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.

Feel free to laugh at me - I seem to be wittering away to myself

I cooked Steak and ale stew and Chicken Korma last night. There was hardly any washing up which is always a bonus in a house where there's no dishwasher. We're using the steak and ale stew to make a pie tonight. The leftover chicken korma will be used in a biryani tomorrow. Anyway, bought meat and veg for this week and my trolley only came to £70 - it's very reasonably priced (the previous week came to £120)

I made the cauliflower cheese pasta last night and it was fantastic - used 3/4 the amount of pasta he suggested though and it was plenty for 4 of us with some left over (had it with a tomato and cucumber salad).

Also made parsnip and ginger soup which is really delicious and very easy.

Lots of good recipes to try even for the seasoned cook.

I like Jamie Oliver's recipes too. I'm going to have to get this and have a look.

Hope he sees this thread! An endorsement like this from so many mumsnetters - you couldn't buy such good publicity.

Loved the chicken stroganoff (minus the mushrooms) the bolognaise was yummy too - think I'm making the camembert pasta tonight.

TsarChasm - We're certainly doing our bit for his book.

I do cooking shows so I really do "pass it on" too.

I have lots of cook books but I have to say, The Ministry of Food is one of the best for simple, no fuss cooking. I like to cook a lot of West Indian food. However, DH, who is white British, wants me to cook more traditional British food at least three times a week(lol).

So far, I am really impressed with this book and my 5yo DTS sons demolished the pasta/smoked bacon/creme faiche/parmesan recipe. I replaced the peas with broccoli because they don't like peas and they absolutely love it.

I bought the book in WHSmith before Christmas for £12.99.

I tried the meatballs with crushed crackers last week and DH loved it. DTS do not like beef or lamb mince so will try it with chicken next time.

Also, previously I could never get my yorkshire puddings to rise. Since I started using Jamie's recipe from MOF, I make perfect Yorkshire puddings!

Rogan Josh was sooooo nice, i used the stock and it was yummy, dp made it with me and really enjoyen himself, he can'y cook so it was a big thing for him.

Just found out a friend from my teenage years is working with JO down in London i am very, very, very, enormously .

I pass on all the dishes and how to make them even when people don't ask to know.
Im a sad, sad lady i know far to much about that man and his life for my own good.

spokette - i have never had any west indian food , could i swap you for my DH who likes boring British food as well???

i also have this book - and i'm not a novice and do not fancy JO - even so would highly reccomend for busy moms who want to provide decent filling food every night without becoming a slave to the kitchen

Dp made the beef and ale stew last week for some friends. It all disappeared very quickly! Even friend's fussy nine year old had a clean plate. I didn't eat it as I'm veggie but it looked fine and he said it was really easy. He doubled the amount of meat vege and tomatoes but only put in one bottle of beer. Otherwise I think it would have been too much liquid. He also didn't put the veggies in until the final hour, so they retained some bite.

I was so impressed with this thread that I went off to get Jamie's book (it was still sitting in the box in which it was delivered about a month ago ). Now that I'm back in front of the computer I remember the reason I went into the bedroom, so I'll go back there now and get it. It's age, I'm sure of it.

On the positive side, the reason that I came out without the book is that I remembered I was out of socks, so at least I've put on a sock-and-jock wash.