Cookery Books read in 2016

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

I know it's not fiction, but some of us on the 50 books thread fancy talking about cookery books, and fiction gets more traffic.

I've read two this year so far, dipping in and out of them when cooking/eating etc - neither are new but both are really lovely to read:

Madhur Jaffrey 'World Vegetarian' - I haven't made a lot from here, but what I have made has been good and there's lots more I want to try. My biggest problem with it is she says that things serve 4 or whatever, but it's often that they serve that number as part of a combination with other foods/recipes, and she doesn't always make that clear.

Nigella Lawson 'Feast' - The Guinness cake from this is sublime, and the veggie chilli is good, although my Mother of All Veggie Chillis recipe is better! I fancy trying the vodka pasta, but can't stand tinned tomatoes - I might try replacing with fresh.

Anybody cooked anything from either of these?

Ooh, fellow Agent, I've not tried that one but I did have something that sounded an awful lot like it in a Persian restaurant in Glasgow and it tasted like feet! Acquired taste, maybe?

I think the problem I have with Veg every day is that too many of the recipes are basically things I'd make already and view as quite boring everyday sort of meals. But on a re-read, there are actually some interesting looking things that would be a bit different.

I suspect actually the real problem is that there is only so much you can do in January with squash, kale and brussels sprouts

To be fair I bought Veg everyday to be just that, I wanted something for everyday cooking that wasn't either quorn or pasta etc. I have ha some really good staple meal from it, nothing fancy or expensive or posh but just a little bit different. Something the whole family can enjoy on a weekday night.

Agent, was it the one with the waterfall in the window on GWR?

Yes, Agent, yes it was!! Paradise! I was v disappointed. When dude brought our starter he showed us how to eat it by consuming half of it. It looked so good as well

Hello!

Could I add my recommendation of Persiana by Sabrina Ghayour?

A beautiful book full of recipes I can't wait to try. Each recipe has an introduction which makes an interesting point about the dish and a nice photograph.

I have been laid low for a few days, (and in need of lemsip and sleep), so haven't been able to test any of them yet, but they all look very delicious!

Yotam Ottolenghi's Jerusalem is lovely, as is Nigellissima. Got 'keepers' from both of those. In particular the no-churn espresso ice cream which is divine.

What do you make from Jerusalem, tartyflette? It's been sitting on my shelf for over a year.

If you're a veggie this one might not be for you, but it was a spiced minced lamb dish with eggs baked on the top. Lovely with rice or bread.

I'm not, though I think lots of people on here are. Will revisit the book!

Ottolenghis 'Plenty' is lovely - the black pepper tofu is the only thing I've made, but it is absolutely wonderful.

Oh, the black pepper tofu looks great. Did you have all three sorts of soy sauce, Remus? I'm inclined to try it with just the regular tamari that I always use.

DIL has made me the black pepper tofu & it is delicious.

I made the leek fritters (don't think they were called that, but that is what they were!) & they were not good.

I borrowed it from the library, which is what I do with a lot of cookbooks. (and other books).

I just used one kind of soy, and cut down on both pepper and chillis a bit.

I got a couple of cookbooks for Christmas. First was Whole Food Slow Cooker which, on first browse, I chose x3 recipes to try (meatloaf, Cambodian curry & beef stew with dumplings). The recipes include a method for slow cooker and hob.

Sorry, I got all excited and posted instead of previewed to see my first photo

I bought River Cottage Light & Easy and Love Your Leftovers (both £6 on Amazon) which I haven't looked at yet.

I will be reading Eat. Nourish. Glow by Amelia Freer next. I have always been an emotional eater - any stress I turn to chocolate. Feeling rubbish - eat rubbish to make me feel better. I'm hoping to change my attitude to eating and this will be my first step. I can report back on the book if anyone would like me to.

I used to have so many cook books - most of which I read in bed for the comfort and pleasure, especially on a Sunday morning with a tea tray & toast. When I moved I (sobs) gave loads away as I simply didn't have the room and had to make space for professional books.

I have been looking at Persiana as my grandfather was Parsee (persian-indian) and everything by Ottolenghi looks wonderful but I've been unable to choose between them (sighs).

When I have more time and family demands settle down, I shall self-gift and will use this thread for recommendations.

Have already printed out your veggie chilli though Remus as it looks fab!

MY favourite new reading cookbook is Mamushka.
Lovely reading and great recipes.

Second place goes to Zahav, Israeli/Eastern European/American mix.

I found the Mumsnet cookbook in a cook shop for £3.50 today. Some nice recipes in there.
Love the sound of your chili Remus

Oooh excellent, a cookbook thread! Well done Remus

My mother has ottolenghi's Plenty and she has made loads of good stuff from it but she always complains the recipes go in for a lot of bother

I am currently lusting for Jerusalem, but refuse to pay €40 for it

I have s fabulous veggie lasagne recipe from I think a Tamsin Day Lewis book. Seriously yummy, have served it to carnivores to much appreciation!

Have nigella's How to Eat which I have found incredibly reliable but I have never tried to do brownies I must admit...

Must go google Persiana now...

I'd forgotten about this thread!

Went to friends' house for dinner recently and they did a Nigella pasta with Gorgonzola and spinach recipe. Was v nice. Think it was from her Italian one.

I buckled and ordered Persiana. Haven't had a chance to look at it yet.

I was looking at the (very tasty looking) butter bean recipes in the Guardian today, and thinking that I should see what newer books Rose Elliot has. I used to have a book of hers when I was a student (maybe the Bean book), and her recipes were always very reliable. Not quite as classy as Persiana, but maybe more what I need!

I thought those butterbean recipes looked good too, but thought it was a bit crazy thinking people would want to eat butterbeans four days in a row!