiotics are acknowledged as a nice healthy idea but too time-consuming for most people.

geesammy's review against another edition

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emotional informative inspiring relaxing medium-paced

3.75

alilianaraquel's review against another edition

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2.0

Eu tenho pontaria e má sorte com os livros de culinária...
Enfim...
Opinião no blogue com direito a receita: https://a-lilianaraquel.blogspot.com/2020/10/a-pasta-puttanesca-e-experiencia-com-as.html

spiritedstardust's review against another edition

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4.0

I adore this book. From the gorgeous photos, textural paper, beautiful writing to the simple but delicious recipes. I particularly loved reading the short blurbs about each recipe. Miss Dahl is delightful.

jlevans's review against another edition

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5.0

I loved this. So much more than just a cookery book. It's full of warmth, heart and imbues the reader with a self-confidence I've never experienced just simply by reading before. Well done, Miss Dahl.

farkle's review against another edition

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5.0

Delicious! I don't think I've ever read a cookbook cover to cover, but the chapter intros definitely make it worth the read. I also love that it is organized by seasons. The spring and summer chapters had my mouth watering, especially knowing that Farmer's Markets are popping up around now (one near our new house). But of course Dahl saved the best for last... the flourless chocolate cake alone makes the book worthwhile. (Don't worry mom, once the unpacking and arranging is done, this one is first on my to-do list. I'll try to save you a piece!)

Just an update...
I did finally make the flourless chocolate cake (back in January to be exact). It did not meet my mom's tough standards (I have another recipe for that), but Dave and I both loved it. Maybe I did something wrong, but it had a nice, brownie-like consistency and absolutely melts in your mouth.

The real winner so far is the cedar plank salmon. Maybe it's just the fact that Dave gets to set something on fire, but without this recipe I don't think I could get him to eat salmon. Simple and delicious.

megawattcole's review against another edition

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Beautiful cookbook, and she is so cute. Sophie Dahl seems like the genuine deal.

cuocuo's review against another edition

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3.0

I love that this book is divided into recipes by seasons and then further by breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Maybe it's the librarian in me, who knows. Also, Dahl has many savory breakfast recipes, which I always welcome. For some reason Americans are afraid of those unless they're wrapped in bacon.

While some Britishisms are welcome (I'm just about the biggest Anglophile I know), often Dahl lays it on too thick, i.e. "2 slices of a bready thing." Ugh.

hannahmayreads's review against another edition

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hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

3.0

Delightful indeed, this is a fun little cookbook. A sort of modern take on British comfort food you'll find recipes like rice pudding cereal with pear puree, buttermilk chicken with smashed sweet potatoes, crusted rack of lamb, and cardamom rice pudding. That rice pudding features at least twice is a good indicator as to the type of cook who will enjoy this book.

Unfortunately, I found it was less comprehensive than I would have liked. I expected a little more from Miss Dahl - I wanted her to explore and push a few boundaries. Alas, it won't find a permanent home on my shelf, but it would make a lovely gift for those less discerning in the kitchen (or with a bigger bookshelf) than I.