Christmas cooking/baking books.

[RuggerHug]

I know logically I don't need another one but at this time of year when they're pretty cheap I get tempted. Last year I got Nigellas and loved it so def got my moneys worth.

Currently torn between Jamie Olivers and the Irish Countrywomans Association one, has anyone got either of these and can offer opinions or has anyone any others they swear by that I should look up?

Thanks!

[NeitherNowtNorSummat01]

I got the Jamie Oliver one last Christmas. I hate cookery books usually but bloody love this one. The parsnips and carrots were literally the nicest I've ever put in my body. I'm a vegetarian, but the other dinner guests said the same about the gravy and turkey.
I think you should definitely get it and I say this as someone who hates Jamie Oliver!

[TheSpottedZebra]

My 2 favourites are Nigella and Delia. I pondered the Jamie one last year.
NB I am veggie but do cook meat for others, and really like bakin.

The irish countrywomen one sounds intriguing.

[TheSpottedZebra]

Bakin?
That is not my attempt at talking street, or like Steve Wright.

D

[RuggerHug]

Oh I forgot to even mention I was veggie so glad to get reviews from fellow ones Thanks, Delia still scares me just from watching her Christmas show. For some reason I always got the impression if I did one of hers and it went wrong she would appear and give out to me. I have no idea why I think it, I just do..

[SisterMoonshine]

I was wondering about getting the hairy bikers one

[perhapstomorrow]

I've got the Jamie one and it's brill. I'm veggie and there are some veggie dishes in it. The other thing I like, is a lot of dishes are cooked at same temperature so it's easy to work out timings.

[Fridayfun]

I have the Irish Country Women's association one but it is not just a cookbook. It's a lovely book with some fab recipes but has many craft ideas and planning tips. I love it. It's really well laid out and is peppered throughout with memories from various members.

I have Nigeria's Christmas book too and I have definitely made more recipes from it but I've had it a few years. The Irish Countrywomens book is the type of book you will sit and read rather than just browse for recipes.

I usually Google Jamie's recipes so I don't have any of his books. His Christmas shows are usually good.

[TheSpottedZebra]

The Delia one is excellent! No slagging off Saint Delia.
Ok, it's less zhuzhy, but is excellent for when you're in a flap and just want some recipes that are guaranteed to work and that you don't need to second guess.

She wouldn't give out to you! She'd just be very disappointed that you hadn't tried harder. And you'd be disappointed in yourself too, wouldn't you?

Ok, so she's a bit school marmish...

[TheSpottedZebra]

Don't get Sarah Raven. Dry as a bone! Unless you're super into narcissi, then it's probably such fun.

[Fridayfun]

*Nigella's obviously, not Nigeria

[Ollivander84]

this thread just reminded me, my mum collects cookery books. She decided to have a sort through got rid of about 3 books
I went to take one off her and she was clutching it to her chest wailing "not delia, I NEED her Christmas book"

[HandbagCrazy]

Another vote for the Jamie Oliver one from me.
Me and DH had a mish-mash of Jamie recipes for Christmas from various magazines / leaflets (that he did for Sainsbury's one year) and from his Christmas specials. Bought the book last year and I just love it.

As PP said, he cooks a lot at the same temp so it's easy to manage and there are lots of tips that make things simpler. No preaching about everything having to be made from scratch either. Worth every penny

[RuggerHug]

OH there's a hairy bikers one?!
Ok so Jamie seems to be getting good reviews, thanks.
TheSpottedZebra I have DM to do a disappointed 'well that's one way of doing things' when cooking goes wrong. I don't think a Delia mirage is needed too

[VivaJen]

This thread made me laugh, I totally agree with the Nigella one, it makes me feel Christmassy just looking at it. I have the old delia one and the new one, I love the old one for the nostalgia feel. I would highly recommend Mary Berry's Christmas book, some reallly good baking recipes. I have the Hairy Biker one but wasn't so impressed but I onlyl bought it in February so haven't actually tried any recipes.
I am now also off to look at the Irish Countrywoman's Association book - yay!

[BiddyPop]

I have the Hairy Bikers one (I llooooove their minced meat!) which is nice. And they are funny in writing as well as on screen.

I have Sarah Raven's book which is about gardening for flowers in winter, cocktails, food, (lots of veggies) and all sorts. But yes, as someone else said, pretty dry as a book.

I didn't know the ICA had a Christmas book (I have a regular one - so I must investigate). Do the WI have anything similar?! (ICA never get back to me when I investigate joining, so I ponder moving across the water for the WI on occasion!! Then I remember I am too busy....)

I am currently in the throes of culling my book collection (we changed our bookcases and the new one has far far less space) and cookery books are getting a cull as part of it - I am getting rid of an Italian, German, soups and 1001 recipes ones (that's 4), but cannot bring myself to loose Roux Brothers, Jamie (3), Darina and Rachel Allen (another 3), Nigella (only 1), Rick Stein (1 but we live by the sea so I really want to increase our fish intake!), the original Hamlyn book and my Mary Berry beginner cookbook (all my loose recipes that I use lots live inside the front cover of that one!). They fill half a shelf - and I only have 4 for everything (DIY, travel, crafts, history, economics, politics, biographies, reference, and some novels and poetry) aaagggghhhh

[BiddyPop]

(I also need to not look at anymore Christmas books unless I decide to buy 1 to replace Sarah Raven..... hides thread from self.......)

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

Ooh Christmas Cookbooks

I'm a vegetarian, limited gluten and minimal dairy (just to add to the mix)
DH and DD are vegetarian , DS limited meat.

I have watched JO, HB, DS ,NL on telly but not bought their books (though I have a really old Delia book) . Does Nigel Slater do a Christmas book......?

Whenever I catch the Delia Christma repeats she's always cooking that blardy ham!! And Nigella is doing the turkey brining !!

Delias roulade is lush but a bit of a faff to produce when you're using every hob and pot in the kitchen, nicer to have in the quieter days .

[TheSpottedZebra]

70 - Nigel has one coming out it seems.... <a class="break-all" href="//www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Chronicles-Nigel-Slater-x/dp/0008260192/ref=zg_bsnr_66_63?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=TKEC6RKMNPS4AVNETRJH&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21" rel="nofollow noindex" target="_blank">//www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Chronicles-Nigel-Slater-x/dp/0008260192/ref=zg_bsnr_66_63?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=TKEC6RKMNPS4AVNETRJH&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

[RuggerHug]

Part of the charm of the Nigella Christmas shows I've seen is her 'your best friend at Christmas is the freezer'. She goes to freezer, you think to show organised premade stuff but she pulls out the bottle of vodka. I am now considering a few more books than I had planned thanks to asking here!

Biddy is the ICA one worth it do you think?

[TheSpottedZebra]

Delia see the freezer too .
Delia has a freezer in her outhouse.
Delia has a premade chocolate truffle torte stashed away ready and something something seafood too.

NB I don't like fish so I tune out for that bit.
But she tells you exactly what can be frozen ahead, and at what point in the recipe.

[TheSpottedZebra]

Delia USES the freezer, that should say.

[RuggerHug]

But does she use it for vodka above anything else?
I promise I will check her out and will admit my ignorance if she works for me, deal Zebra?

[TheSpottedZebra]

Oh, she drinks

[VivaJen]

Might be worth having a look at this MN article
www.mumsnet.com/books/best-christmas-cookbooks

[RuggerHug]

ICA and Jamie Olivers arrived today
Am going to check the big cupboard of cookery books in DMs for Delia. Thank you all(and Merrrrrrrrry Christmas!)