This is one I'll buy for friends, 20 Nov 2008
I hesitated for a while over buying this because I'm actually quite a decent cook and I own a lot of cook books already. I eventually bought it in the hopes that it would give me some good ideas for routine day to day meals and I was not disappointed. I particularly enjoyed the section on salads where the principle of salad construction and dressings are explained and the section on curries as these are something I've only bought as ready meals or take-aways before.

I'm definitely going to buy more copies of this book for friends who are less able cooks than I am as I'm confident they can pick up lots of basics from this.

Disappointing, 17 Nov 2008
I have tried four recipes from this book so far. The recipes are easy to follow, but the results don't taste very good. All have been disappointing and one was horrible.

I am a Jamie fan and have enjoyed some of his other books, but these recipes just aren't up to his usual standard.

Fantastic, 17 Nov 2008
easy to follow
well written
recipes that are easy and work (and taste great)
exactly what a recipe book should be- hope the other prima donnas take note.

"Who are you, and what have you done with our Mum?", 14 Nov 2008
I must own about 100 recipie books easily, maybe more. They cause me trouble in storing them and strife everytime we move...but no more ...I'm about to ditch most of them! I've had The Ministry for 3 weeks and have used more recipes from this than I have out of the other books combined!

I love the one recipe per left hand page and pictures showing stages and finished item on right side of pages, no flicking pages here, or pictures of tempting dishes and endless frustration trying to match recipe to correct picture 30 pages apart! Every recipe is pictured, so you know what it's supposed to look like!
There's not even lists of difficult to source ingredients, and there are many ideas of how to tweak recipies to make them into something else. I've never used so many fresh herbs in cooking, and they really do lift the quality and flavour of the meals. It's inspired me to start a herb garden of my own!

My family have particularly loved the Roast chicken - moist melt in the mouth and totally flavour packed - as is the consistantly good gravy - Bisto have lost me forever. I actually had no idea how easy it is and how good gravy could taste. Parmesan chicken and posh ham chicken great - although 2nd time used smoked bacon instead - just as good really. Salmon fishcakes gorgeous. The sauce with the meatloaf is fantastic, and have used this as a veggie main meal with couscous on its own (without bacon!)

Trouble is I'm being pestered to remake so many things...particularly Mega Chocolate Fudge Cake...heavenly.

I'm quite a confident and good home cook anyway, but have been guilty of getting stuck in a rut with old favourite meals cooked hundreds of times. I usually only dabble in recipe books at Xmas time. However we are all loving the Ministry.

I highly recommend this easy to follow, attractive and no nonsense book as the only one you need in the kitchen - except for Xmas stuff!

A book for the credit crunch?, 13 Nov 2008
I've always enjoyed his TV programmes and I've had a long hard look at Jamie's books over the last 2-3 years since teaching myself to cook - and to be honest, never fancied them at all. They seemed a bit too fussy and his recipes simply didn't appeal. This one is different. Simple, straight forward and concise. the recipes tend to be orientated more towards an easy meal at the end of the day than the full blown dinner, which too many cookbooks tend to aspire to. And in this credit crunch era it's a bit of a brainwave to hark back to (even darker) dark days and good simple, plain, easy to cook, tasty and nutritional fare. This for the last two weeks has become a bit of a bible for me and I can see my love affair with it lasting a lot longer than that. His best book yet - by far.

This is one I'll buy for friends, 20 Nov 2008
I hesitated for a while over buying this because I'm actually quite a decent cook and I own a lot of cook books already. I eventually bought it in the hopes that it would give me some good ideas for routine day to day meals and I was not disappointed. I particularly enjoyed the section on salads where the principle of salad construction and dressings are explained and the section on curries as these are something I've only bought as ready meals or take-aways before.

I'm definitely going to buy more copies of this book for friends who are less able cooks than I am as I'm confident they can pick up lots of basics from this.

Disappointing, 17 Nov 2008
I have tried four recipes from this book so far. The recipes are easy to follow, but the results don't taste very good. All have been disappointing and one was horrible.

I am a Jamie fan and have enjoyed some of his other books, but these recipes just aren't up to his usual standard.

Fantastic, 17 Nov 2008
easy to follow
well written
recipes that are easy and work (and taste great)
exactly what a recipe book should be- hope the other prima donnas take note.

"Who are you, and what have you done with our Mum?", 14 Nov 2008
I must own about 100 recipie books easily, maybe more. They cause me trouble in storing them and strife everytime we move...but no more ...I'm about to ditch most of them! I've had The Ministry for 3 weeks and have used more recipes from this than I have out of the other books combined!

I love the one recipe per left hand page and pictures showing stages and finished item on right side of pages, no flicking pages here, or pictures of tempting dishes and endless frustration trying to match recipe to correct picture 30 pages apart! Every recipe is pictured, so you know what it's supposed to look like!
There's not even lists of difficult to source ingredients, and there are many ideas of how to tweak recipies to make them into something else. I've never used so many fresh herbs in cooking, and they really do lift the quality and flavour of the meals. It's inspired me to start a herb garden of my own!

My family have particularly loved the Roast chicken - moist melt in the mouth and totally flavour packed - as is the consistantly good gravy - Bisto have lost me forever. I actually had no idea how easy it is and how good gravy could taste. Parmesan chicken and posh ham chicken great - although 2nd time used smoked bacon instead - just as good really. Salmon fishcakes gorgeous. The sauce with the meatloaf is fantastic, and have used this as a veggie main meal with couscous on its own (without bacon!)

Trouble is I'm being pestered to remake so many things...particularly Mega Chocolate Fudge Cake...heavenly.

I'm quite a confident and good home cook anyway, but have been guilty of getting stuck in a rut with old favourite meals cooked hundreds of times. I usually only dabble in recipe books at Xmas time. However we are all loving the Ministry.

I highly recommend this easy to follow, attractive and no nonsense book as the only one you need in the kitchen - except for Xmas stuff!

A book for the credit crunch?, 13 Nov 2008
I've always enjoyed his TV programmes and I've had a long hard look at Jamie's books over the last 2-3 years since teaching myself to cook - and to be honest, never fancied them at all. They seemed a bit too fussy and his recipes simply didn't appeal. This one is different. Simple, straight forward and concise. the recipes tend to be orientated more towards an easy meal at the end of the day than the full blown dinner, which too many cookbooks tend to aspire to. And in this credit crunch era it's a bit of a brainwave to hark back to (even darker) dark days and good simple, plain, easy to cook, tasty and nutritional fare. This for the last two weeks has become a bit of a bible for me and I can see my love affair with it lasting a lot longer than that. His best book yet - by far.

Nigella does it again, 19 Nov 2008
This book enters without faltering into the Nigella Classics. I feared it might be a rush, flimsy job, like Forever Summer, or the slightly disappointing Nigella Bites. But I needn't have - this is a beautifully put together (you sort of want to sit there and stroke it) brilliantly written (I read mine cover to cover like a novel, a bit tragic, but there you go) and, needless to say, the essential thing, full of recipes and menus that make you feel crazily Christmassy, and greedy.

The red centre pages, marking the actual Christmas Day menu, are a well though out touch. Nigella is typically luscious and bosomy looking, I just want her to come and cook my Christmas lunch for me. Not least because I am, in an awestruck way, a bit terrified of her Christmas menu. It is so all-encompassing and grand and generous, that I feel daunted by even making the bread sauce - there's just so much to do! She helps the pathetic like me by putting in a very authoritative cooking schedule. But, still.

I'm going to let myself in gently by making goats cheese and pumpkin lasagne this weekend, followed by maple glazed cheesecake. How totally delicious.

Bravo Nigella! Please come and live with me.

Nigella's Espresso Martini-Todka Heaven!, 17 Nov 2008
Delighted to find that Nigella has incorporated the wonderful Todka Toffee Vodka into her Espresso Martini recipe! Many people know Todka is great on its own, but this version is a different kind of delicious! There are some reviews about this book that say it is difficult to find some of the more unusual ingredients.Products such as Todka can easily be sourced on-line from companies like thedrinkshop.com .Internet shopping makes many of these ingredients very accessible. I'm now quite looking forward to Christmas in the kitchen!


C M Coot, 14 Nov 2008
No better than average I'm afraid. Big fan of Ms Lawson but this ain't the best.

Been there, done that, 14 Nov 2008
I have all Nigella's books and use them constantly but "Christmas" is a big disappointment, in fact, I am returning it. Apart from the fact that a vast number of the recipes are repeats of her other books, I can't come to terms with the amount of alcohol that Nigella uses in practically everything, not a good idea when feeding a large family with grandchildren and older people. Also a lot of the ingredients are unavailable in country shopping centres and I refuse to spend time going from one shop to another trying to source unheard-of spices and sauces, especially at Christmas. How sad, Nigella was my true "Domestic Goddess", but, no longer!

A bit disappointing, 09 Nov 2008
Like other reviewers I noticed quite a lot of repeat recipes from other Nigella books, but I don't buy her books for the recipes, (though I'll definitely be making some of the cocktail recipes) I buy Nigella's books because I love the way she writes. No one can match her in this department though Nigel Slater probably comes second, her enthusiasm for food and entertaining is infectious. If food photography is your bag you'll love this book.

The accompaniment to her new 13 part prime-time series for the Autumn which will be perfect for those of us who need instant culinary gratification! Fast foods, ingenious short cuts, terrific time-saving ideas and easy, delicious meals for all the family.

This is one I'll buy for friends, 20 Nov 2008
I hesitated for a while over buying this because I'm actually quite a decent cook and I own a lot of cook books already. I eventually bought it in the hopes that it would give me some good ideas for routine day to day meals and I was not disappointed. I particularly enjoyed the section on salads where the principle of salad construction and dressings are explained and the section on curries as these are something I've only bought as ready meals or take-aways before.

I'm definitely going to buy more copies of this book for friends who are less able cooks than I am as I'm confident they can pick up lots of basics from this.

Disappointing, 17 Nov 2008
I have tried four recipes from this book so far. The recipes are easy to follow, but the results don't taste very good. All have been disappointing and one was horrible.

I am a Jamie fan and have enjoyed some of his other books, but these recipes just aren't up to his usual standard.

Fantastic, 17 Nov 2008
easy to follow
well written
recipes that are easy and work (and taste great)
exactly what a recipe book should be- hope the other prima donnas take note.

"Who are you, and what have you done with our Mum?", 14 Nov 2008
I must own about 100 recipie books easily, maybe more. They cause me trouble in storing them and strife everytime we move...but no more ...I'm about to ditch most of them! I've had The Ministry for 3 weeks and have used more recipes from this than I have out of the other books combined!

I love the one recipe per left hand page and pictures showing stages and finished item on right side of pages, no flicking pages here, or pictures of tempting dishes and endless frustration trying to match recipe to correct picture 30 pages apart! Every recipe is pictured, so you know what it's supposed to look like!
There's not even lists of difficult to source ingredients, and there are many ideas of how to tweak recipies to make them into something else. I've never used so many fresh herbs in cooking, and they really do lift the quality and flavour of the meals. It's inspired me to start a herb garden of my own!

My family have particularly loved the Roast chicken - moist melt in the mouth and totally flavour packed - as is the consistantly good gravy - Bisto have lost me forever. I actually had no idea how easy it is and how good gravy could taste. Parmesan chicken and posh ham chicken great - although 2nd time used smoked bacon instead - just as good really. Salmon fishcakes gorgeous. The sauce with the meatloaf is fantastic, and have used this as a veggie main meal with couscous on its own (without bacon!)

Trouble is I'm being pestered to remake so many things...particularly Mega Chocolate Fudge Cake...heavenly.

I'm quite a confident and good home cook anyway, but have been guilty of getting stuck in a rut with old favourite meals cooked hundreds of times. I usually only dabble in recipe books at Xmas time. However we are all loving the Ministry.

I highly recommend this easy to follow, attractive and no nonsense book as the only one you need in the kitchen - except for Xmas stuff!

A book for the credit crunch?, 13 Nov 2008
I've always enjoyed his TV programmes and I've had a long hard look at Jamie's books over the last 2-3 years since teaching myself to cook - and to be honest, never fancied them at all. They seemed a bit too fussy and his recipes simply didn't appeal. This one is different. Simple, straight forward and concise. the recipes tend to be orientated more towards an easy meal at the end of the day than the full blown dinner, which too many cookbooks tend to aspire to. And in this credit crunch era it's a bit of a brainwave to hark back to (even darker) dark days and good simple, plain, easy to cook, tasty and nutritional fare. This for the last two weeks has become a bit of a bible for me and I can see my love affair with it lasting a lot longer than that. His best book yet - by far.

Nigella does it again, 19 Nov 2008
This book enters without faltering into the Nigella Classics. I feared it might be a rush, flimsy job, like Forever Summer, or the slightly disappointing Nigella Bites. But I needn't have - this is a beautifully put together (you sort of want to sit there and stroke it) brilliantly written (I read mine cover to cover like a novel, a bit tragic, but there you go) and, needless to say, the essential thing, full of recipes and menus that make you feel crazily Christmassy, and greedy.

The red centre pages, marking the actual Christmas Day menu, are a well though out touch. Nigella is typically luscious and bosomy looking, I just want her to come and cook my Christmas lunch for me. Not least because I am, in an awestruck way, a bit terrified of her Christmas menu. It is so all-encompassing and grand and generous, that I feel daunted by even making the bread sauce - there's just so much to do! She helps the pathetic like me by putting in a very authoritative cooking schedule. But, still.

I'm going to let myself in gently by making goats cheese and pumpkin lasagne this weekend, followed by maple glazed cheesecake. How totally delicious.

Bravo Nigella! Please come and live with me.

Nigella's Espresso Martini-Todka Heaven!, 17 Nov 2008
Delighted to find that Nigella has incorporated the wonderful Todka Toffee Vodka into her Espresso Martini recipe! Many people know Todka is great on its own, but this version is a different kind of delicious! There are some reviews about this book that say it is difficult to find some of the more unusual ingredients.Products such as Todka can easily be sourced on-line from companies like thedrinkshop.com .Internet shopping makes many of these ingredients very accessible. I'm now quite looking forward to Christmas in the kitchen!


C M Coot, 14 Nov 2008
No better than average I'm afraid. Big fan of Ms Lawson but this ain't the best.

Been there, done that, 14 Nov 2008
I have all Nigella's books and use them constantly but "Christmas" is a big disappointment, in fact, I am returning it. Apart from the fact that a vast number of the recipes are repeats of her other books, I can't come to terms with the amount of alcohol that Nigella uses in practically everything, not a good idea when feeding a large family with grandchildren and older people. Also a lot of the ingredients are unavailable in country shopping centres and I refuse to spend time going from one shop to another trying to source unheard-of spices and sauces, especially at Christmas. How sad, Nigella was my true "Domestic Goddess", but, no longer!

A bit disappointing, 09 Nov 2008
Like other reviewers I noticed quite a lot of repeat recipes from other Nigella books, but I don't buy her books for the recipes, (though I'll definitely be making some of the cocktail recipes) I buy Nigella's books because I love the way she writes. No one can match her in this department though Nigel Slater probably comes second, her enthusiasm for food and entertaining is infectious. If food photography is your bag you'll love this book.

Wonderful book, fast and easy recipes., 28 Sep 2008
It's my first Nigella's book and it's truly wonderful. Easy to make and follow recipes and beautiful pictures. Not to mention her enchanting writing style.

So far I have tried couple of recipes and they all have turned out great.

One thing which I'd complain about a little, Nigella doesn't really season her meat but adding salt and pepper is my contribution to the recipes :).

This is the book when you want to fix something yummie for dinner but you're running out of time.

This book helped me enjoy food again!, 03 Sep 2008
When I stopped dieting and decided that I'd eat foods I loved and really enjoy cooking again regardless of calories or points or carbs, this book provided lots of wonderful ideas and I enjoy following her recipes and adapating them. I love Nigella's attitude to food. Her dishes are full of flavour and colour - so welcome after years of low fat, low sugar, low everything in a vain attempt to get the perfect body - ironicaly I've lost loads of weight and kept it off, cooking myself and my family lovely meals from this book. When I stopped depriving myself I re-gained balance and enjoyment and overate a lot less - thanks Nigella!!!

Express it is, 11 Aug 2008
Nigella has once again proved that she wasn't an overnight sensation that would fizzle at the hurdle of catering for the masses. Nigella, like many of us is one hell of a busy lady and what busy people don't have is much time to prepare meals.
I have been a fan of Nigella for a very long time now and this book was purchased to add to my collection of over 40 cookery boooks. And of course this book did not disappoint in the slightest.

I can recommend the Naan pizzas for parents or students on the go. And if you have a load of children in your house at the weekend (this would be ideal for teenage sleepovers) the Frittata party! The totally chocolate chip cookies are simply too yummy to explain and the hokey pokey is yum. It's not just practical for putting on chocolate puddings/mousses it also looks very nice decorating chocolate cakes and even chocolate triffles. And yes it does make a nice present.

Every recipe looks supreme and I cannot wait to work my way through the book.

Anyone who needs an extra pair of hands in the kitchen should purchase this.

Great Book!, 28 Jul 2008
I love Nigellas recipes, so I had to get this book! I've tried a few of the recipes on some of my friends and they really enjoyed them! Not the healthiest of recipes, but some of the best tasting ones! I would recommend this to anyone! Enjoy

Expressly Delicious!!, 25 Jul 2008
This is another triumph for Nigella Lawson. If you watched the TV show to accompany the book you will not be disappointed.

Recipes are delicious, easy and as the title would suggest - very quick!!

I have made loads of dishes from the book and they have all turned out fantastically.

I would just like to point out that I live outside of London and contrary to another reviewer's beef about problems getting ingredients from 'posh deli's' I have been able to get most of the things I have needed from a small local Sainsburys.

This is one I'll buy for friends, 20 Nov 2008
I hesitated for a while over buying this because I'm actually quite a decent cook and I own a lot of cook books already. I eventually bought it in the hopes that it would give me some good ideas for routine day to day meals and I was not disappointed. I particularly enjoyed the section on salads where the principle of salad construction and dressings are explained and the section on curries as these are something I've only bought as ready meals or take-aways before.

I'm definitely going to buy more copies of this book for friends who are less able cooks than I am as I'm confident they can pick up lots of basics from this.

Disappointing, 17 Nov 2008
I have tried four recipes from this book so far. The recipes are easy to follow, but the results don't taste very good. All have been disappointing and one was horrible.

I am a Jamie fan and have enjoyed some of his other books, but these recipes just aren't up to his usual standard.

Fantastic, 17 Nov 2008
easy to follow
well written
recipes that are easy and work (and taste great)
exactly what a recipe book should be- hope the other prima donnas take note.

"Who are you, and what have you done with our Mum?", 14 Nov 2008
I must own about 100 recipie books easily, maybe more. They cause me trouble in storing them and strife everytime we move...but no more ...I'm about to ditch most of them! I've had The Ministry for 3 weeks and have used more recipes from this than I have out of the other books combined!

I love the one recipe per left hand page and pictures showing stages and finished item on right side of pages, no flicking pages here, or pictures of tempting dishes and endless frustration trying to match recipe to correct picture 30 pages apart! Every recipe is pictured, so you know what it's supposed to look like!
There's not even lists of difficult to source ingredients, and there are many ideas of how to tweak recipies to make them into something else. I've never used so many fresh herbs in cooking, and they really do lift the quality and flavour of the meals. It's inspired me to start a herb garden of my own!

My family have particularly loved the Roast chicken - moist melt in the mouth and totally flavour packed - as is the consistantly good gravy - Bisto have lost me forever. I actually had no idea how easy it is and how good gravy could taste. Parmesan chicken and posh ham chicken great - although 2nd time used smoked bacon instead - just as good really. Salmon fishcakes gorgeous. The sauce with the meatloaf is fantastic, and have used this as a veggie main meal with couscous on its own (without bacon!)

Trouble is I'm being pestered to remake so many things...particularly Mega Chocolate Fudge Cake...heavenly.

I'm quite a confident and good home cook anyway, but have been guilty of getting stuck in a rut with old favourite meals cooked hundreds of times. I usually only dabble in recipe books at Xmas time. However we are all loving the Ministry.

I highly recommend this easy to follow, attractive and no nonsense book as the only one you need in the kitchen - except for Xmas stuff!

A book for the credit crunch?, 13 Nov 2008
I've always enjoyed his TV programmes and I've had a long hard look at Jamie's books over the last 2-3 years since teaching myself to cook - and to be honest, never fancied them at all. They seemed a bit too fussy and his recipes simply didn't appeal. This one is different. Simple, straight forward and concise. the recipes tend to be orientated more towards an easy meal at the end of the day than the full blown dinner, which too many cookbooks tend to aspire to. And in this credit crunch era it's a bit of a brainwave to hark back to (even darker) dark days and good simple, plain, easy to cook, tasty and nutritional fare. This for the last two weeks has become a bit of a bible for me and I can see my love affair with it lasting a lot longer than that. His best book yet - by far.

Nigella does it again, 19 Nov 2008
This book enters without faltering into the Nigella Classics. I feared it might be a rush, flimsy job, like Forever Summer, or the slightly disappointing Nigella Bites. But I needn't have - this is a beautifully put together (you sort of want to sit there and stroke it) brilliantly written (I read mine cover to cover like a novel, a bit tragic, but there you go) and, needless to say, the essential thing, full of recipes and menus that make you feel crazily Christmassy, and greedy.

The red centre pages, marking the actual Christmas Day menu, are a well though out touch. Nigella is typically luscious and bosomy looking, I just want her to come and cook my Christmas lunch for me. Not least because I am, in an awestruck way, a bit terrified of her Christmas menu. It is so all-encompassing and grand and generous, that I feel daunted by even making the bread sauce - there's just so much to do! She helps the pathetic like me by putting in a very authoritative cooking schedule. But, still.

I'm going to let myself in gently by making goats cheese and pumpkin lasagne this weekend, followed by maple glazed cheesecake. How totally delicious.

Bravo Nigella! Please come and live with me.

Nigella's Espresso Martini-Todka Heaven!, 17 Nov 2008
Delighted to find that Nigella has incorporated the wonderful Todka Toffee Vodka into her Espresso Martini recipe! Many people know Todka is great on its own, but this version is a different kind of delicious! There are some reviews about this book that say it is difficult to find some of the more unusual ingredients.Products such as Todka can easily be sourced on-line from companies like thedrinkshop.com .Internet shopping makes many of these ingredients very accessible. I'm now quite looking forward to Christmas in the kitchen!


C M Coot, 14 Nov 2008
No better than average I'm afraid. Big fan of Ms Lawson but this ain't the best.

Been there, done that, 14 Nov 2008
I have all Nigella's books and use them constantly but "Christmas" is a big disappointment, in fact, I am returning it. Apart from the fact that a vast number of the recipes are repeats of her other books, I can't come to terms with the amount of alcohol that Nigella uses in practically everything, not a good idea when feeding a large family with grandchildren and older people. Also a lot of the ingredients are unavailable in country shopping centres and I refuse to spend time going from one shop to another trying to source unheard-of spices and sauces, especially at Christmas. How sad, Nigella was my true "Domestic Goddess", but, no longer!

A bit disappointing, 09 Nov 2008
Like other reviewers I noticed quite a lot of repeat recipes from other Nigella books, but I don't buy her books for the recipes, (though I'll definitely be making some of the cocktail recipes) I buy Nigella's books because I love the way she writes. No one can match her in this department though Nigel Slater probably comes second, her enthusiasm for food and entertaining is infectious. If food photography is your bag you'll love this book.

Wonderful book, fast and easy recipes., 28 Sep 2008
It's my first Nigella's book and it's truly wonderful. Easy to make and follow recipes and beautiful pictures. Not to mention her enchanting writing style.

So far I have tried couple of recipes and they all have turned out great.

One thing which I'd complain about a little, Nigella doesn't really season her meat but adding salt and pepper is my contribution to the recipes :).

This is the book when you want to fix something yummie for dinner but you're running out of time.

This book helped me enjoy food again!, 03 Sep 2008
When I stopped dieting and decided that I'd eat foods I loved and really enjoy cooking again regardless of calories or points or carbs, this book provided lots of wonderful ideas and I enjoy following her recipes and adapating them. I love Nigella's attitude to food. Her dishes are full of flavour and colour - so welcome after years of low fat, low sugar, low everything in a vain attempt to get the perfect body - ironicaly I've lost loads of weight and kept it off, cooking myself and my family lovely meals from this book. When I stopped depriving myself I re-gained balance and enjoyment and overate a lot less - thanks Nigella!!!

Express it is, 11 Aug 2008
Nigella has once again proved that she wasn't an overnight sensation that would fizzle at the hurdle of catering for the masses. Nigella, like many of us is one hell of a busy lady and what busy people don't have is much time to prepare meals.
I have been a fan of Nigella for a very long time now and this book was purchased to add to my collection of over 40 cookery boooks. And of course this book did not disappoint in the slightest.

I can recommend the Naan pizzas for parents or students on the go. And if you have a load of children in your house at the weekend (this would be ideal for teenage sleepovers) the Frittata party! The totally chocolate chip cookies are simply too yummy to explain and the hokey pokey is yum. It's not just practical for putting on chocolate puddings/mousses it also looks very nice decorating chocolate cakes and even chocolate triffles. And yes it does make a nice present.

Every recipe looks supreme and I cannot wait to work my way through the book.

Anyone who needs an extra pair of hands in the kitchen should purchase this.

Great Book!, 28 Jul 2008
I love Nigellas recipes, so I had to get this book! I've tried a few of the recipes on some of my friends and they really enjoyed them! Not the healthiest of recipes, but some of the best tasting ones! I would recommend this to anyone! Enjoy

Expressly Delicious!!, 25 Jul 2008
This is another triumph for Nigella Lawson. If you watched the TV show to accompany the book you will not be disappointed.

Recipes are delicious, easy and as the title would suggest - very quick!!

I have made loads of dishes from the book and they have all turned out fantastically.

I would just like to point out that I live outside of London and contrary to another reviewer's beef about problems getting ingredients from 'posh deli's' I have been able to get most of the things I have needed from a small local Sainsburys.

I love everything about this book, 16 Nov 2008
This book is full of inspiring and easy to follow recipes, delicious photography and lots of personal touches and anecdotes which make it a 'real' book. I like the way the dishes are made using accessible ingredients as sometimes celebrity cook books are full of ingredients which are difficult to come by or expensive. In fact I love the old fashioned and 'simple food' element, but above all the recipes are for 'proper' good food, ideal for family meals and social gatherings without days of worry and preparation beforehand.
A must have for everyone who loves to cook good food with simple, quality ingredients.

What's that all about?, 31 Oct 2008
I am usually not impressed by Gordon's "rushed" which he calls "high-energy" approach to cooking. Nevertheless his recipes are usually easy to follow and as tasty as it gets - if that's what you are looking for you won't be disappointed. Cooking books do not need anything else than that - so why have I rated it as 4 stars only? The simple answer is I do not like his non-cooking, not recipe related introductions and the title. On one occasion he's ranting about Delia's "cheat approach" which led him to donate all his Delia cooking books to a charity shop. My second "favourite" is the revelation that his wife has started to cook something vegetarian for the kids once a week. These statements are not only unnecessary they distract from the subject which is food. I do love cooking and great food but hey in the end it's food not world peace so stop ranting, argueing and self-praise. In my humble opinion the only absolute in the world of cooking is to COOK YOURSELF and avoid fast food/ ready meals. So it does not matter if you are using cheats and cheap ingredients if this creates the basic conditions to make you cook.
The other annoying point is the title. Nothing in this book relates to "cooking for friends", it's just a selection of recipes, which are suitable everyday and anytime.
To summarise: A decent cookbook with a misleading title but a good selection of very nice recipes written by a chef with an attitude.

A different tempo from Gordon Ramsay, 17 Oct 2008
as he leaves his chef's jacket at work!

* * * STOP PRESS * * * IDEAL CHRISTMAS PRESENT - A SIGNED COPY - ORDER TODAY!

From the front cover flap:-

'Away from the high-octane energy of the professional kitchen, Gordon's home is a relaxed family affair, where cooking s fun and everyone gets involved in preparing food for family and friends. The food Gordon cooks here embodies his strongly held views: use in-season, fresh ingredients at their peak; support local producers and farmers' markets whenever we can; and celebrate our food culture and its many influences.....
...'Cooking for Friends' is full of Gordon's best-loved versions of classic British dishes.....and contains more than 100 of his favourite recipes, which he loves to cook and eat with friends and family - uncomplicated recipes but with Gordon's remarkable feeling for flavour and his technical know-how.'

From the introduction:-

'As a chef, I work at a thousand miles an hour, but when I'm at home, I want to slow down. I leave my chef's jacket at work, and I walk into a domestic setting, where everything is completely different. At home, our kitchen is family-run, and it's a relaxed place. A lot of people see cooking as a chore, but we bring an element of fun into it..........'

269 high quality matt pages split over 9 chapters:-

Hot and cold soups
Pasta and grains
Fish and shellfish
Meat and poultry
Pies and tarts
Vegetables and salads
Puddings and ices
Chocolate and coffee
Basics

sandwiched between a 9-page introduction and a full index, which is enhanced with finished-dish illustrations shown in italics.

Each chapter opens with some relevant notes and a list of the recipes contained within, for quick reference.
Each recipe is clearly laid out with a bold title and relevant text, along wiith the method, the number of servings and the list of ingredients. The page numbers are on the edge of the right hand page, which aids quick flicking!
The book is interspersed with illustrations of the finished dishes, although these are rather fewer than expected, in my opinion.....(hence my four star rating)...... along with on-location shots of GR, his family and friends.

My favourite pud is no particular secret, and, as I share Gordon's passion for the caramelized apple flavour and texture in an Apple Tarte Tatin..... his recipe for 'Caramelized Apple Pie', from page 207, really hits the spot:-

'I love the flavour of caramelized apples in a tarte tatin, and this is a way of bringing that flavour into a classic apple pie.
Also, because the apples are pre-cooked, they won't shrink during baking and create air pockets inside the pie.
I like to serve the pie while it's still warm with either a little pouring cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.'

A delicious twist which makes the finished product taste divine, and following on from G's 'Lamb Shank Cassoulet` served with sautéed savoy cabbage and chunks of malted grain bread....simply SUPER to share, after an October stroll in the woods with all our friends!
Which... of course....is what this book is all about!

A taste of other recipes within:-

Asparagus velouté
Conger eel bisque
Crayfish chowder
Farfalle with bacon, peas and sage
Grilled vegetable lasagne
Gordon's posh kedgeree (video feature above)
Wild mushroom barley risotto
Fish curry with lime and coconut rice
Grilled herrings with harissa
Fisherman's stew
Poached rabbit legs with gremolata
Pork fillet stroganoff
Home-made bangers
Classic mixed grill
Angus beef olives
Sweet potato and duck rösti with fried duck eggs
Honey roast ham
Shepherd's pie with Branston pickle
Cornish chicken pie
Fish pie with oysters and scallops
Roast winter vegetables
Spicy cauliflower stir-fry
Mixed mushroom salad
Pickled onions
Autumn fruit salad with thyme and ginger
Custard tart
Lemon meringue pie
Chocolate swirl cheesecake
Chocolate and coffee pots
Dark chocolate marquise

All in all, a 'homely'-type book, which is clear from the GR notes throughout, e.g.:-

From 'Pasta and grains`:-

'At home, we don't just stick to rice and spaghetti. Tana has begun to feed the kids a vegetarian meal once a week, which means being creative in combining pulses, grains and pasta with a variety of vegetables.
The kids love it when she experiments.
When the weather is cold we use a lot of barley, adding it to soups, stews, and winter salads. Barley can even take the place of rice in risotto.
The excellent barley risotto here has featured many a time on our restaurant menus............'

Stocking-filler at best, 14 Oct 2008
This book smacks of the publisher ringing and saying "Gordon, we need a quick book to push out before Xmas". Gordon has then thrown together a few middle-of-the-road recipes and come up with the 'theme' of cooking for friends as a sales pitch. Only around a third of the recipes have accompanying photos, and spaces where they could have a photo of the food, there's a pointless photo of Gordon smiling gormlessly at the camera. A vague attempt at jumping on the Jamie/Hugh bandwagon of "buy fresh/local/organic/free-range" is dotted amongst the very-short intros to each section. And an unnecessary jibe at Delia is thrown in for good measure. There are so many better books out there now.

Gordon Ramsey: Cooking for Friends, 10 Oct 2008
I have all Gordon Ramsey's books and this one is ideal for people who think everything he creates is expensive
This book deals with things like Oxtail soup which is a simple recipe and easy to make
I really recommend this title for everyday cooking with the Ramsey touch

This is one I'll buy for friends, 20 Nov 2008
I hesitated for a while over buying this because I'm actually quite a decent cook and I own a lot of cook books already. I eventually bought it in the hopes that it would give me some good ideas for routine day to day meals and I was not disappointed. I particularly enjoyed the section on salads where the principle of salad construction and dressings are explained and the section on curries as these are something I've only bought as ready meals or take-aways before.

I'm definitely going to buy more copies of this book for friends who are less able cooks than I am as I'm confident they can pick up lots of basics from this.

Disappointing, 17 Nov 2008
I have tried four recipes from this book so far. The recipes are easy to follow, but the results don't taste very good. All have been disappointing and one was horrible.

I am a Jamie fan and have enjoyed some of his other books, but these recipes just aren't up to his usual standard.

Fantastic, 17 Nov 2008
easy to follow
well written
recipes that are easy and work (and taste great)
exactly what a recipe book should be- hope the other prima donnas take note.

"Who are you, and what have you done with our Mum?", 14 Nov 2008
I must own about 100 recipie books easily, maybe more. They cause me trouble in storing them and strife everytime we move...but no more ...I'm about to ditch most of them! I've had The Ministry for 3 weeks and have used more recipes from this than I have out of the other books combined!

I love the one recipe per left hand page and pictures showing stages and finished item on right side of pages, no flicking pages here, or pictures of tempting dishes and endless frustration trying to match recipe to correct picture 30 pages apart! Every recipe is pictured, so you know what it's supposed to look like!
There's not even lists of difficult to source ingredients, and there are many ideas of how to tweak recipies to make them into something else. I've never used so many fresh herbs in cooking, and they really do lift the quality and flavour of the meals. It's inspired me to start a herb garden of my own!

My family have particularly loved the Roast chicken - moist melt in the mouth and totally flavour packed - as is the consistantly good gravy - Bisto have lost me forever. I actually had no idea how easy it is and how good gravy could taste. Parmesan chicken and posh ham chicken great - although 2nd time used smoked bacon instead - just as good really. Salmon fishcakes gorgeous. The sauce with the meatloaf is fantastic, and have used this as a veggie main meal with couscous on its own (without bacon!)

Trouble is I'm being pestered to remake so many things...particularly Mega Chocolate Fudge Cake...heavenly.

I'm quite a confident and good home cook anyway, but have been guilty of getting stuck in a rut with old favourite meals cooked hundreds of times. I usually only dabble in recipe books at Xmas time. However we are all loving the Ministry.

I highly recommend this easy to follow, attractive and no nonsense book as the only one you need in the kitchen - except for Xmas stuff!

A book for the credit crunch?, 13 Nov 2008
I've always enjoyed his TV programmes and I've had a long hard look at Jamie's books over the last 2-3 years since teaching myself to cook - and to be honest, never fancied them at all. They seemed a bit too fussy and his recipes simply didn't appeal. This one is different. Simple, straight forward and concise. the recipes tend to be orientated more towards an easy meal at the end of the day than the full blown dinner, which too many cookbooks tend to aspire to. And in this credit crunch era it's a bit of a brainwave to hark back to (even darker) dark days and good simple, plain, easy to cook, tasty and nutritional fare. This for the last two weeks has become a bit of a bible for me and I can see my love affair with it lasting a lot longer than that. His best book yet - by far.

Nigella does it again, 19 Nov 2008
This book enters without faltering into the Nigella Classics. I feared it might be a rush, flimsy job, like Forever Summer, or the slightly disappointing Nigella Bites. But I needn't have - this is a beautifully put together (you sort of want to sit there and stroke it) brilliantly written (I read mine cover to cover like a novel, a bit tragic, but there you go) and, needless to say, the essential thing, full of recipes and menus that make you feel crazily Christmassy, and greedy.

The red centre pages, marking the actual Christmas Day menu, are a well though out touch. Nigella is typically luscious and bosomy looking, I just want her to come and cook my Christmas lunch for me. Not least because I am, in an awestruck way, a bit terrified of her Christmas menu. It is so all-encompassing and grand and generous, that I feel daunted by even making the bread sauce - there's just so much to do! She helps the pathetic like me by putting in a very authoritative cooking schedule. But, still.

I'm going to let myself in gently by making goats cheese and pumpkin lasagne this weekend, followed by maple glazed cheesecake. How totally delicious.

Bravo Nigella! Please come and live with me.

Nigella's Espresso Martini-Todka Heaven!, 17 Nov 2008
Delighted to find that Nigella has incorporated the wonderful Todka Toffee Vodka into her Espresso Martini recipe! Many people know Todka is great on its own, but this version is a different kind of delicious! There are some reviews about this book that say it is difficult to find some of the more unusual ingredients.Products such as Todka can easily be sourced on-line from companies like thedrinkshop.com .Internet shopping makes many of these ingredients very accessible. I'm now quite looking forward to Christmas in the kitchen!


C M Coot, 14 Nov 2008
No better than average I'm afraid. Big fan of Ms Lawson but this ain't the best.

Been there, done that, 14 Nov 2008
I have all Nigella's books and use them constantly but "Christmas" is a big disappointment, in fact, I am returning it. Apart from the fact that a vast number of the recipes are repeats of her other books, I can't come to terms with the amount of alcohol that Nigella uses in practically everything, not a good idea when feeding a large family with grandchildren and older people. Also a lot of the ingredients are unavailable in country shopping centres and I refuse to spend time going from one shop to another trying to source unheard-of spices and sauces, especially at Christmas. How sad, Nigella was my true "Domestic Goddess", but, no longer!

A bit disappointing, 09 Nov 2008
Like other reviewers I noticed quite a lot of repeat recipes from other Nigella books, but I don't buy her books for the recipes, (though I'll definitely be making some of the cocktail recipes) I buy Nigella's books because I love the way she writes. No one can match her in this department though Nigel Slater probably comes second, her enthusiasm for food and entertaining is infectious. If food photography is your bag you'll love this book.

Wonderful book, fast and easy recipes., 28 Sep 2008
It's my first Nigella's book and it's truly wonderful. Easy to make and follow recipes and beautiful pictures. Not to mention her enchanting writing style.

So far I have tried couple of recipes and they all have turned out great.

One thing which I'd complain about a little, Nigella doesn't really season her meat but adding salt and pepper is my contribution to the recipes :).

This is the book when you want to fix something yummie for dinner but you're running out of time.

This book helped me enjoy food again!, 03 Sep 2008
When I stopped dieting and decided that I'd eat foods I loved and really enjoy cooking again regardless of calories or points or carbs, this book provided lots of wonderful ideas and I enjoy following her recipes and adapating them. I love Nigella's attitude to food. Her dishes are full of flavour and colour - so welcome after years of low fat, low sugar, low everything in a vain attempt to get the perfect body - ironicaly I've lost loads of weight and kept it off, cooking myself and my family lovely meals from this book. When I stopped depriving myself I re-gained balance and enjoyment and overate a lot less - thanks Nigella!!!

Express it is, 11 Aug 2008
Nigella has once again proved that she wasn't an overnight sensation that would fizzle at the hurdle of catering for the masses. Nigella, like many of us is one hell of a busy lady and what busy people don't have is much time to prepare meals.
I have been a fan of Nigella for a very long time now and this book was purchased to add to my collection of over 40 cookery boooks. And of course this book did not disappoint in the slightest.

I can recommend the Naan pizzas for parents or students on the go. And if you have a load of children in your house at the weekend (this would be ideal for teenage sleepovers) the Frittata party! The totally chocolate chip cookies are simply too yummy to explain and the hokey pokey is yum. It's not just practical for putting on chocolate puddings/mousses it also looks very nice decorating chocolate cakes and even chocolate triffles. And yes it does make a nice present.

Every recipe looks supreme and I cannot wait to work my way through the book.

Anyone who needs an extra pair of hands in the kitchen should purchase this.

Great Book!, 28 Jul 2008
I love Nigellas recipes, so I had to get this book! I've tried a few of the recipes on some of my friends and they really enjoyed them! Not the healthiest of recipes, but some of the best tasting ones! I would recommend this to anyone! Enjoy

Expressly Delicious!!, 25 Jul 2008
This is another triumph for Nigella Lawson. If you watched the TV show to accompany the book you will not be disappointed.

Recipes are delicious, easy and as the title would suggest - very quick!!

I have made loads of dishes from the book and they have all turned out fantastically.

I would just like to point out that I live outside of London and contrary to another reviewer's beef about problems getting ingredients from 'posh deli's' I have been able to get most of the things I have needed from a small local Sainsburys.

I love everything about this book, 16 Nov 2008
This book is full of inspiring and easy to follow recipes, delicious photography and lots of personal touches and anecdotes which make it a 'real' book. I like the way the dishes are made using accessible ingredients as sometimes celebrity cook books are full of ingredients which are difficult to come by or expensive. In fact I love the old fashioned and 'simple food' element, but above all the recipes are for 'proper' good food, ideal for family meals and social gatherings without days of worry and preparation beforehand.
A must have for everyone who loves to cook good food with simple, quality ingredients.

What's that all about?, 31 Oct 2008
I am usually not impressed by Gordon's "rushed" which he calls "high-energy" approach to cooking. Nevertheless his recipes are usually easy to follow and as tasty as it gets - if that's what you are looking for you won't be disappointed. Cooking books do not need anything else than that - so why have I rated it as 4 stars only? The simple answer is I do not like his non-cooking, not recipe related introductions and the title. On one occasion he's ranting about Delia's "cheat approach" which led him to donate all his Delia cooking books to a charity shop. My second "favourite" is the revelation that his wife has started to cook something vegetarian for the kids once a week. These statements are not only unnecessary they distract from the subject which is food. I do love cooking and great food but hey in the end it's food not world peace so stop ranting, argueing and self-praise. In my humble opinion the only absolute in the world of cooking is to COOK YOURSELF and avoid fast food/ ready meals. So it does not matter if you are using cheats and cheap ingredients if this creates the basic conditions to make you cook.
The other annoying point is the title. Nothing in this book relates to "cooking for friends", it's just a selection of recipes, which are suitable everyday and anytime.
To summarise: A decent cookbook with a misleading title but a good selection of very nice recipes written by a chef with an attitude.

A different tempo from Gordon Ramsay, 17 Oct 2008
as he leaves his chef's jacket at work!

* * * STOP PRESS * * * IDEAL CHRISTMAS PRESENT - A SIGNED COPY - ORDER TODAY!

From the front cover flap:-

'Away from the high-octane energy of the professional kitchen, Gordon's home is a relaxed family affair, where cooking s fun and everyone gets involved in preparing food for family and friends. The food Gordon cooks here embodies his strongly held views: use in-season, fresh ingredients at their peak; support local producers and farmers' markets whenever we can; and celebrate our food culture and its many influences.....
...'Cooking for Friends' is full of Gordon's best-loved versions of classic British dishes.....and contains more than 100 of his favourite recipes, which he loves to cook and eat with friends and family - uncomplicated recipes but with Gordon's remarkable feeling for flavour and his technical know-how.'

From the introduction:-

'As a chef, I work at a thousand miles an hour, but when I'm at home, I want to slow down. I leave my chef's jacket at work, and I walk into a domestic setting, where everything is completely different. At home, our kitchen is family-run, and it's a relaxed place. A lot of people see cooking as a chore, but we bring an element of fun into it..........'

269 high quality matt pages split over 9 chapters:-

Hot and cold soups
Pasta and grains
Fish and shellfish
Meat and poultry
Pies and tarts
Vegetables and salads
Puddings and ices
Chocolate and coffee
Basics

sandwiched between a 9-page introduction and a full index, which is enhanced with finished-dish illustrations shown in italics.

Each chapter opens with some relevant notes and a list of the recipes contained within, for quick reference.
Each recipe is clearly laid out with a bold title and relevant text, along wiith the method, the number of servings and the list of ingredients. The page numbers are on the edge of the right hand page, which aids quick flicking!
The book is interspersed with illustrations of the finished dishes, although these are rather fewer than expected, in my opinion.....(hence my four star rating)...... along with on-location shots of GR, his family and friends.

My favourite pud is no particular secret, and, as I share Gordon's passion for the caramelized apple flavour and texture in an Apple Tarte Tatin..... his recipe for 'Caramelized Apple Pie', from page 207, really hits the spot:-

'I love the flavour of caramelized apples in a tarte tatin, and this is a way of bringing that flavour into a classic apple pie.
Also, because the apples are pre-cooked, they won't shrink during baking and create air pockets inside the pie.
I like to serve the pie while it's still warm with either a little pouring cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.'

A delicious twist which makes the finished product taste divine, and following on from G's 'Lamb Shank Cassoulet` served with sautéed savoy cabbage and chunks of malted grain bread....simply SUPER to share, after an October stroll in the woods with all our friends!
Which... of course....is what this book is all about!

A taste of other recipes within:-

Asparagus velouté
Conger eel bisque
Crayfish chowder
Farfalle with bacon, peas and sage
Grilled vegetable lasagne
Gordon's posh kedgeree (video feature above)
Wild mushroom barley risotto
Fish curry with lime and coconut rice
Grilled herrings with harissa
Fisherman's stew
Poached rabbit legs with gremolata
Pork fillet stroganoff
Home-made bangers
Classic mixed grill
Angus beef olives
Sweet potato and duck rösti with fried duck eggs
Honey roast ham
Shepherd's pie with Branston pickle
Cornish chicken pie
Fish pie with oysters and scallops
Roast winter vegetables
Spicy cauliflower stir-fry
Mixed mushroom salad
Pickled onions
Autumn fruit salad with thyme and ginger
Custard tart
Lemon meringue pie
Chocolate swirl cheesecake
Chocolate and coffee pots
Dark chocolate marquise

All in all, a 'homely'-type book, which is clear from the GR notes throughout, e.g.:-

From 'Pasta and grains`:-

'At home, we don't just stick to rice and spaghetti. Tana has begun to feed the kids a vegetarian meal once a week, which means being creative in combining pulses, grains and pasta with a variety of vegetables.
The kids love it when she experiments.
When the weather is cold we use a lot of barley, adding it to soups, stews, and winter salads. Barley can even take the place of rice in risotto.
The excellent barley risotto here has featured many a time on our restaurant menus............'

Stocking-filler at best, 14 Oct 2008
This book smacks of the publisher ringing and saying "Gordon, we need a quick book to push out before Xmas". Gordon has then thrown together a few middle-of-the-road recipes and come up with the 'theme' of cooking for friends as a sales pitch. Only around a third of the recipes have accompanying photos, and spaces where they could have a photo of the food, there's a pointless photo of Gordon smiling gormlessly at the camera. A vague attempt at jumping on the Jamie/Hugh bandwagon of "buy fresh/local/organic/free-range" is dotted amongst the very-short intros to each section. And an unnecessary jibe at Delia is thrown in for good measure. There are so many better books out there now.

Gordon Ramsey: Cooking for Friends, 10 Oct 2008
I have all Gordon Ramsey's books and this one is ideal for people who think everything he creates is expensive
This book deals with things like Oxtail soup which is a simple recipe and easy to make
I really recommend this title for everyday cooking with the Ramsey touch

Uninspiring, 14 Nov 2008
After reading the very mixed reviews on this page I was eager to see what all the fuss was about with this book. I am not overly concerned about the whole argument on whether or not it is right or wrong to cheat at cooking - although I might add that I am surprised at the anger from those who sit firmly in the latter camp (if you feel so strongly about it, why on earth would you buy a book entitled 'how to cheat at cooking' in the first place?) Personally, I bought the book on the basis that it might provide me with some after-work ideas for a quick meal. Flicking through the book, I have only really come across a couple of recipes that appealed to me and most of them contained so many specific ingredients that I felt it was not worth the bother. The ones with a shorter list of ingredients seemed to be so pointless as I felt it easier and cheaper to just buy the dish in a ready made version! Sorry, Delia, I know you are trying to move with the times, and I for one appreciate that, but I couldn't get on with this book, it's definitely not one of your best or one of my favourites.

Cheese, cheese and more cheese!, 05 Nov 2008
Far too many of the recipes in this book contain cheese - which I hate. Looking through the book I only like the look of two recipes and one of them is a cake!

Also, I wish it would give alternatives e.g so I could substitute my mashed potatoes for the frozen ones listed.

Book was bought as a gift and is now on the shelf at the local charity shop.

WHen "young Delia" was the cooking edge, 04 Oct 2008
The original "How to Cheat at cooking " has had an honoured place in our kitchen for 30 years. It was full of great corner cuts based on readily available products and the cheat s worked, like all Delia stuff - This original book didn't depend on which supermarket you used- no corporate recommendations here - just great ways to produce good dishes and sauces with less effort and relatively wholesome ingredients - the new book is different , fun sure, but sooo corporate, - seek out the old one(even as a collectable item it will still be cheaper) and rekindle your faith as well as getting quick dishes people admire on the table

Poor book, not useful, read back of the packets and save your money, 08 Jul 2008
I don't care to get into the controversy over whether or not this is part of this food movement or whether it sends the right message... all I wanted to know when I read it was whether Delia presented simple, day-to-day recipes that I could use when I was in a hurry and wanted something nice for the family.

Totally disappointed. Why? -- very simple: I do not need to spend money on a book to tell me to read the back of the packet of pre-packaged foods in the supermarket.

I don't have anything against the occassional use of a ready meal or a frozen ingredient, but why would I want to spend money for a batch of recipes that basically tell me nothing more than the information on the packaging tells me: open, pour, stir in a can of...

I returned this book for a full refund. Useless.

I haven't had the heart to say I cheated!!, 31 May 2008
I'm really impressed with this book mainly for the reason that it's been my saviour recently for last minute meals that I've had to prepare for visitors. I haven't had the heart to say I've cheated but I've had nothing but compliments for the food, even from my fiancee who can't stand capers!
I recommend this for real kitchen cheats who want to guarentee a tasty meal. If you want to sit back and take the full credit yourself, try something else!
It's also good value at the moment. I've not seen it cheaper anywhere else.

This book is very close to my heart. It's about no-nonsense, simple cooking with great flavours all year round. When I began writing it, I didn't really know what recipes I would come up with, but something began to inspire me very quickly... my vegetable

This is one I'll buy for friends, 20 Nov 2008
I hesitated for a while over buying this because I'm actually quite a decent cook and I own a lot of cook books already. I eventually bought it in the hopes that it would give me some good ideas for routine day to day meals and I was not disappointed. I particularly enjoyed the section on salads where the principle of salad construction and dressings are explained and the section on curries as these are something I've only bought as ready meals or take-aways before.

I'm definitely going to buy more copies of this book for friends who are less able cooks than I am as I'm confident they can pick up lots of basics from this.

Disappointing, 17 Nov 2008
I have tried four recipes from this book so far. The recipes are easy to follow, but the results don't taste very good. All have been disappointing and one was horrible.

I am a Jamie fan and have enjoyed some of his other books, but these recipes just aren't up to his usual standard.

Fantastic, 17 Nov 2008
easy to follow
well written
recipes that are easy and work (and taste great)
exactly what a recipe book should be- hope the other prima donnas take note.

"Who are you, and what have you done with our Mum?", 14 Nov 2008
I must own about 100 recipie books easily, maybe more. They cause me trouble in storing them and strife everytime we move...but no more ...I'm about to ditch most of them! I've had The Ministry for 3 weeks and have used more recipes from this than I have out of the other books combined!

I love the one recipe per left hand page and pictures showing stages and finished item on right side of pages, no flicking pages here, or pictures of tempting dishes and endless frustration trying to match recipe to correct picture 30 pages apart! Every recipe is pictured, so you know what it's supposed to look like!
There's not even lists of difficult to source ingredients, and there are many ideas of how to tweak recipies to make them into something else. I've never used so many fresh herbs in cooking, and they really do lift the quality and flavour of the meals. It's inspired me to start a herb garden of my own!

My family have particularly loved the Roast chicken - moist melt in the mouth and totally flavour packed - as is the consistantly good gravy - Bisto have lost me forever. I actually had no idea how easy it is and how good gravy could taste. Parmesan chicken and posh ham chicken great - although 2nd time used smoked bacon instead - just as good really. Salmon fishcakes gorgeous. The sauce with the meatloaf is fantastic, and have used this as a veggie main meal with couscous on its own (without bacon!)

Trouble is I'm being pestered to remake so many things...particularly Mega Chocolate Fudge Cake...heavenly.

I'm quite a confident and good home cook anyway, but have been guilty of getting stuck in a rut with old favourite meals cooked hundreds of times. I usually only dabble in recipe books at Xmas time. However we are all loving the Ministry.

I highly recommend this easy to follow, attractive and no nonsense book as the only one you need in the kitchen - except for Xmas stuff!

A book for the credit crunch?, 13 Nov 2008
I've always enjoyed his TV programmes and I've had a long hard look at Jamie's books over the last 2-3 years since teaching myself to cook - and to be honest, never fancied them at all. They seemed a bit too fussy and his recipes simply didn't appeal. This one is different. Simple, straight forward and concise. the recipes tend to be orientated more towards an easy meal at the end of the day than the full blown dinner, which too many cookbooks tend to aspire to. And in this credit crunch era it's a bit of a brainwave to hark back to (even darker) dark days and good simple, plain, easy to cook, tasty and nutritional fare. This for the last two weeks has become a bit of a bible for me and I can see my love affair with it lasting a lot longer than that. His best book yet - by far.

Nigella does it again, 19 Nov 2008
This book enters without faltering into the Nigella Classics. I feared it might be a rush, flimsy job, like Forever Summer, or the slightly disappointing Nigella Bites. But I needn't have - this is a beautifully put together (you sort of want to sit there and stroke it) brilliantly written (I read mine cover to cover like a novel, a bit tragic, but there you go) and, needless to say, the essential thing, full of recipes and menus that make you feel crazily Christmassy, and greedy.

The red centre pages, marking the actual Christmas Day menu, are a well though out touch. Nigella is typically luscious and bosomy looking, I just want her to come and cook my Christmas lunch for me. Not least because I am, in an awestruck way, a bit terrified of her Christmas menu. It is so all-encompassing and grand and generous, that I feel daunted by even making the bread sauce - there's just so much to do! She helps the pathetic like me by putting in a very authoritative cooking schedule. But, still.

I'm going to let myself in gently by making goats cheese and pumpkin lasagne this weekend, followed by maple glazed cheesecake. How totally delicious.

Bravo Nigella! Please come and live with me.

Nigella's Espresso Martini-Todka Heaven!, 17 Nov 2008
Delighted to find that Nigella has incorporated the wonderful Todka Toffee Vodka into her Espresso Martini recipe! Many people know Todka is great on its own, but this version is a different kind of delicious! There are some reviews about this book that say it is difficult to find some of the more unusual ingredients.Products such as Todka can easily be sourced on-line from companies like thedrinkshop.com .Internet shopping makes many of these ingredients very accessible. I'm now quite looking forward to Christmas in the kitchen!


C M Coot, 14 Nov 2008
No better than average I'm afraid. Big fan of Ms Lawson but this ain't the best.

Been there, done that, 14 Nov 2008
I have all Nigella's books and use them constantly but "Christmas" is a big disappointment, in fact, I am returning it. Apart from the fact that a vast number of the recipes are repeats of her other books, I can't come to terms with the amount of alcohol that Nigella uses in practically everything, not a good idea when feeding a large family with grandchildren and older people. Also a lot of the ingredients are unavailable in country shopping centres and I refuse to spend time going from one shop to another trying to source unheard-of spices and sauces, especially at Christmas. How sad, Nigella was my true "Domestic Goddess", but, no longer!

A bit disappointing, 09 Nov 2008
Like other reviewers I noticed quite a lot of repeat recipes from other Nigella books, but I don't buy her books for the recipes, (though I'll definitely be making some of the cocktail recipes) I buy Nigella's books because I love the way she writes. No one can match her in this department though Nigel Slater probably comes second, her enthusiasm for food and entertaining is infectious. If food photography is your bag you'll love this book.

Wonderful book, fast and easy recipes., 28 Sep 2008
It's my first Nigella's book and it's truly wonderful. Easy to make and follow recipes and beautiful pictures. Not to mention her enchanting writing style.

So far I have tried couple of recipes and they all have turned out great.

One thing which I'd complain about a little, Nigella doesn't really season her meat but adding salt and pepper is my contribution to the recipes :).

This is the book when you want to fix something yummie for dinner but you're running out of time.

This book helped me enjoy food again!, 03 Sep 2008
When I stopped dieting and decided that I'd eat foods I loved and really enjoy cooking again regardless of calories or points or carbs, this book provided lots of wonderful ideas and I enjoy following her recipes and adapating them. I love Nigella's attitude to food. Her dishes are full of flavour and colour - so welcome after years of low fat, low sugar, low everything in a vain attempt to get the perfect body - ironicaly I've lost loads of weight and kept it off, cooking myself and my family lovely meals from this book. When I stopped depriving myself I re-gained balance and enjoyment and overate a lot less - thanks Nigella!!!

Express it is, 11 Aug 2008
Nigella has once again proved that she wasn't an overnight sensation that would fizzle at the hurdle of catering for the masses. Nigella, like many of us is one hell of a busy lady and what busy people don't have is much time to prepare meals.
I have been a fan of Nigella for a very long time now and this book was purchased to add to my collection of over 40 cookery boooks. And of course this book did not disappoint in the slightest.

I can recommend the Naan pizzas for parents or students on the go. And if you have a load of children in your house at the weekend (this would be ideal for teenage sleepovers) the Frittata party! The totally chocolate chip cookies are simply too yummy to explain and the hokey pokey is yum. It's not just practical for putting on chocolate puddings/mousses it also looks very nice decorating chocolate cakes and even chocolate triffles. And yes it does make a nice present.

Every recipe looks supreme and I cannot wait to work my way through the book.

Anyone who needs an extra pair of hands in the kitchen should purchase this.

Great Book!, 28 Jul 2008
I love Nigellas recipes, so I had to get this book! I've tried a few of the recipes on some of my friends and they really enjoyed them! Not the healthiest of recipes, but some of the best tasting ones! I would recommend this to anyone! Enjoy

Expressly Delicious!!, 25 Jul 2008
This is another triumph for Nigella Lawson. If you watched the TV show to accompany the book you will not be disappointed.

Recipes are delicious, easy and as the title would suggest - very quick!!

I have made loads of dishes from the book and they have all turned out fantastically.

I would just like to point out that I live outside of London and contrary to another reviewer's beef about problems getting ingredients from 'posh deli's' I have been able to get most of the things I have needed from a small local Sainsburys.

I love everything about this book, 16 Nov 2008
This book is full of inspiring and easy to follow recipes, delicious photography and lots of personal touches and anecdotes which make it a 'real' book. I like the way the dishes are made using accessible ingredients as sometimes celebrity cook books are full of ingredients which are difficult to come by or expensive. In fact I love the old fashioned and 'simple food' element, but above all the recipes are for 'proper' good food, ideal for family meals and social gatherings without days of worry and preparation beforehand.
A must have for everyone who loves to cook good food with simple, quality ingredients.

What's that all about?, 31 Oct 2008
I am usually not impressed by Gordon's "rushed" which he calls "high-energy" approach to cooking. Nevertheless his recipes are usually easy to follow and as tasty as it gets - if that's what you are looking for you won't be disappointed. Cooking books do not need anything else than that - so why have I rated it as 4 stars only? The simple answer is I do not like his non-cooking, not recipe related introductions and the title. On one occasion he's ranting about Delia's "cheat approach" which led him to donate all his Delia cooking books to a charity shop. My second "favourite" is the revelation that his wife has started to cook something vegetarian for the kids once a week. These statements are not only unnecessary they distract from the subject which is food. I do love cooking and great food but hey in the end it's food not world peace so stop ranting, argueing and self-praise. In my humble opinion the only absolute in the world of cooking is to COOK YOURSELF and avoid fast food/ ready meals. So it does not matter if you are using cheats and cheap ingredients if this creates the basic conditions to make you cook.
The other annoying point is the title. Nothing in this book relates to "cooking for friends", it's just a selection of recipes, which are suitable everyday and anytime.
To summarise: A decent cookbook with a misleading title but a good selection of very nice recipes written by a chef with an attitude.

A different tempo from Gordon Ramsay, 17 Oct 2008
as he leaves his chef's jacket at work!

* * * STOP PRESS * * * IDEAL CHRISTMAS PRESENT - A SIGNED COPY - ORDER TODAY!

From the front cover flap:-

'Away from the high-octane energy of the professional kitchen, Gordon's home is a relaxed family affair, where cooking s fun and everyone gets involved in preparing food for family and friends. The food Gordon cooks here embodies his strongly held views: use in-season, fresh ingredients at their peak; support local producers and farmers' markets whenever we can; and celebrate our food culture and its many influences.....
...'Cooking for Friends' is full of Gordon's best-loved versions of classic British dishes.....and contains more than 100 of his favourite recipes, which he loves to cook and eat with friends and family - uncomplicated recipes but with Gordon's remarkable feeling for flavour and his technical know-how.'

From the introduction:-

'As a chef, I work at a thousand miles an hour, but when I'm at home, I want to slow down. I leave my chef's jacket at work, and I walk into a domestic setting, where everything is completely different. At home, our kitchen is family-run, and it's a relaxed place. A lot of people see cooking as a chore, but we bring an element of fun into it..........'

269 high quality matt pages split over 9 chapters:-

Hot and cold soups
Pasta and grains
Fish and shellfish
Meat and poultry
Pies and tarts
Vegetables and salads
Puddings and ices
Chocolate and coffee
Basics

sandwiched between a 9-page introduction and a full index, which is enhanced with finished-dish illustrations shown in italics.

Each chapter opens with some relevant notes and a list of the recipes contained within, for quick reference.
Each recipe is clearly laid out with a bold title and relevant text, along wiith the method, the number of servings and the list of ingredients. The page numbers are on the edge of the right hand page, which aids quick flicking!
The book is interspersed with illustrations of the finished dishes, although these are rather fewer than expected, in my opinion.....(hence my four star rating)...... along with on-location shots of GR, his family and friends.

My favourite pud is no particular secret, and, as I share Gordon's passion for the caramelized apple flavour and texture in an Apple Tarte Tatin..... his recipe for 'Caramelized Apple Pie', from page 207, really hits the spot:-

'I love the flavour of caramelized apples in a tarte tatin, and this is a way of bringing that flavour into a classic apple pie.
Also, because the apples are pre-cooked, they won't shrink during baking and create air pockets inside the pie.
I like to serve the pie while it's still warm with either a little pouring cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.'

A delicious twist which makes the finished product taste divine, and following on from G's 'Lamb Shank Cassoulet` served with sautéed savoy cabbage and chunks of malted grain bread....simply SUPER to share, after an October stroll in the woods with all our friends!
Which... of course....is what this book is all about!

A taste of other recipes within:-

Asparagus velouté
Conger eel bisque
Crayfish chowder
Farfalle with bacon, peas and sage
Grilled vegetable lasagne
Gordon's posh kedgeree (video feature above)
Wild mushroom barley risotto
Fish curry with lime and coconut rice
Grilled herrings with harissa
Fisherman's stew
Poached rabbit legs with gremolata
Pork fillet stroganoff
Home-made bangers
Classic mixed grill
Angus beef olives
Sweet potato and duck rösti with fried duck eggs
Honey roast ham
Shepherd's pie with Branston pickle
Cornish chicken pie
Fish pie with oysters and scallops
Roast winter vegetables
Spicy cauliflower stir-fry
Mixed mushroom salad
Pickled onions
Autumn fruit salad with thyme and ginger
Custard tart
Lemon meringue pie
Chocolate swirl cheesecake
Chocolate and coffee pots
Dark chocolate marquise

All in all, a 'homely'-type book, which is clear from the GR notes throughout, e.g.:-

From 'Pasta and grains`:-

'At home, we don't just stick to rice and spaghetti. Tana has begun to feed the kids a vegetarian meal once a week, which means being creative in combining pulses, grains and pasta with a variety of vegetables.
The kids love it when she experiments.
When the weather is cold we use a lot of barley, adding it to soups, stews, and winter salads. Barley can even take the place of rice in risotto.
The excellent barley risotto here has featured many a time on our restaurant menus............'

Stocking-filler at best, 14 Oct 2008
This book smacks of the publisher ringing and saying "Gordon, we need a quick book to push out before Xmas". Gordon has then thrown together a few middle-of-the-road recipes and come up with the 'theme' of cooking for friends as a sales pitch. Only around a third of the recipes have accompanying photos, and spaces where they could have a photo of the food, there's a pointless photo of Gordon smiling gormlessly at the camera. A vague attempt at jumping on the Jamie/Hugh bandwagon of "buy fresh/local/organic/free-range" is dotted amongst the very-short intros to each section. And an unnecessary jibe at Delia is thrown in for good measure. There are so many better books out there now.

Gordon Ramsey: Cooking for Friends, 10 Oct 2008
I have all Gordon Ramsey's books and this one is ideal for people who think everything he creates is expensive
This book deals with things like Oxtail soup which is a simple recipe and easy to make
I really recommend this title for everyday cooking with the Ramsey touch

Uninspiring, 14 Nov 2008
After reading the very mixed reviews on this page I was eager to see what all the fuss was about with this book. I am not overly concerned about the whole argument on whether or not it is right or wrong to cheat at cooking - although I might add that I am surprised at the anger from those who sit firmly in the latter camp (if you feel so strongly about it, why on earth would you buy a book entitled 'how to cheat at cooking' in the first place?) Personally, I bought the book on the basis that it might provide me with some after-work ideas for a quick meal. Flicking through the book, I have only really come across a couple of recipes that appealed to me and most of them contained so many specific ingredients that I felt it was not worth the bother. The ones with a shorter list of ingredients seemed to be so pointless as I felt it easier and cheaper to just buy the dish in a ready made version! Sorry, Delia, I know you are trying to move with the times, and I for one appreciate that, but I couldn't get on with this book, it's definitely not one of your best or one of my favourites.

Cheese, cheese and more cheese!, 05 Nov 2008
Far too many of the recipes in this book contain cheese - which I hate. Looking through the book I only like the look of two recipes and one of them is a cake!

Also, I wish it would give alternatives e.g so I could substitute my mashed potatoes for the frozen ones listed.

Book was bought as a gift and is now on the shelf at the local charity shop.

WHen "young Delia" was the cooking edge, 04 Oct 2008
The original "How to Cheat at cooking " has had an honoured place in our kitchen for 30 years. It was full of great corner cuts based on readily available products and the cheat s worked, like all Delia stuff - This original book didn't depend on which supermarket you used- no corporate recommendations here - just great ways to produce good dishes and sauces with less effort and relatively wholesome ingredients - the new book is different , fun sure, but sooo corporate, - seek out the old one(even as a collectable item it will still be cheaper) and rekindle your faith as well as getting quick dishes people admire on the table

Poor book, not useful, read back of the packets and save your money, 08 Jul 2008
I don't care to get into the controversy over whether or not this is part of this food movement or whether it sends the right message... all I wanted to know when I read it was whether Delia presented simple, day-to-day recipes that I could use when I was in a hurry and wanted something nice for the family.

Totally disappointed. Why? -- very simple: I do not need to spend money on a book to tell me to read the back of the packet of pre-packaged foods in the supermarket.

I don't have anything against the occassional use of a ready meal or a frozen ingredient, but why would I want to spend money for a batch of recipes that basically tell me nothing more than the information on the packaging tells me: open, pour, stir in a can of...

I returned this book for a full refund. Useless.

I haven't had the heart to say I cheated!!, 31 May 2008
I'm really impressed with this book mainly for the reason that it's been my saviour recently for last minute meals that I've had to prepare for visitors. I haven't had the heart to say I've cheated but I've had nothing but compliments for the food, even from my fiancee who can't stand capers!
I recommend this for real kitchen cheats who want to guarentee a tasty meal. If you want to sit back and take the full credit yourself, try something else!
It's also good value at the moment. I've not seen it cheaper anywhere else.

easy, great food, 19 Nov 2008
This is a lovely book with not only amazing, easy recipes but information on how to grow the ingredients. It is the book of recipes done on the T.V show which I also really enjoyed.

I recently made the steak, guinness and chedder pie and it was out of this world!

Such a good book, we're buying extras as gifts for friends, 04 Sep 2008
We've got a pretty complete collection of Jamie Oliver books so you would think there is a possibility he gets repetitive. Pleased to say however that he has come up with a big book (I think his heaviest to date) of fresh new ideas. Again, they are imaginative and appealing, while still being straightforward to reproduce. A sensible book to have.

wonderful, 31 May 2008
an amazingly inspirational book. i have since planted veggies and nowonly buy seasonal produce. a beautiful book with recipes that work.
when will we see a full veggie cook book?

VERY good, 31 May 2008
A well put together book that shines amongst a lot of other cookbooks out there (Delia's How to Cheat at Cooking--which I loved but some hated, or "Kitchen Diaries), this book fascinated me because it came recommended from a friend who can't cook anything! That, plus the fact that I'm probably the only person who hasn't watched the show, led me to see what the fuss was about. I'm not a vegetarian, but even so there are recipes here aplenty that I would make. The real reason to buy this is for your FRIENDS who are vegetarians--we all know what a pain that can be; trying to find something that everyone can eat. Would also recommend "Frugal Foods" for another canon to the genre.

The Good Life Starts Here!, 19 Apr 2008
Having watched the excellent and informative TV series I decided to part with my cash and buy the book of the series.

I have not been disappointed, the dishes I have tried taste wonderful, in particular potatoes and onions roasted in half a bottle of balsamic vinegar! Awesome!

The combination of grow it then cook it works well.

This is one of the most honest, unpretentious "celebrity" cook books you could find, full of easy recipes bursting with flavour.

The book would make an excellent present to both an experienced cook and novice alike.

Absolutly superb.

The only drawback, I now want an oven in the garden!

This is one I'll buy for friends, 20 Nov 2008
I hesitated for a while over buying this because I'm actually quite a decent cook and I own a lot of cook books already. I eventually bought it in the hopes that it would give me some good ideas for routine day to day meals and I was not disappointed. I particularly enjoyed the section on salads where the principle of salad construction and dressings are explained and the section on curries as these are something I've only bought as ready meals or take-aways before.

I'm definitely going to buy more copies of this book for friends who are less able cooks than I am as I'm confident they can pick up lots of basics from this.

Disappointing, 17 Nov 2008
I have tried four recipes from this book so far. The recipes are easy to follow, but the results don't taste very good. All have been disappointing and one was horrible.

I am a Jamie fan and have enjoyed some of his other books, but these recipes just aren't up to his usual standard.

Fantastic, 17 Nov 2008
easy to follow
well written
recipes that are easy and work (and taste great)
exactly what a recipe book should be- hope the other prima donnas take note.

"Who are you, and what have you done with our Mum?", 14 Nov 2008
I must own about 100 recipie books easily, maybe more. They cause me trouble in storing them and strife everytime we move...but no more ...I'm about to ditch most of them! I've had The Ministry for 3 weeks and have used more recipes from this than I have out of the other books combined!

I love the one recipe per left hand page and pictures showing stages and finished item on right side of pages, no flicking pages here, or pictures of tempting dishes and endless frustration trying to match recipe to correct picture 30 pages apart! Every recipe is pictured, so you know what it's supposed to look like!
There's not even lists of difficult to source ingredients, and there are many ideas of how to tweak recipies to make them into something else. I've never used so many fresh herbs in cooking, and they really do lift the quality and flavour of the meals. It's inspired me to start a herb garden of my own!

My family have particularly loved the Roast chicken - moist melt in the mouth and totally flavour packed - as is the consistantly good gravy - Bisto have lost me forever. I actually had no idea how easy it is and how good gravy could taste. Parmesan chicken and posh ham chicken great - although 2nd time used smoked bacon instead - just as good really. Salmon fishcakes gorgeous. The sauce with the meatloaf is fantastic, and have used this as a veggie main meal with couscous on its own (without bacon!)

Trouble is I'm being pestered to remake so many things...particularly Mega Chocolate Fudge Cake...heavenly.

I'm quite a confident and good home cook anyway, but have been guilty of getting stuck in a rut with old favourite meals cooked hundreds of times. I usually only dabble in recipe books at Xmas time. However we are all loving the Ministry.

I highly recommend this easy to follow, attractive and no nonsense book as the only one you need in the kitchen - except for Xmas stuff!

A book for the credit crunch?, 13 Nov 2008
I've always enjoyed his TV programmes and I've had a long hard look at Jamie's books over the last 2-3 years since teaching myself to cook - and to be honest, never fancied them at all. They seemed a bit too fussy and his recipes simply didn't appeal. This one is different. Simple, straight forward and concise. the recipes tend to be orientated more towards an easy meal at the end of the day than the full blown dinner, which too many cookbooks tend to aspire to. And in this credit crunch era it's a bit of a brainwave to hark back to (even darker) dark days and good simple, plain, easy to cook, tasty and nutritional fare. This for the last two weeks has become a bit of a bible for me and I can see my love affair with it lasting a lot longer than that. His best book yet - by