I know people like to criticise Jamie Oliver but I've saved a fortune this week with his ministry of food recipes

[deaconblue]

I know the book is aimed at novice cooks, but I cook a lot and don't think it's patronising. Have had a go at 4 recipes so far, not one has taken more than 15 mins preparation time and we reckon each meal has cost about £5-6 (feeds 4 or 3 pigs). Am impressed so far.

That's great.

I havn't even gotton round to looking through my copy yet

I agree. It is a bloody good book.

made a minced beef and onion pie last night - delicious and would be even cheaper if I could be bothered to make my own pastry. Although should only add 500ml stock not 1 litre imo as I had to drain some liquid away.

I was really insulted when dh bought this book since I have cooked the vast majority of our meals since we got together. But I've got to say I am pleasantly surprised. I've always felt his recipes work well, but these are really good. Ok, some of them I really don't need to be told how to cook, but there are lots of simple, quick and cheap meal ideas. Realistic cooking, not like some who think that 'store cupboard staples' include creme fraiche, fresh limes, anchovy essance, saffron, distilled gold, that sort of thing...

that does sound good thanks.

riven did you sort our Ds's ipod?

Sorry for hijack .

Is the book really good ?I may try and get ot from library bet waiting list is very long though !

Shoppingbags, it's really easy to make your own shortcrust pastry if you use a food processor. It will do the rubbing in in seconds, then just add the liquid gradually until it turns into a lump, take it out and wrap it in clingfilm and rest it in the fridge for about 20 mins before rolling it out.

I bought this for my dd as she's always complaining there's nothing to eat in the fridge. She's 16 so it's about time she learnt, but whenever I suggest teaching her, she's always got homework or going out with her mates!! (I was just the same, so I shouldn't complain, and I think I'm a reasonably good self-taught cook now ) I must retrieve the book from her room and look through it. I like the suggestions for variations that he makes.

ComeWhineWithMe, you can buy it for £9.99 from The Book People or some of the supermarkets have it for about £12. I think it's worth the price even if you already cook.

I've just got rid of lots of recipe books as I never use them and they are really dated. I was thinking of getting a Jamie Oliver one, so will try this one. Thanks!

i was going to buy this book but its £25

this book is fab.... i think he adds too much water to most of the recipes, his spag bolognaise only needs half the amount he says,

asian chicken noodle broth is really tasty!

dh bought it for me for xmas because it was half price. he thought I would go mad (it was sort a piss take), but it's brilliant, the roast dinners gone down well, made a couple of the stews and the fish pie was scoffed. His potato salad is lovely. Oh and the salmon one where its baked in foil is lovely too.

ds2 asks every day 'is this jamesie oliver'

I can't do with Jamie O, but I love this book. I got it for Christmas and have been -torturing- delighting the family ever since!

Cauliflower cheese soup is excellent (had it for lunch today). Chilli tonight!

np where are you shopping, its £10 in Sainsburys or £12 in Asda (or was before Xmas).

I bought this for dh who never cooks anything, he keeps looking at it and making appreciative noises but hasnt made anything yet. Agree some of the stuff looks lovely, and easy.

i looked at it in tesco and it was £25
that was last week
there are afew on ebay, i am going to bid now i know its really good

The sweet potato/chorizo soup was delish

OOOh I have that book! it is good then?

it's £9.75 with free delivery on amazon atm

You really recommend it?

i like jamie actually,straight forward no faff cookery

I've never bought a Jo recipe book before, might have a look at this one.

shoppingbagsundereyes, what were the other recipes you tried?