Blink and there's another Ainsley Harriott book out, this incarnation is Low Fat Meals in Minutes. The target audience this time is the weight-watching home-maker, struggling to fit those healthy lifestyle changes into a busy schedule; and perhaps also keeping an eye on the kids' fat intake. You really have to hand it to Harriott: he's very good at what he does. Low Fat Meals in Minutes presents 80 fresh, interesting, tasty, low-fat recipes, none of which takes more than an hour to prepare and cook (and most a lot less), and each of which is accompanied by a clear colour photograph--so you know exactly what it's supposed to look like--and nutrition notes. What could be simpler or more encouraging?

In the usual Harriott manner, inspiration ranges all over, with a preference for the flavours of Latin America, the Mediterranean and South-East Asia. So Prawn, Mushroom and Bean Sprout Noodles sits cheek-by-jowl with Jalapeno Tiger-Prawn Ginger Skewers; while not far away is Roast Lemon Bay-Scented Cod. Cajun and Jamaican jerk seasonings are also used to good effect, for example in the Louisiana Blue Cheese and Chicken Sandwich and Jamaican Jerk Chicken. Puddings are strong on fruit: a particularly happy invention is the "Live and Kicking" Lemon and Chilli Sorbet. A handy collection, therefore, of speedy, waistline-friendly recipe ideas, which might prove something of a primer in expanding culinary horizons. The drawback, for some, will be Harriott himself. You don't have to be a toffee-nosed Elizabeth-David-or-nothing purist to find his manner grating ("Slap 'em on the barbie" "Dee-lish!" "Wowee"). But he's nothing if not friendly. --Robin Davidson

Tasty low fat dishes!, 30 Sep 2008
I received this as a gift and despite the fact that I have more cookery books at home than I know what to do with I have made good use of this one. The recipes are easy to follow and are illustrated, which I find helpful as I like to know what I'm aiming for. I thoroughly recommend the oven baked soy marinated cod (I make this regularly now) and also the Wok-It Chinese Chicken salad.

I actually find it a shame that they have included the words 'low fat' into the cover - this will probably lead some people to assume the recipes are tasteless, which they certainly are not! Even if you are not on a diet you will enjoy creating the recipes in this book and I defy you not to find one you will want to make again!

Yummy chips , 22 Feb 2008
I love this book and the chips are to die for, I do them under the grill and they cook beautifully. All the food is easy to prepare and tasty.

Simmering, not sizzling, 15 Feb 2008
The recipes in this book were easy to make but sometimes using obscure ingredients (maybe just me, but I have never heard of wasabi paste; neither had anyone in my local Asda). The food itself is light and pleasant but not for someone, like me, who prefers more hearty food. Jamie Oliver's 'Jamie's Dinners' book is excellent for this. In summary, perfectly alright just a little fussy for me.

Fab and easy, 30 Nov 2007
Great cook book - every recipe is delicious and very easy to do, can't believe its so easy to produce healthy great food

A great book, 24 Sep 2007
Really delicious meals, lots of flavours and everything I've done has been really tasty. Some are a bit more time consuming than I was expecting, like the fishcakes, but they are well worth the effort.

Tasty low fat dishes!, 30 Sep 2008
I received this as a gift and despite the fact that I have more cookery books at home than I know what to do with I have made good use of this one. The recipes are easy to follow and are illustrated, which I find helpful as I like to know what I'm aiming for. I thoroughly recommend the oven baked soy marinated cod (I make this regularly now) and also the Wok-It Chinese Chicken salad.

I actually find it a shame that they have included the words 'low fat' into the cover - this will probably lead some people to assume the recipes are tasteless, which they certainly are not! Even if you are not on a diet you will enjoy creating the recipes in this book and I defy you not to find one you will want to make again!

Yummy chips , 22 Feb 2008
I love this book and the chips are to die for, I do them under the grill and they cook beautifully. All the food is easy to prepare and tasty.

Simmering, not sizzling, 15 Feb 2008
The recipes in this book were easy to make but sometimes using obscure ingredients (maybe just me, but I have never heard of wasabi paste; neither had anyone in my local Asda). The food itself is light and pleasant but not for someone, like me, who prefers more hearty food. Jamie Oliver's 'Jamie's Dinners' book is excellent for this. In summary, perfectly alright just a little fussy for me.

Fab and easy, 30 Nov 2007
Great cook book - every recipe is delicious and very easy to do, can't believe its so easy to produce healthy great food

A great book, 24 Sep 2007
Really delicious meals, lots of flavours and everything I've done has been really tasty. Some are a bit more time consuming than I was expecting, like the fishcakes, but they are well worth the effort.

My fave joint fave recipe book ever!, 07 Dec 2008
I love this book!!! I'm a real foody and although I use Delia Smith cookbooks for anything really special there are sooooo many fantastic recipes in this book;. I'm a real perfectionist so most of the recipes take me longer than the time specified but they are so worth it. My fave is the chilli cheese meatballs. I have mqade these for lots of people and they've all loved them. The fab haddy and gooey egg is great too (although it sounds odd with the tomoatoes-it's GOOD!!!!)
Buy it and enjoy!!!

Perfect, 03 Oct 2008
I never cooked before i bought this book (frozen pre-cooked food doesn't count!).
The dishes are hard to screw up, proven by the fact that i have not. The meals are very easy to make and taste even better,not to forget they are also CHEAP to make.

To sum it up, this book has made cooking something that can be done without a lot of time and effort and yields great results.

my fave cookery book, 25 Jun 2002
well done ainsley, when's the next one out! This is my fave cook book by far, I especially love the Chicken Chou Mein (which sent the plumbers tastebuds reeling) and Chicken Acupulco dishes, I even cooked liver for the first time with the help of a superb port and sour cream sauce! Many of these recipes have been added to my favourite list of dishes to impress and in half the time! On the bad side, I'm running out of new dishes to cook so hurry up and write a second one....!

Great recipes, but not as quick as suggested, 30 May 2002
There really are some great recipes in here. The Jazz and Spice Shepherd's Pie is a (fattening) favourite of ours. His quick noodles dishes are excellent. And I just loved the Lemon Caramel Strawberry Meringues.

But I have a problem with this book, and it rather centres around its whole concept. The meals are meant to be very quick. Now even allowing for my relaxed style of cooking most of his timings are WAY out. The preperation times in particular are just way off and I can't help but think the timings are based on how quickly HE can chop vegetables. Anyone who has seen him cook on TV will know that like most of the TV chefs they chop FAST! Of course they do! They're professionals! Mere mortals like me have to chop slower to avoid cutting ourselves.

So, my suggestion to Ainsley would be, next time, get an ordinary everyday person to time the preperations for you. Until then folks, double the preperation times - at least!

Still, a lovely book.

Ainsley I wish I could kiss you!!!, 01 Jan 2002
For my entire 12 year marriage, I have been unable to cook well enough to please my husband , who demands perfection and perfect seasoning in his meals, he would usually hover over me and try to spice up whatever bland food we might be having!! I would be so hurt whenever he tried to interfere with my cooking, I wanted to prove to him that I can cook!!!

WELL!!!
I can now buy the freshest food, at a much cheaper cost, I might add, and wait until I get home and just throw something fabulous together the seasoning is perfect(Ainsley, you don't know how important finding you books has been in our house hold) .
And the variety is awesome( I speak of Barbecue Bible and Gourmet Express too). Unfortunately Gourmet Express 2 is unavailable in the US.

I finally feel like a GREAT cook!! Sorry Better Homes and Gardens, Joy of Cooking and yes even Julia Child!! I could not make hits out of those recipes!!!NOW I feel so empowered and I love shopping fresh every day and these recipes use so many of the same ingredients for different recipes; coriander, sour cream creme fraiche , asian sauces!! We have saved a bundle in groceries as well and take out is almost a non existent thing in our house, but of course it is always nice for a nice night out!!!
For our little family here in the US, trying desperately to keep our money in the bank and still enjoy life, this find has been a revelation!! I hated the American notion that you must cookand freeze large quantities or go to the super stores and stock up with enough food to fill your entire pantry!!AWESOME!! Cannot say enough!!!

Ainsley's Friends and Family Cookbook is the latest entry from one of television's most popular and ebullient chefs. And if Ainsley Harrriott's in-your-face TV persona is a little overwhelming for some, no such problems arise with his exemplary cookery writing, as this latest large format book conclusively demonstrates. In fact, the measured, perfectly judged recipes on offer here (laid out in highly accessible, crystal clear formats) demonstrate that there's more to Harriott than the hyperactive individual we see on screen: the `22 Reasons to Eat In' that the jacket promises us are totally appropriate to modern tastes in both food and cooking methods: the lucid instructions, low-fat recipes (something no chef can ignore these days - even Delia Smith has had to take less fattening food on board) and time-planned menus are well within the range of the intermediate cook; there's an avoidance (probably wise) of more eccentric and exotic recipes, with the bulk of the menus being based on everyday favourites, usually spruced up in an adventurous or novel fashion. The `lunch on the go' section is particularly useful, demonstrating that even the humble sandwich can be made more intriguing: the Roquefort, grape, radicchio and walnut example here is a sure-fire taste bud tempter, while the `after eight dinners' section (including a mouth-watering recipe for monkfish on crispy potato cakes) is equally inspiring. And inspiring is what Ainsley Harriott really does best - after reading Ainsley's Friends and Family Cookbook, most of us will want to tackle almost everything detailed in these pages. --Barry Forshaw

Tasty low fat dishes!, 30 Sep 2008
I received this as a gift and despite the fact that I have more cookery books at home than I know what to do with I have made good use of this one. The recipes are easy to follow and are illustrated, which I find helpful as I like to know what I'm aiming for. I thoroughly recommend the oven baked soy marinated cod (I make this regularly now) and also the Wok-It Chinese Chicken salad.

I actually find it a shame that they have included the words 'low fat' into the cover - this will probably lead some people to assume the recipes are tasteless, which they certainly are not! Even if you are not on a diet you will enjoy creating the recipes in this book and I defy you not to find one you will want to make again!

Yummy chips , 22 Feb 2008
I love this book and the chips are to die for, I do them under the grill and they cook beautifully. All the food is easy to prepare and tasty.

Simmering, not sizzling, 15 Feb 2008
The recipes in this book were easy to make but sometimes using obscure ingredients (maybe just me, but I have never heard of wasabi paste; neither had anyone in my local Asda). The food itself is light and pleasant but not for someone, like me, who prefers more hearty food. Jamie Oliver's 'Jamie's Dinners' book is excellent for this. In summary, perfectly alright just a little fussy for me.

Fab and easy, 30 Nov 2007
Great cook book - every recipe is delicious and very easy to do, can't believe its so easy to produce healthy great food

A great book, 24 Sep 2007
Really delicious meals, lots of flavours and everything I've done has been really tasty. Some are a bit more time consuming than I was expecting, like the fishcakes, but they are well worth the effort.

My fave joint fave recipe book ever!, 07 Dec 2008
I love this book!!! I'm a real foody and although I use Delia Smith cookbooks for anything really special there are sooooo many fantastic recipes in this book;. I'm a real perfectionist so most of the recipes take me longer than the time specified but they are so worth it. My fave is the chilli cheese meatballs. I have mqade these for lots of people and they've all loved them. The fab haddy and gooey egg is great too (although it sounds odd with the tomoatoes-it's GOOD!!!!)
Buy it and enjoy!!!

Perfect, 03 Oct 2008
I never cooked before i bought this book (frozen pre-cooked food doesn't count!).
The dishes are hard to screw up, proven by the fact that i have not. The meals are very easy to make and taste even better,not to forget they are also CHEAP to make.

To sum it up, this book has made cooking something that can be done without a lot of time and effort and yields great results.

my fave cookery book, 25 Jun 2002
well done ainsley, when's the next one out! This is my fave cook book by far, I especially love the Chicken Chou Mein (which sent the plumbers tastebuds reeling) and Chicken Acupulco dishes, I even cooked liver for the first time with the help of a superb port and sour cream sauce! Many of these recipes have been added to my favourite list of dishes to impress and in half the time! On the bad side, I'm running out of new dishes to cook so hurry up and write a second one....!

Great recipes, but not as quick as suggested, 30 May 2002
There really are some great recipes in here. The Jazz and Spice Shepherd's Pie is a (fattening) favourite of ours. His quick noodles dishes are excellent. And I just loved the Lemon Caramel Strawberry Meringues.

But I have a problem with this book, and it rather centres around its whole concept. The meals are meant to be very quick. Now even allowing for my relaxed style of cooking most of his timings are WAY out. The preperation times in particular are just way off and I can't help but think the timings are based on how quickly HE can chop vegetables. Anyone who has seen him cook on TV will know that like most of the TV chefs they chop FAST! Of course they do! They're professionals! Mere mortals like me have to chop slower to avoid cutting ourselves.

So, my suggestion to Ainsley would be, next time, get an ordinary everyday person to time the preperations for you. Until then folks, double the preperation times - at least!

Still, a lovely book.

Ainsley I wish I could kiss you!!!, 01 Jan 2002
For my entire 12 year marriage, I have been unable to cook well enough to please my husband , who demands perfection and perfect seasoning in his meals, he would usually hover over me and try to spice up whatever bland food we might be having!! I would be so hurt whenever he tried to interfere with my cooking, I wanted to prove to him that I can cook!!!

WELL!!!
I can now buy the freshest food, at a much cheaper cost, I might add, and wait until I get home and just throw something fabulous together the seasoning is perfect(Ainsley, you don't know how important finding you books has been in our house hold) .
And the variety is awesome( I speak of Barbecue Bible and Gourmet Express too). Unfortunately Gourmet Express 2 is unavailable in the US.

I finally feel like a GREAT cook!! Sorry Better Homes and Gardens, Joy of Cooking and yes even Julia Child!! I could not make hits out of those recipes!!!NOW I feel so empowered and I love shopping fresh every day and these recipes use so many of the same ingredients for different recipes; coriander, sour cream creme fraiche , asian sauces!! We have saved a bundle in groceries as well and take out is almost a non existent thing in our house, but of course it is always nice for a nice night out!!!
For our little family here in the US, trying desperately to keep our money in the bank and still enjoy life, this find has been a revelation!! I hated the American notion that you must cookand freeze large quantities or go to the super stores and stock up with enough food to fill your entire pantry!!AWESOME!! Cannot say enough!!!

A must have cookery book!, 12 Mar 2008
This was the first book I bought by Ainsley Harriott and up to now all of the recipes I have tried have been fantastic. You seriously can't go wrong with his recipes!

If you do buy this book, please, please try his Tikka Massala, it's to die for. I can guarantee you will think twice about ordering a curry from the local Indian Takeaway once you have tried Ainsleys! My husband and I made it for 20 hungry RAF personnel and it went down a storm!!

I would also recommend the salmon fish cakes, cheesy fish pie, the quiche recipe...oh the list goes on.

I always turn to this book when I'm not too sure what to make for our evening meal and we are never disappointed with the results, it truly is a fantastic asset to any kitchen.

AINSLEY IS BETTER THEN GORDON AN NIGELLA, 18 Jan 2008
I BOUGHT IT FOR MY SISTER AND SHE LOVES BECAUSE SOME OF THE FOODS IN THE BOOK ARE EASY AND QUICK TO MAKE AS WELL AS TASTY TO EAT. AINSLEY IS UNDERATED IN

The first, and one of the best , cookbooks on my shelf, 05 Jul 2007
When it comes to cooking, almost everyone turns straight to Delia's book when they start out. I turned to Ainsley's Friends and Family for a variety of reasons. It looked simpler and the meals looked more like meals that I would enjoy making.

Now that I am much more experienced, I have bought Delia's work and find it uesful for many things, but this is the book I use more often. The recipes are really simple to follow for someone with minimal cooking experience, and the recipes are simple and down-to-earth. No lobster here, folks!

The chicken curry, the Carribean Lamb and Sweet Potato, the Fajitas, and "Speedy Coq au Vin". Not exactly haute cuisine, but this is food that people want to eat. It is full of flavour, easily accesible and the recipes themselves are simple and enjoyable. And if you do purchase this, be sure to try his lasagne!

If this is not on your shelf, it really should be. Whilst Harriott may not be considered the definitive word on cooking by many, once you buy his book you will find yourself turning to it more often than you would imagine, especially if cooking for a family. An essential edition to any collection.

This cook book is the best ever, 10 Mar 2006
This cook book is the best ever.

Page 79, I've just cooked gratin of penne with spinach and tomatoes, added some mushrooms and it was mmmm, scrummy. Page 128, Caribbean lamb and sweet potato curry with clap-hand roti, sounds complicated but try it, it really isn't and tastes wonderful. Until recently I'd never tasted pine nuts, they're delicious and Ainsley uses them in his Page 82 recipe, chicken pasta salad with pine nuts, delicious. Page 67 pan-fried plaice with crispy bacon, so easy.

The chapter headings are so inviting too: "Spice it up" - describes it exactly; "Home alone" - scrumptious meals for one or two; "Friends for dinner" - anything prepared in advance is fine by me; "Alfresco dining" - how to make burgers (they're so tasty you'll never want to eat another shop bought burger again).

In fact all the recipies I've tried have been mouth wateringly successful.

Thanks Ainsley

Simple but brilliant food, 12 Dec 2005
This is the best cook book I've ever owned. The recipies are easy to follow and varied. Everything I've cooked using this gook has been a success, can't recomend it highly enough!

Tasty low fat dishes!, 30 Sep 2008
I received this as a gift and despite the fact that I have more cookery books at home than I know what to do with I have made good use of this one. The recipes are easy to follow and are illustrated, which I find helpful as I like to know what I'm aiming for. I thoroughly recommend the oven baked soy marinated cod (I make this regularly now) and also the Wok-It Chinese Chicken salad.

I actually find it a shame that they have included the words 'low fat' into the cover - this will probably lead some people to assume the recipes are tasteless, which they certainly are not! Even if you are not on a diet you will enjoy creating the recipes in this book and I defy you not to find one you will want to make again!

Yummy chips , 22 Feb 2008
I love this book and the chips are to die for, I do them under the grill and they cook beautifully. All the food is easy to prepare and tasty.

Simmering, not sizzling, 15 Feb 2008
The recipes in this book were easy to make but sometimes using obscure ingredients (maybe just me, but I have never heard of wasabi paste; neither had anyone in my local Asda). The food itself is light and pleasant but not for someone, like me, who prefers more hearty food. Jamie Oliver's 'Jamie's Dinners' book is excellent for this. In summary, perfectly alright just a little fussy for me.

Fab and easy, 30 Nov 2007
Great cook book - every recipe is delicious and very easy to do, can't believe its so easy to produce healthy great food

A great book, 24 Sep 2007
Really delicious meals, lots of flavours and everything I've done has been really tasty. Some are a bit more time consuming than I was expecting, like the fishcakes, but they are well worth the effort.

My fave joint fave recipe book ever!, 07 Dec 2008
I love this book!!! I'm a real foody and although I use Delia Smith cookbooks for anything really special there are sooooo many fantastic recipes in this book;. I'm a real perfectionist so most of the recipes take me longer than the time specified but they are so worth it. My fave is the chilli cheese meatballs. I have mqade these for lots of people and they've all loved them. The fab haddy and gooey egg is great too (although it sounds odd with the tomoatoes-it's GOOD!!!!)
Buy it and enjoy!!!

Perfect, 03 Oct 2008
I never cooked before i bought this book (frozen pre-cooked food doesn't count!).
The dishes are hard to screw up, proven by the fact that i have not. The meals are very easy to make and taste even better,not to forget they are also CHEAP to make.

To sum it up, this book has made cooking something that can be done without a lot of time and effort and yields great results.

my fave cookery book, 25 Jun 2002
well done ainsley, when's the next one out! This is my fave cook book by far, I especially love the Chicken Chou Mein (which sent the plumbers tastebuds reeling) and Chicken Acupulco dishes, I even cooked liver for the first time with the help of a superb port and sour cream sauce! Many of these recipes have been added to my favourite list of dishes to impress and in half the time! On the bad side, I'm running out of new dishes to cook so hurry up and write a second one....!

Great recipes, but not as quick as suggested, 30 May 2002
There really are some great recipes in here. The Jazz and Spice Shepherd's Pie is a (fattening) favourite of ours. His quick noodles dishes are excellent. And I just loved the Lemon Caramel Strawberry Meringues.

But I have a problem with this book, and it rather centres around its whole concept. The meals are meant to be very quick. Now even allowing for my relaxed style of cooking most of his timings are WAY out. The preperation times in particular are just way off and I can't help but think the timings are based on how quickly HE can chop vegetables. Anyone who has seen him cook on TV will know that like most of the TV chefs they chop FAST! Of course they do! They're professionals! Mere mortals like me have to chop slower to avoid cutting ourselves.

So, my suggestion to Ainsley would be, next time, get an ordinary everyday person to time the preperations for you. Until then folks, double the preperation times - at least!

Still, a lovely book.

Ainsley I wish I could kiss you!!!, 01 Jan 2002
For my entire 12 year marriage, I have been unable to cook well enough to please my husband , who demands perfection and perfect seasoning in his meals, he would usually hover over me and try to spice up whatever bland food we might be having!! I would be so hurt whenever he tried to interfere with my cooking, I wanted to prove to him that I can cook!!!

WELL!!!
I can now buy the freshest food, at a much cheaper cost, I might add, and wait until I get home and just throw something fabulous together the seasoning is perfect(Ainsley, you don't know how important finding you books has been in our house hold) .
And the variety is awesome( I speak of Barbecue Bible and Gourmet Express too). Unfortunately Gourmet Express 2 is unavailable in the US.

I finally feel like a GREAT cook!! Sorry Better Homes and Gardens, Joy of Cooking and yes even Julia Child!! I could not make hits out of those recipes!!!NOW I feel so empowered and I love shopping fresh every day and these recipes use so many of the same ingredients for different recipes; coriander, sour cream creme fraiche , asian sauces!! We have saved a bundle in groceries as well and take out is almost a non existent thing in our house, but of course it is always nice for a nice night out!!!
For our little family here in the US, trying desperately to keep our money in the bank and still enjoy life, this find has been a revelation!! I hated the American notion that you must cookand freeze large quantities or go to the super stores and stock up with enough food to fill your entire pantry!!AWESOME!! Cannot say enough!!!

A must have cookery book!, 12 Mar 2008
This was the first book I bought by Ainsley Harriott and up to now all of the recipes I have tried have been fantastic. You seriously can't go wrong with his recipes!

If you do buy this book, please, please try his Tikka Massala, it's to die for. I can guarantee you will think twice about ordering a curry from the local Indian Takeaway once you have tried Ainsleys! My husband and I made it for 20 hungry RAF personnel and it went down a storm!!

I would also recommend the salmon fish cakes, cheesy fish pie, the quiche recipe...oh the list goes on.

I always turn to this book when I'm not too sure what to make for our evening meal and we are never disappointed with the results, it truly is a fantastic asset to any kitchen.

AINSLEY IS BETTER THEN GORDON AN NIGELLA, 18 Jan 2008
I BOUGHT IT FOR MY SISTER AND SHE LOVES BECAUSE SOME OF THE FOODS IN THE BOOK ARE EASY AND QUICK TO MAKE AS WELL AS TASTY TO EAT. AINSLEY IS UNDERATED IN

The first, and one of the best , cookbooks on my shelf, 05 Jul 2007
When it comes to cooking, almost everyone turns straight to Delia's book when they start out. I turned to Ainsley's Friends and Family for a variety of reasons. It looked simpler and the meals looked more like meals that I would enjoy making.

Now that I am much more experienced, I have bought Delia's work and find it uesful for many things, but this is the book I use more often. The recipes are really simple to follow for someone with minimal cooking experience, and the recipes are simple and down-to-earth. No lobster here, folks!

The chicken curry, the Carribean Lamb and Sweet Potato, the Fajitas, and "Speedy Coq au Vin". Not exactly haute cuisine, but this is food that people want to eat. It is full of flavour, easily accesible and the recipes themselves are simple and enjoyable. And if you do purchase this, be sure to try his lasagne!

If this is not on your shelf, it really should be. Whilst Harriott may not be considered the definitive word on cooking by many, once you buy his book you will find yourself turning to it more often than you would imagine, especially if cooking for a family. An essential edition to any collection.

This cook book is the best ever, 10 Mar 2006
This cook book is the best ever.

Page 79, I've just cooked gratin of penne with spinach and tomatoes, added some mushrooms and it was mmmm, scrummy. Page 128, Caribbean lamb and sweet potato curry with clap-hand roti, sounds complicated but try it, it really isn't and tastes wonderful. Until recently I'd never tasted pine nuts, they're delicious and Ainsley uses them in his Page 82 recipe, chicken pasta salad with pine nuts, delicious. Page 67 pan-fried plaice with crispy bacon, so easy.

The chapter headings are so inviting too: "Spice it up" - describes it exactly; "Home alone" - scrumptious meals for one or two; "Friends for dinner" - anything prepared in advance is fine by me; "Alfresco dining" - how to make burgers (they're so tasty you'll never want to eat another shop bought burger again).

In fact all the recipies I've tried have been mouth wateringly successful.

Thanks Ainsley

Simple but brilliant food, 12 Dec 2005
This is the best cook book I've ever owned. The recipies are easy to follow and varied. Everything I've cooked using this gook has been a success, can't recomend it highly enough!

Excellent for those who want to be quick in the kitchen..., 05 Jun 2008
Some people can't spend hours in the kitchen preparing gourmet meals every day, and some people just don't want to be stuck in there. For those people, and everyone else this is a great book to have at hand.

If you liked the first "Meals in Minutes" from Ainsley then, like me, you'll find this a welcome addition to your collection. With 80 more extremely well presented recipes to salivate over and enjoy, the majority of which take only around half-an-hour to prepare and cook, this book is superb.

As is customary nowadays we are provided with the nutritional notes per serving for each of the recipes. This is great as it helps you make a conscious choice to eat healthier by letting you know what, for example, the fat content is. Out of the 80 recipes there are "over 20 low fat recipes" which is also good but I feel that had there been more healthier options this book would have deserved five stars. This could have been in the format of alternative ingredients for existing recipes to lessen the fat-content as well as more intrinsically low-fat meals.

That seems to be the only fault I can find with this book which overall in fab. From the array of tv chefs, Ainsley is one of my favourites, as he is flamboyant, stands out from the crowd, and seems to genuinely enjoy being a chef. That character is also conveyed in the book by way of a little blurb or introduction to each recipe which is usually a good place to look for extra helpful tips, or just funny anecdotes.

The 3rd Book in Ainsley`s `Meals in Minutes' series!, 26 May 2006
Ainsley Harriott is back with the third book in his `In Minutes' series with this new collection of delicious dishes that are relatively quick to prepare and tasty to eat, and AH fans won`t be disappointed.

192 shiny, high quality pages split over 9 chapters sandwiched between an intro and a concise index:-

Soups, Starters and Snacks
Fish and Shellfish
Quick and Delicious Poultry
Meaty Mains
Fresh and Fabulous Vegetarian
A Bit on the Side: Vegetables and Side Orders
Perfect Puds
Bottoms Up! Drinks
14 Menus (dishes selected from the book for a `Low Fat Feast`, `Cook-Ahead Supper`, `Having a Party - Oriental Style`, `Summer Sunshine Lunch`, `The Morning after The Night Before`, `Veggie Delight`, `Stars and Stripes Supper`, `The Ultimate Comfort Food`, `Time for the Footie`, `Something for the Kids`, `Festive Feast`, `Christmas Hamper`, `Let's Celebrate` and `Lazy Sunday Lunch'.

80 brand new sensational dishes, over 20 of which are low in fat, which can be cooked-up in less than an hour.
Interspersed with the typical AH humour:-
`When it comes to chicken I am a thigh man as I think they have the best flavour and are also the most succulent - by all means use breast, just cook for about 10 minutes longer.'
Each recipe has a colour photo of the finished dish and a `Nutrition Notes per Serving' that show the calories/protein/carbohydrates/fat/saturated. fat/fibre/added sugar/salt.

Useful tips and variations on the recipes, throughout the book.

Recipes range from the simple:-
`Maddie Haddock',
`easy and tasty, a quick, simple family supper,'
to the more complex:-
`Buttered Salmon and Spinach En Croute',
`for that someone special or a dinner party.'

Our favourite recipes:-

Pomegranate, Orange and Mint Salad
Tagliatelle with Roasted Walnut and Herb Pesto
Easy Fragrant Rice with Peas
Beef Wellington Parcels with Red Wine Jus
Crispy Chilli Orange Grilled Chicken
Cheesy Colcannon Jackets
Warm Mascarpone Berry Spring Rolls
Apple and Mint Vodka
Finished up with `the Ultimate Irish Coffee`!





Meals in minutes? Not if you're an amateur!, 14 May 2006
I bought this book thinking that meals in minutes meant easy and quick.
Unfortunately, I was disappointed for two reasons:
1. The ingredients in some recipes are completely unknown to the average beginner. Ainsley would have done better to include a small glossary and a list of alternative ingredients, just in case your local market doesn't have some ingredients.
2. The timings were way off in some cases and must have come from "Won't Cook - Can't Cook" expereince.
I suppose my advice would be to buy the book only if you are an experienced cook with a good market nearby, or buy something else specifically for amateur cooks.

all new meals in more than minutes, 20 Feb 2006
i had read low fat meals in minutes which had great recipes, really delicious and really quick to do. Whereas in this book they are a bit all over the place. in the sense they are a bit too extravagent starters with out real platters. If this was to be a quick party book ok. but even then the recipes take more than half an hour to prepare and then to cook. i'd go for the low fat meals in minutes they are delicious and quick to do.

outstanding, 03 Feb 2005
best cook book i've owned, for quality of results + cooking/prep times. half an hour's work = really tasty and healthy food. that is what i like!!

Tasty low fat dishes!, 30 Sep 2008
I received this as a gift and despite the fact that I have more cookery books at home than I know what to do with I have made good use of this one. The recipes are easy to follow and are illustrated, which I find helpful as I like to know what I'm aiming for. I thoroughly recommend the oven baked soy marinated cod (I make this regularly now) and also the Wok-It Chinese Chicken salad.

I actually find it a shame that they have included the words 'low fat' into the cover - this will probably lead some people to assume the recipes are tasteless, which they certainly are not! Even if you are not on a diet you will enjoy creating the recipes in this book and I defy you not to find one you will want to make again!

Yummy chips , 22 Feb 2008
I love this book and the chips are to die for, I do them under the grill and they cook beautifully. All the food is easy to prepare and tasty.

Simmering, not sizzling, 15 Feb 2008
The recipes in this book were easy to make but sometimes using obscure ingredients (maybe just me, but I have never heard of wasabi paste; neither had anyone in my local Asda). The food itself is light and pleasant but not for someone, like me, who prefers more hearty food. Jamie Oliver's 'Jamie's Dinners' book is excellent for this. In summary, perfectly alright just a little fussy for me.

Fab and easy, 30 Nov 2007
Great cook book - every recipe is delicious and very easy to do, can't believe its so easy to produce healthy great food

A great book, 24 Sep 2007
Really delicious meals, lots of flavours and everything I've done has been really tasty. Some are a bit more time consuming than I was expecting, like the fishcakes, but they are well worth the effort.

My fave joint fave recipe book ever!, 07 Dec 2008
I love this book!!! I'm a real foody and although I use Delia Smith cookbooks for anything really special there are sooooo many fantastic recipes in this book;. I'm a real perfectionist so most of the recipes take me longer than the time specified but they are so worth it. My fave is the chilli cheese meatballs. I have mqade these for lots of people and they've all loved them. The fab haddy and gooey egg is great too (although it sounds odd with the tomoatoes-it's GOOD!!!!)
Buy it and enjoy!!!

Perfect, 03 Oct 2008
I never cooked before i bought this book (frozen pre-cooked food doesn't count!).
The dishes are hard to screw up, proven by the fact that i have not. The meals are very easy to make and taste even better,not to forget they are also CHEAP to make.

To sum it up, this book has made cooking something that can be done without a lot of time and effort and yields great results.

my fave cookery book, 25 Jun 2002
well done ainsley, when's the next one out! This is my fave cook book by far, I especially love the Chicken Chou Mein (which sent the plumbers tastebuds reeling) and Chicken Acupulco dishes, I even cooked liver for the first time with the help of a superb port and sour cream sauce! Many of these recipes have been added to my favourite list of dishes to impress and in half the time! On the bad side, I'm running out of new dishes to cook so hurry up and write a second one....!

Great recipes, but not as quick as suggested, 30 May 2002
There really are some great recipes in here. The Jazz and Spice Shepherd's Pie is a (fattening) favourite of ours. His quick noodles dishes are excellent. And I just loved the Lemon Caramel Strawberry Meringues.

But I have a problem with this book, and it rather centres around its whole concept. The meals are meant to be very quick. Now even allowing for my relaxed style of cooking most of his timings are WAY out. The preperation times in particular are just way off and I can't help but think the timings are based on how quickly HE can chop vegetables. Anyone who has seen him cook on TV will know that like most of the TV chefs they chop FAST! Of course they do! They're professionals! Mere mortals like me have to chop slower to avoid cutting ourselves.

So, my suggestion to Ainsley would be, next time, get an ordinary everyday person to time the preperations for you. Until then folks, double the preperation times - at least!

Still, a lovely book.

Ainsley I wish I could kiss you!!!, 01 Jan 2002
For my entire 12 year marriage, I have been unable to cook well enough to please my husband , who demands perfection and perfect seasoning in his meals, he would usually hover over me and try to spice up whatever bland food we might be having!! I would be so hurt whenever he tried to interfere with my cooking, I wanted to prove to him that I can cook!!!

WELL!!!
I can now buy the freshest food, at a much cheaper cost, I might add, and wait until I get home and just throw something fabulous together the seasoning is perfect(Ainsley, you don't know how important finding you books has been in our house hold) .
And the variety is awesome( I speak of Barbecue Bible and Gourmet Express too). Unfortunately Gourmet Express 2 is unavailable in the US.

I finally feel like a GREAT cook!! Sorry Better Homes and Gardens, Joy of Cooking and yes even Julia Child!! I could not make hits out of those recipes!!!NOW I feel so empowered and I love shopping fresh every day and these recipes use so many of the same ingredients for different recipes; coriander, sour cream creme fraiche , asian sauces!! We have saved a bundle in groceries as well and take out is almost a non existent thing in our house, but of course it is always nice for a nice night out!!!
For our little family here in the US, trying desperately to keep our money in the bank and still enjoy life, this find has been a revelation!! I hated the American notion that you must cookand freeze large quantities or go to the super stores and stock up with enough food to fill your entire pantry!!AWESOME!! Cannot say enough!!!

A must have cookery book!, 12 Mar 2008
This was the first book I bought by Ainsley Harriott and up to now all of the recipes I have tried have been fantastic. You seriously can't go wrong with his recipes!

If you do buy this book, please, please try his Tikka Massala, it's to die for. I can guarantee you will think twice about ordering a curry from the local Indian Takeaway once you have tried Ainsleys! My husband and I made it for 20 hungry RAF personnel and it went down a storm!!

I would also recommend the salmon fish cakes, cheesy fish pie, the quiche recipe...oh the list goes on.

I always turn to this book when I'm not too sure what to make for our evening meal and we are never disappointed with the results, it truly is a fantastic asset to any kitchen.

AINSLEY IS BETTER THEN GORDON AN NIGELLA, 18 Jan 2008
I BOUGHT IT FOR MY SISTER AND SHE LOVES BECAUSE SOME OF THE FOODS IN THE BOOK ARE EASY AND QUICK TO MAKE AS WELL AS TASTY TO EAT. AINSLEY IS UNDERATED IN

The first, and one of the best , cookbooks on my shelf, 05 Jul 2007
When it comes to cooking, almost everyone turns straight to Delia's book when they start out. I turned to Ainsley's Friends and Family for a variety of reasons. It looked simpler and the meals looked more like meals that I would enjoy making.

Now that I am much more experienced, I have bought Delia's work and find it uesful for many things, but this is the book I use more often. The recipes are really simple to follow for someone with minimal cooking experience, and the recipes are simple and down-to-earth. No lobster here, folks!

The chicken curry, the Carribean Lamb and Sweet Potato, the Fajitas, and "Speedy Coq au Vin". Not exactly haute cuisine, but this is food that people want to eat. It is full of flavour, easily accesible and the recipes themselves are simple and enjoyable. And if you do purchase this, be sure to try his lasagne!

If this is not on your shelf, it really should be. Whilst Harriott may not be considered the definitive word on cooking by many, once you buy his book you will find yourself turning to it more often than you would imagine, especially if cooking for a family. An essential edition to any collection.

This cook book is the best ever, 10 Mar 2006
This cook book is the best ever.

Page 79, I've just cooked gratin of penne with spinach and tomatoes, added some mushrooms and it was mmmm, scrummy. Page 128, Caribbean lamb and sweet potato curry with clap-hand roti, sounds complicated but try it, it really isn't and tastes wonderful. Until recently I'd never tasted pine nuts, they're delicious and Ainsley uses them in his Page 82 recipe, chicken pasta salad with pine nuts, delicious. Page 67 pan-fried plaice with crispy bacon, so easy.

The chapter headings are so inviting too: "Spice it up" - describes it exactly; "Home alone" - scrumptious meals for one or two; "Friends for dinner" - anything prepared in advance is fine by me; "Alfresco dining" - how to make burgers (they're so tasty you'll never want to eat another shop bought burger again).

In fact all the recipies I've tried have been mouth wateringly successful.

Thanks Ainsley

Simple but brilliant food, 12 Dec 2005
This is the best cook book I've ever owned. The recipies are easy to follow and varied. Everything I've cooked using this gook has been a success, can't recomend it highly enough!

Excellent for those who want to be quick in the kitchen..., 05 Jun 2008
Some people can't spend hours in the kitchen preparing gourmet meals every day, and some people just don't want to be stuck in there. For those people, and everyone else this is a great book to have at hand.

If you liked the first "Meals in Minutes" from Ainsley then, like me, you'll find this a welcome addition to your collection. With 80 more extremely well presented recipes to salivate over and enjoy, the majority of which take only around half-an-hour to prepare and cook, this book is superb.

As is customary nowadays we are provided with the nutritional notes per serving for each of the recipes. This is great as it helps you make a conscious choice to eat healthier by letting you know what, for example, the fat content is. Out of the 80 recipes there are "over 20 low fat recipes" which is also good but I feel that had there been more healthier options this book would have deserved five stars. This could have been in the format of alternative ingredients for existing recipes to lessen the fat-content as well as more intrinsically low-fat meals.

That seems to be the only fault I can find with this book which overall in fab. From the array of tv chefs, Ainsley is one of my favourites, as he is flamboyant, stands out from the crowd, and seems to genuinely enjoy being a chef. That character is also conveyed in the book by way of a little blurb or introduction to each recipe which is usually a good place to look for extra helpful tips, or just funny anecdotes.

The 3rd Book in Ainsley`s `Meals in Minutes' series!, 26 May 2006
Ainsley Harriott is back with the third book in his `In Minutes' series with this new collection of delicious dishes that are relatively quick to prepare and tasty to eat, and AH fans won`t be disappointed.

192 shiny, high quality pages split over 9 chapters sandwiched between an intro and a concise index:-

Soups, Starters and Snacks
Fish and Shellfish
Quick and Delicious Poultry
Meaty Mains
Fresh and Fabulous Vegetarian
A Bit on the Side: Vegetables and Side Orders
Perfect Puds
Bottoms Up! Drinks
14 Menus (dishes selected from the book for a `Low Fat Feast`, `Cook-Ahead Supper`, `Having a Party - Oriental Style`, `Summer Sunshine Lunch`, `The Morning after The Night Before`, `Veggie Delight`, `Stars and Stripes Supper`, `The Ultimate Comfort Food`, `Time for the Footie`, `Something for the Kids`, `Festive Feast`, `Christmas Hamper`, `Let's Celebrate` and `Lazy Sunday Lunch'.

80 brand new sensational dishes, over 20 of which are low in fat, which can be cooked-up in less than an hour.
Interspersed with the typical AH humour:-
`When it comes to chicken I am a thigh man as I think they have the best flavour and are also the most succulent - by all means use breast, just cook for about 10 minutes longer.'
Each recipe has a colour photo of the finished dish and a `Nutrition Notes per Serving' that show the calories/protein/carbohydrates/fat/saturated. fat/fibre/added sugar/salt.

Useful tips and variations on the recipes, throughout the book.

Recipes range from the simple:-
`Maddie Haddock',
`easy and tasty, a quick, simple family supper,'
to the more complex:-
`Buttered Salmon and Spinach En Croute',
`for that someone special or a dinner party.'

Our favourite recipes:-

Pomegranate, Orange and Mint Salad
Tagliatelle with Roasted Walnut and Herb Pesto
Easy Fragrant Rice with Peas
Beef Wellington Parcels with Red Wine Jus
Crispy Chilli Orange Grilled Chicken
Cheesy Colcannon Jackets
Warm Mascarpone Berry Spring Rolls
Apple and Mint Vodka
Finished up with `the Ultimate Irish Coffee`!





Meals in minutes? Not if you're an amateur!, 14 May 2006
I bought this book thinking that meals in minutes meant easy and quick.
Unfortunately, I was disappointed for two reasons:
1. The ingredients in some recipes are completely unknown to the average beginner. Ainsley would have done better to include a small glossary and a list of alternative ingredients, just in case your local market doesn't have some ingredients.
2. The timings were way off in some cases and must have come from "Won't Cook - Can't Cook" expereince.
I suppose my advice would be to buy the book only if you are an experienced cook with a good market nearby, or buy something else specifically for amateur cooks.

all new meals in more than minutes, 20 Feb 2006
i had read low fat meals in minutes which had great recipes, really delicious and really quick to do. Whereas in this book they are a bit all over the place. in the sense they are a bit too extravagent starters with out real platters. If this was to be a quick party book ok. but even then the recipes take more than half an hour to prepare and then to cook. i'd go for the low fat meals in minutes they are delicious and quick to do.

outstanding, 03 Feb 2005
best cook book i've owned, for quality of results + cooking/prep times. half an hour's work = really tasty and healthy food. that is what i like!!

Stripped down version of "the Feel Good Cook Book", 23 Aug 2008
Although this really is a very nice cook book from the always reliable Ainsley, it is in fact a stripped down version of the 2006 "The Feel Good Cook Book" with only 80 recipes instead of the original 150!

This wasn't made clear in the description of the book when we bought it so we feel we've been misled.

Tasty low fat dishes!, 30 Sep 2008
I received this as a gift and despite the fact that I have more cookery books at home than I know what to do with I have made good use of this one. The recipes are easy to follow and are illustrated, which I find helpful as I like to know what I'm aiming for. I thoroughly recommend the oven baked soy marinated cod (I make this regularly now) and also the Wok-It Chinese Chicken salad.

I actually find it a shame that they have included the words 'low fat' into the cover - this will probably lead some people to assume the recipes are tasteless, which they certainly are not! Even if you are not on a diet you will enjoy creating the recipes in this book and I defy you not to find one you will want to make again!

Yummy chips , 22 Feb 2008
I love this book and the chips are to die for, I do them under the grill and they cook beautifully. All the food is easy to prepare and tasty.

Simmering, not sizzling, 15 Feb 2008
The recipes in this book were easy to make but sometimes using obscure ingredients (maybe just me, but I have never heard of wasabi paste; neither had anyone in my local Asda). The food itself is light and pleasant but not for someone, like me, who prefers more hearty food. Jamie Oliver's 'Jamie's Dinners' book is excellent for this. In summary, perfectly alright just a little fussy for me.

Fab and easy, 30 Nov 2007
Great cook book - every recipe is delicious and very easy to do, can't believe its so easy to produce healthy great food

A great book, 24 Sep 2007
Really delicious meals, lots of flavours and everything I've done has been really tasty. Some are a bit more time consuming than I was expecting, like the fishcakes, but they are well worth the effort.

My fave joint fave recipe book ever!, 07 Dec 2008
I love this book!!! I'm a real foody and although I use Delia Smith cookbooks for anything really special there are sooooo many fantastic recipes in this book;. I'm a real perfectionist so most of the recipes take me longer than the time specified but they are so worth it. My fave is the chilli cheese meatballs. I have mqade these for lots of people and they've all loved them. The fab haddy and gooey egg is great too (although it sounds odd with the tomoatoes-it's GOOD!!!!)
Buy it and enjoy!!!

Perfect, 03 Oct 2008
I never cooked before i bought this book (frozen pre-cooked food doesn't count!).
The dishes are hard to screw up, proven by the fact that i have not. The meals are very easy to make and taste even better,not to forget they are also CHEAP to make.

To sum it up, this book has made cooking something that can be done without a lot of time and effort and yields great results.

my fave cookery book, 25 Jun 2002
well done ainsley, when's the next one out! This is my fave cook book by far, I especially love the Chicken Chou Mein (which sent the plumbers tastebuds reeling) and Chicken Acupulco dishes, I even cooked liver for the first time with the help of a superb port and sour cream sauce! Many of these recipes have been added to my favourite list of dishes to impress and in half the time! On the bad side, I'm running out of new dishes to cook so hurry up and write a second one....!

Great recipes, but not as quick as suggested, 30 May 2002
There really are some great recipes in here. The Jazz and Spice Shepherd's Pie is a (fattening) favourite of ours. His quick noodles dishes are excellent. And I just loved the Lemon Caramel Strawberry Meringues.

But I have a problem with this book, and it rather centres around its whole concept. The meals are meant to be very quick. Now even allowing for my relaxed style of cooking most of his timings are WAY out. The preperation times in particular are just way off and I can't help but think the timings are based on how quickly HE can chop vegetables. Anyone who has seen him cook on TV will know that like most of the TV chefs they chop FAST! Of course they do! They're professionals! Mere mortals like me have to chop slower to avoid cutting ourselves.

So, my suggestion to Ainsley would be, next time, get an ordinary everyday person to time the preperations for you. Until then folks, double the preperation times - at least!

Still, a lovely book.

Ainsley I wish I could kiss you!!!, 01 Jan 2002
For my entire 12 year marriage, I have been unable to cook well enough to please my husband , who demands perfection and perfect seasoning in his meals, he would usually hover over me and try to spice up whatever bland food we might be having!! I would be so hurt whenever he tried to interfere with my cooking, I wanted to prove to him that I can cook!!!

WELL!!!
I can now buy the freshest food, at a much cheaper cost, I might add, and wait until I get home and just throw something fabulous together the seasoning is perfect(Ainsley, you don't know how important finding you books has been in our house hold) .
And the variety is awesome( I speak of Barbecue Bible and Gourmet Express too). Unfortunately Gourmet Express 2 is unavailable in the US.

I finally feel like a GREAT cook!! Sorry Better Homes and Gardens, Joy of Cooking and yes even Julia Child!! I could not make hits out of those recipes!!!NOW I feel so empowered and I love shopping fresh every day and these recipes use so many of the same ingredients for different recipes; coriander, sour cream creme fraiche , asian sauces!! We have saved a bundle in groceries as well and take out is almost a non existent thing in our house, but of course it is always nice for a nice night out!!!
For our little family here in the US, trying desperately to keep our money in the bank and still enjoy life, this find has been a revelation!! I hated the American notion that you must cookand freeze large quantities or go to the super stores and stock up with enough food to fill your entire pantry!!AWESOME!! Cannot say enough!!!

A must have cookery book!, 12 Mar 2008
This was the first book I bought by Ainsley Harriott and up to now all of the recipes I have tried have been fantastic. You seriously can't go wrong with his recipes!

If you do buy this book, please, please try his Tikka Massala, it's to die for. I can guarantee you will think twice about ordering a curry from the local Indian Takeaway once you have tried Ainsleys! My husband and I made it for 20 hungry RAF personnel and it went down a storm!!

I would also recommend the salmon fish cakes, cheesy fish pie, the quiche recipe...oh the list goes on.

I always turn to this book when I'm not too sure what to make for our evening meal and we are never disappointed with the results, it truly is a fantastic asset to any kitchen.

AINSLEY IS BETTER THEN GORDON AN NIGELLA, 18 Jan 2008
I BOUGHT IT FOR MY SISTER AND SHE LOVES BECAUSE SOME OF THE FOODS IN THE BOOK ARE EASY AND QUICK TO MAKE AS WELL AS TASTY TO EAT. AINSLEY IS UNDERATED IN

The first, and one of the best , cookbooks on my shelf, 05 Jul 2007
When it comes to cooking, almost everyone turns straight to Delia's book when they start out. I turned to Ainsley's Friends and Family for a variety of reasons. It looked simpler and the meals looked more like meals that I would enjoy making.

Now that I am much more experienced, I have bought Delia's work and find it uesful for many things, but this is the book I use more often. The recipes are really simple to follow for someone with minimal cooking experience, and the recipes are simple and down-to-earth. No lobster here, folks!

The chicken curry, the Carribean Lamb and Sweet Potato, the Fajitas, and "Speedy Coq au Vin". Not exactly haute cuisine, but this is food that people want to eat. It is full of flavour, easily accesible and the recipes themselves are simple and enjoyable. And if you do purchase this, be sure to try his lasagne!

If this is not on your shelf, it really should be. Whilst Harriott may not be considered the definitive word on cooking by many, once you buy his book you will find yourself turning to it more often than you would imagine, especially if cooking for a family. An essential edition to any collection.

This cook book is the best ever, 10 Mar 2006
This cook book is the best ever.

Page 79, I've just cooked gratin of penne with spinach and tomatoes, added some mushrooms and it was mmmm, scrummy. Page 128, Caribbean lamb and sweet potato curry with clap-hand roti, sounds complicated but try it, it really isn't and tastes wonderful. Until recently I'd never tasted pine nuts, they're delicious and Ainsley uses them in his Page 82 recipe, chicken pasta salad with pine nuts, delicious. Page 67 pan-fried plaice with crispy bacon, so easy.

The chapter headings are so inviting too: "Spice it up" - describes it exactly; "Home alone" - scrumptious meals for one or two; "Friends for dinner" - anything prepared in advance is fine by me; "Alfresco dining" - how to make burgers (they're so tasty you'll never want to eat another shop bought burger again).

In fact all the recipies I've tried have been mouth wateringly successful.

Thanks Ainsley

Simple but brilliant food, 12 Dec 2005
This is the best cook book I've ever owned. The recipies are easy to follow and varied. Everything I've cooked using this gook has been a success, can't recomend it highly enough!

Excellent for those who want to be quick in the kitchen..., 05 Jun 2008
Some people can't spend hours in the kitchen preparing gourmet meals every day, and some people just don't want to be stuck in there. For those people, and everyone else this is a great book to have at hand.

If you liked the first "Meals in Minutes" from Ainsley then, like me, you'll find this a welcome addition to your collection. With 80 more extremely well presented recipes to salivate over and enjoy, the majority of which take only around half-an-hour to prepare and cook, this book is superb.

As is customary nowadays we are provided with the nutritional notes per serving for each of the recipes. This is great as it helps you make a conscious choice to eat healthier by letting you know what, for example, the fat content is. Out of the 80 recipes there are "over 20 low fat recipes" which is also good but I feel that had there been more healthier options this book would have deserved five stars. This could have been in the format of alternative ingredients for existing recipes to lessen the fat-content as well as more intrinsically low-fat meals.

That seems to be the only fault I can find with this book which overall in fab. From the array of tv chefs, Ainsley is one of my favourites, as he is flamboyant, stands out from the crowd, and seems to genuinely enjoy being a chef. That character is also conveyed in the book by way of a little blurb or introduction to each recipe which is usually a good place to look for extra helpful tips, or just funny anecdotes.

The 3rd Book in Ainsley`s `Meals in Minutes' series!, 26 May 2006
Ainsley Harriott is back with the third book in his `In Minutes' series with this new collection of delicious dishes that are relatively quick to prepare and tasty to eat, and AH fans won`t be disappointed.

192 shiny, high quality pages split over 9 chapters sandwiched between an intro and a concise index:-

Soups, Starters and Snacks
Fish and Shellfish
Quick and Delicious Poultry
Meaty Mains
Fresh and Fabulous Vegetarian
A Bit on the Side: Vegetables and Side Orders
Perfect Puds
Bottoms Up! Drinks
14 Menus (dishes selected from the book for a `Low Fat Feast`, `Cook-Ahead Supper`, `Having a Party - Oriental Style`, `Summer Sunshine Lunch`, `The Morning after The Night Before`, `Veggie Delight`, `Stars and Stripes Supper`, `The Ultimate Comfort Food`, `Time for the Footie`, `Something for the Kids`, `Festive Feast`, `Christmas Hamper`, `Let's Celebrate` and `Lazy Sunday Lunch'.

80 brand new sensational dishes, over 20 of which are low in fat, which can be cooked-up in less than an hour.
Interspersed with the typical AH humour:-
`When it comes to chicken I am a thigh man as I think they have the best flavour and are also the most succulent - by all means use breast, just cook for about 10 minutes longer.'
Each recipe has a colour photo of the finished dish and a `Nutrition Notes per Serving' that show the calories/protein/carbohydrates/fat/saturated. fat/fibre/added sugar/salt.

Useful tips and variations on the recipes, throughout the book.

Recipes range from the simple:-
`Maddie Haddock',
`easy and tasty, a quick, simple family supper,'
to the more complex:-
`Buttered Salmon and Spinach En Croute',
`for that someone special or a dinner party.'

Our favourite recipes:-

Pomegranate, Orange and Mint Salad
Tagliatelle with Roasted Walnut and Herb Pesto
Easy Fragrant Rice with Peas
Beef Wellington Parcels with Red Wine Jus
Crispy Chilli Orange Grilled Chicken
Cheesy Colcannon Jackets
Warm Mascarpone Berry Spring Rolls
Apple and Mint Vodka
Finished up with `the Ultimate Irish Coffee`!





Meals in minutes? Not if you're an amateur!, 14 May 2006
I bought this book thinking that meals in minutes meant easy and quick.
Unfortunately, I was disappointed for two reasons:
1. The ingredients in some recipes are completely unknown to the average beginner. Ainsley would have done better to include a small glossary and a list of alternative ingredients, just in case your local market doesn't have some ingredients.
2. The timings were way off in some cases and must have come from "Won't Cook - Can't Cook" expereince.
I suppose my advice would be to buy the book only if you are an experienced cook with a good market nearby, or buy something else specifically for amateur cooks.

all new meals in more than minutes, 20 Feb 2006
i had read low fat meals in minutes which had great recipes, really delicious and really quick to do. Whereas in this book they are a bit all over the place. in the sense they are a bit too extravagent starters with out real platters. If this was to be a quick party book ok. but even then the recipes take more than half an hour to prepare and then to cook. i'd go for the low fat meals in minutes they are delicious and quick to do.

outstanding, 03 Feb 2005
best cook book i've owned, for quality of results + cooking/prep times. half an hour's work = really tasty and healthy food. that is what i like!!

Stripped down version of "the Feel Good Cook Book", 23 Aug 2008
Although this really is a very nice cook book from the always reliable Ainsley, it is in fact a stripped down version of the 2006 "The Feel Good Cook Book" with only 80 recipes instead of the original 150!

This wasn't made clear in the description of the book when we bought it so we feel we've been misled.

fabbo, 26 Feb 2005
This was a great read, the emotions were so apparant throughout that you didn't want to cook the meals but really feel the raw ingredients. powerfull book. good luck

love the series, had to have the book!, 23 Apr 2004
Anyone who enjoys cooking but doesn't enjoy spending hours chopping,slicing etc - then this is a fab little buy for you!
Some lovely recipeideas & all fairly easy to produce.

Excellent, 12 Nov 2003
The thing I like most about this is the fact you can get all the ingredients in your local supermarket. This means you can easily give all of the recipes a go and although some of them didn't work for me I have to say I was pleased with most.

A nice easy read with easy recipes and strongly recommended.

Tasty low fat dishes!, 30 Sep 2008
I received this as a gift and despite the fact that I have more cookery books at home than I know what to do with I have made good use of this one. The recipes are easy to follow and are illustrated, which I find helpful as I like to know what I'm aiming for. I thoroughly recommend the oven baked soy marinated cod (I make this regularly now) and also the Wok-It Chinese Chicken salad.

I actually find it a shame that they have included the words 'low fat' into the cover - this will probably lead some people to assume the recipes are tasteless, which they certainly are not! Even if you are not on a diet you will enjoy creating the recipes in this book and I defy you not to find one you will want to make again!

Yummy chips , 22 Feb 2008
I love this book and the chips are to die for, I do them under the grill and they cook beautifully. All the food is easy to prepare and tasty.

Simmering, not sizzling, 15 Feb 2008
The recipes in this book were easy to make but sometimes using obscure ingredients (maybe just me, but I have never heard of wasabi paste; neither had anyone in my local Asda). The food itself is light and pleasant but not for someone, like me, who prefers more hearty food. Jamie Oliver's 'Jamie's Dinners' book is excellent for this. In summary, perfectly alright just a little fussy for me.

Fab and easy, 30 Nov 2007
Great cook book - every recipe is delicious and very easy to do, can't believe its so easy to produce healthy great food

A great book, 24 Sep 2007
Really delicious meals, lots of flavours and everything I've done has been really tasty. Some are a bit more time consuming than I was expecting, like the fishcakes, but they are well worth the effort.

My fave joint fave recipe book ever!, 07 Dec 2008
I love this book!!! I'm a real foody and although I use Delia Smith cookbooks for anything really special there are sooooo many fantastic recipes in this book;. I'm a real perfectionist so most of the recipes take me longer than the time specified but they are so worth it. My fave is the chilli cheese meatballs. I have mqade these for lots of people and they've all loved them. The fab haddy and gooey egg is great too (although it sounds odd with the tomoatoes-it's GOOD!!!!)
Buy it and enjoy!!!

Perfect, 03 Oct 2008
I never cooked before i bought this book (frozen pre-cooked food doesn't count!).
The dishes are hard to screw up, proven by the fact that i have not. The meals are very easy to make and taste even better,not to forget they are also CHEAP to make.

To sum it up, this book has made cooking something that can be done without a lot of time and effort and yields great results.

my fave cookery book, 25 Jun 2002
well done ainsley, when's the next one out! This is my fave cook book by far, I especially love the Chicken Chou Mein (which sent the plumbers tastebuds reeling) and Chicken Acupulco dishes, I even cooked liver for the first time with the help of a superb port and sour cream sauce! Many of these recipes have been added to my favourite list of dishes to impress and in half the time! On the bad side, I'm running out of new dishes to cook so hurry up and write a second one....!

Great recipes, but not as quick as suggested, 30 May 2002
There really are some great recipes in here. The Jazz and Spice Shepherd's Pie is a (fattening) favourite of ours. His quick noodles dishes are excellent. And I just loved the Lemon Caramel Strawberry Meringues.

But I have a problem with this book, and it rather centres around its whole concept. The meals are meant to be very quick. Now even allowing for my relaxed style of cooking most of his timings are WAY out. The preperation times in particular are just way off and I can't help but think the timings are based on how quickly HE can chop vegetables. Anyone who has seen him cook on TV will know that like most of the TV chefs they chop FAST! Of course they do! They're professionals! Mere mortals like me have to chop slower to avoid cutting ourselves.

So, my suggestion to Ainsley would be, next time, get an ordinary everyday person to time the preperations for you. Until then folks, double the preperation times - at least!

Still, a lovely book.

Ainsley I wish I could kiss you!!!, 01 Jan 2002
For my entire 12 year marriage, I have been unable to cook well enough to please my husband , who demands perfection and perfect seasoning in his meals, he would usually hover over me and try to spice up whatever bland food we might be having!! I would be so hurt whenever he tried to interfere with my cooking, I wanted to prove to him that I can cook!!!

WELL!!!
I can now buy the freshest food, at a much cheaper cost, I might add, and wait until I get home and just throw something fabulous together the seasoning is perfect(Ainsley, you don't know how important finding you books has been in our house hold) .
And the variety is awesome( I speak of Barbecue Bible and Gourmet Express too). Unfortunately Gourmet Express 2 is unavailable in the US.

I finally feel like a GREAT cook!! Sorry Better Homes and Gardens, Joy of Cooking and yes even Julia Child!! I could not make hits out of those recipes!!!NOW I feel so empowered and I love shopping fresh every day and these recipes use so many of the same ingredients for different recipes; coriander, sour cream creme fraiche , asian sauces!! We have saved a bundle in groceries as well and take out is almost a non existent thing in our house, but of course it is always nice for a nice night out!!!
For our little family here in the US, trying desperately to keep our money in the bank and still enjoy life, this find has been a revelation!! I hated the American notion that you must cookand freeze large quantities or go to the super stores and stock up with enough food to fill your entire pantry!!AWESOME!! Cannot say enough!!!

A must have cookery book!, 12 Mar 2008
This was the first book I bought by Ainsley Harriott and up to now all of the recipes I have tried have been fantastic. You seriously can't go wrong with his recipes!

If you do buy this book, please, please try his Tikka Massala, it's to die for. I can guarantee you will think twice about ordering a curry from the local Indian Takeaway once you have tried Ainsleys! My husband and I made it for 20 hungry RAF personnel and it went down a storm!!

I would also recommend the salmon fish cakes, cheesy fish pie, the quiche recipe...oh the list goes on.

I always turn to this book when I'm not too sure what to make for our evening meal and we are never disappointed with the results, it truly is a fantastic asset to any kitchen.

AINSLEY IS BETTER THEN GORDON AN NIGELLA, 18 Jan 2008
I BOUGHT IT FOR MY SISTER AND SHE LOVES BECAUSE SOME OF THE FOODS IN THE BOOK ARE EASY AND QUICK TO MAKE AS WELL AS TASTY TO EAT. AINSLEY IS UNDERATED IN

The first, and one of the best , cookbooks on my shelf, 05 Jul 2007
When it comes to cooking, almost everyone turns straight to Delia's book when they start out. I turned to Ainsley's Friends and Family for a variety of reasons. It looked simpler and the meals looked more like meals that I would enjoy making.

Now that I am much more experienced, I have bought Delia's work and find it uesful for many things, but this is the book I use more often. The recipes are really simple to follow for someone with minimal cooking experience, and the recipes are simple and down-to-earth. No lobster here, folks!

The chicken curry, the Carribean Lamb and Sweet Potato, the Fajitas, and "Speedy Coq au Vin". Not exactly haute cuisine, but this is food that people want to eat. It is full of flavour, easily accesible and the recipes themselves are simple and enjoyable. And if you do purchase this, be sure to try his lasagne!

If this is not on your shelf, it really should be. Whilst Harriott may not be considered the definitive word on cooking by many, once you buy his book you will find yourself turning to it more often than you would imagine, especially if cooking for a family. An essential edition to any collection.

This cook book is the best ever, 10 Mar 2006
This cook book is the best ever.

Page 79, I've just cooked gratin of penne with spinach and tomatoes, added some mushrooms and it was mmmm, scrummy. Page 128, Caribbean lamb and sweet potato curry with clap-hand roti, sounds complicated but try it, it really isn't and tastes wonderful. Until recently I'd never tasted pine nuts, they're delicious and Ainsley uses them in his Page 82 recipe, chicken pasta salad with pine nuts, delicious. Page 67 pan-fried plaice with crispy bacon, so easy.

The chapter headings are so inviting too: "Spice it up" - describes it exactly; "Home alone" - scrumptious meals for one or two; "Friends for dinner" - anything prepared in advance is fine by me; "Alfresco dining" - how to make burgers (they're so tasty you'll never want to eat another shop bought burger again).

In fact all the recipies I've tried have been mouth wateringly successful.

Thanks Ainsley

Simple but brilliant food, 12 Dec 2005
This is the best cook book I've ever owned. The recipies are easy to follow and varied. Everything I've cooked using this gook has been a success, can't recomend it highly enough!

Excellent for those who want to be quick in the kitchen..., 05 Jun 2008
Some people can't spend hours in the kitchen preparing gourmet meals every day, and some people just don't want to be stuck in there. For those people, and everyone else this is a great book to have at hand.

If you liked the first "Meals in Minutes" from Ainsley then, like me, you'll find this a welcome addition to your collection. With 80 more extremely well presented recipes to salivate over and enjoy, the majority of which take only around half-an-hour to prepare and cook, this book is superb.

As is customary nowadays we are provided with the nutritional notes per serving for each of the recipes. This is great as it helps you make a conscious choice to eat healthier by letting you know what, for example, the fat content is. Out of the 80 recipes there are "over 20 low fat recipes" which is also good but I feel that had there been more healthier options this book would have deserved five stars. This could have been in the format of alternative ingredients for existing recipes to lessen the fat-content as well as more intrinsically low-fat meals.

That seems to be the only fault I can find with this book which overall in fab. From the array of tv chefs, Ainsley is one of my favourites, as he is flamboyant, stands out from the crowd, and seems to genuinely enjoy being a chef. That character is also conveyed in the book by way of a little blurb or introduction to each recipe which is usually a good place to look for extra helpful tips, or just funny anecdotes.

The 3rd Book in Ainsley`s `Meals in Minutes' series!, 26 May 2006
Ainsley Harriott is back with the third book in his `In Minutes' series with this new collection of delicious dishes that are relatively quick to prepare and tasty to eat, and AH fans won`t be disappointed.

192 shiny, high quality pages split over 9 chapters sandwiched between an intro and a concise index:-

Soups, Starters and Snacks
Fish and Shellfish
Quick and Delicious Poultry
Meaty Mains
Fresh and Fabulous Vegetarian
A Bit on the Side: Vegetables and Side Orders
Perfect Puds
Bottoms Up! Drinks
14 Menus (dishes selected from the book for a `Low Fat Feast`, `Cook-Ahead Supper`, `Having a Party - Oriental Style`, `Summer Sunshine Lunch`, `The Morning after The Night Before`, `Veggie Delight`, `Stars and Stripes Supper`, `The Ultimate Comfort Food`, `Time for the Footie`, `Something for the Kids`, `Festive Feast`, `Christmas Hamper`, `Let's Celebrate` and `Lazy Sunday Lunch'.

80 brand new sensational dishes, over 20 of which are low in fat, which can be cooked-up in less than an hour.
Interspersed with the typical AH humour:-
`When it comes to chicken I am a thigh man as I think they have the best flavour and are also the most succulent - by all means use breast, just cook for about 10 minutes longer.'
Each recipe has a colour photo of the finished dish and a `Nutrition Notes per Serving' that show the calories/protein/carbohydrates/fat/saturated. fat/fibre/added sugar/salt.

Useful tips and variations on the recipes, throughout the book.

Recipes range from the simple:-
`Maddie Haddock',
`easy and tasty, a quick, simple family supper,'
to the more complex:-
`Buttered Salmon and Spinach En Croute',
`for that someone special or a dinner party.'

Our favourite recipes:-

Pomegranate, Orange and Mint Salad
Tagliatelle with Roasted Walnut and Herb Pesto
Easy Fragrant Rice with Peas
Beef Wellington Parcels with Red Wine Jus
Crispy Chilli Orange Grilled Chicken
Cheesy Colcannon Jackets
Warm Mascarpone Berry Spring Rolls
Apple and Mint Vodka
Finished up with `the Ultimate Irish Coffee`!





Meals in minutes? Not if you're an amateur!, 14 May 2006
I bought this book thinking that meals in minutes meant easy and quick.
Unfortunately, I was disappointed for two reasons:
1. The ingredients in some recipes are completely unknown to the average beginner. Ainsley would have done better to include a small glossary and a list of alternative ingredients, just in case your local market doesn't have some ingredients.
2. The timings were way off in some cases and must have come from "Won't Cook - Can't Cook" expereince.
I suppose my advice would be to buy the book only if you are an experienced cook with a good market nearby, or buy something else specifically for amateur cooks.

all new meals in more than minutes, 20 Feb 2006
i had read low fat meals in minutes which had great recipes, really delicious and really quick to do. Whereas in this book they are a bit all over the place. in the sense they are a bit too extravagent starters with out real platters. If this was to be a quick party book ok. but even then the recipes take more than half an hour to prepare and then to cook. i'd go for the low fat meals in minutes they are delicious and quick to do.

outstanding, 03 Feb 2005
best cook book i've owned, for quality of results + cooking/prep times. half an hour's work = really tasty and healthy food. that is what i like!!

Stripped down version of "the Feel Good Cook Book", 23 Aug 2008
Although this really is a very nice cook book from the always reliable Ainsley, it is in fact a stripped down version of the 2006 "The Feel Good Cook Book" with only 80 recipes instead of the original 150!

This wasn't made clear in the description of the book when we bought it so we feel we've been misled.

fabbo, 26 Feb 2005
This was a great read, the emotions were so apparant throughout that you didn't want to cook the meals but really feel the raw ingredients. powerfull book. good luck

love the series, had to have the book!, 23 Apr 2004
Anyone who enjoys cooking but doesn't enjoy spending hours chopping,slicing etc - then this is a fab little buy for you!
Some lovely recipeideas & all fairly easy to produce.

Excellent, 12 Nov 2003
The thing I like most about this is the fact you can get all the ingredients in your local supermarket. This means you can easily give all of the recipes a go and although some of them didn't work for me I have to say I was pleased with most.

A nice easy read with easy recipes and strongly recommended.

Outstanding, 28 Jul 2008
I had not read anything by Ainsley prior to this and neither watch TV cookery shows! But I do own a number of 'comprehensive' books from the USA about BBQs.

None is as easy to read or filled with such good ideas for marinades, sauces, salads etc.

I am not easily impressed but this book has impressed me and some of my neighbours in Spain who have asked me to buy them a copy!

Buyer Beware!!!, 09 Aug 2005
A great book but do not buy if you already own Ainsleys Big Cook Out or Ainsleys BBQ Bible, as the recipes are all repeated with a few added extras.
That said, the recipes themsleves are great - as is the photography and I would recommend you buy this book rather than any of the other BBQ books he has released.

Tasty low fat dishes!, 30 Sep 2008
I received this as a gift and despite the fact that I have more cookery books at home than I know what to do with I have made good use of this one. The recipes are easy to follow and are illustrated, which I find helpful as I like to know what I'm aiming for. I thoroughly recommend the oven baked soy marinated cod (I make this regularly now) and also the Wok-It Chinese Chicken salad.

I actually find it a shame that they have included the words 'low fat' into the cover - this will probably lead some people to assume the recipes are tasteless, which they certainly are not! Even if you are not on a diet you will enjoy creating the recipes in this book and I defy you not to find one you will want to make again!

Yummy chips , 22 Feb 2008
I love this book and the chips are to die for, I do them under the grill and they cook beautifully. All the food is easy to prepare and tasty.

Simmering, not sizzling, 15 Feb 2008
The recipes in this book were easy to make but sometimes using obscure ingredients (maybe just me, but I have never heard of wasabi paste; neither had anyone in my local Asda). The food itself is light and pleasant but not for someone, like me, who prefers more hearty food. Jamie Oliver's 'Jamie's Dinners' book is excellent for this. In summary, perfectly alright just a little fussy for me.

Fab and easy, 30 Nov 2007
Great cook book - every recipe is delicious and very easy to do, can't believe its so easy to produce healthy great food

A great book, 24 Sep 2007
Really delicious meals, lots of flavours and everything I've done has been really tasty. Some are a bit more time consuming than I was expecting, like the fishcakes, but they are well worth the effort.

My fave joint fave recipe book ever!, 07 Dec 2008
I love this book!!! I'm a real foody and although I use Delia Smith cookbooks for anything really special there are sooooo many fantastic recipes in this book;. I'm a real perfectionist so most of the recipes take me longer than the time specified but they are so worth it. My fave is the chilli cheese meatballs. I have mqade these for lots of people and they've all loved them. The fab haddy and gooey egg is great too (although it sounds odd with the tomoatoes-it's GOOD!!!!)
Buy it and enjoy!!!

Perfect, 03 Oct 2008
I never cooked before i bought this book (frozen pre-cooked food doesn't count!).
The dishes are hard to screw up, proven by the fact that i have not. The meals are very easy to make and taste even better,not to forget they are also CHEAP to make.

To sum it up, this book has made cooking something that can be done without a lot of time and effort and yields great results.

my fave cookery book, 25 Jun 2002
well done ainsley, when's the next one out! This is my fave cook book by far, I especially love the Chicken Chou Mein (which sent the plumbers tastebuds reeling) and Chicken Acupulco dishes, I even cooked liver for the first time with the help of a superb port and sour cream sauce! Many of these recipes have been added to my favourite list of dishes to impress and in half the time! On the bad side, I'm running out of new dishes to cook so hurry up and write a second one....!

Great recipes, but not as quick as suggested, 30 May 2002
There really are some great recipes in here. The Jazz and Spice Shepherd's Pie is a (fattening) favourite of ours. His quick noodles dishes are excellent. And I just loved the Lemon Caramel Strawberry Meringues.

But I have a problem with this book, and it rather centres around its whole concept. The meals are meant to be very quick. Now even allowing for my relaxed style of cooking most of his timings are WAY out. The preperation times in particular are just way off and I can't help but think the timings are based on how quickly HE can chop vegetables. Anyone who has seen him cook on TV will know that like most of the TV chefs they chop FAST! Of course they do! They're professionals! Mere mortals like me have to chop slower to avoid cutting ourselves.

So, my suggestion to Ainsley would be, next time, get an ordinary everyday person to time the preperations for you. Until then folks, double the preperation times - at least!

Still, a lovely book.

Ainsley I wish I could kiss you!!!, 01 Jan 2002
For my entire 12 year marriage, I have been unable to cook well enough to please my husband , who demands perfection and perfect seasoning in his meals, he would usually hover over me and try to spice up whatever bland food we might be having!! I would be so hurt whenever he tried to interfere with my cooking, I wanted to prove to him that I can cook!!!

WELL!!!
I can now buy the freshest food, at a much cheaper cost, I might add, and wait until I get home and just throw something fabulous together the seasoning is perfect(Ainsley, you don't know how important finding you books has been in our house hold) .
And the variety is awesome( I speak of Barbecue Bible and Gourmet Express too). Unfortunately Gourmet Express 2 is unavailable in the US.

I finally feel like a GREAT cook!! Sorry Better Homes and Gardens, Joy of Cooking and yes even Julia Child!! I could not make hits out of those recipes!!!NOW I feel so empowered and I love shopping fresh every day and these recipes use so many of the same ingredients for different recipes; coriander, sour cream creme fraiche , asian sauces!! We have saved a bundle in groceries as well and take out is almost a non existent thing in our house, but of course it is always nice for a nice night out!!!
For our little family here in the US, trying desperately to keep our money in the bank and still enjoy life, this find has been a revelation!! I hated the American notion that you must cookand freeze large quantities or go to the super stores and stock up with enough food to fill your entire pantry!!AWESOME!! Cannot say enough!!!

A must have cookery book!, 12 Mar 2008
This was the first book I bought by Ainsley Harriott and up to now all of the recipes I have tried have been fantastic. You seriously can't go wrong with his recipes!

If you do buy this book, please, please try his Tikka Massala, it's to die for. I can guarantee you will think twice about ordering a curry from the local Indian Takeaway once you have tried Ainsleys! My husband and I made it for 20 hungry RAF personnel and it went down a storm!!

I would also recommend the salmon fish cakes, cheesy fish pie, the quiche recipe...oh the list goes on.

I always turn to this book when I'm not too sure what to make for our evening meal and we are never disappointed with the results, it truly is a fantastic asset to any kitchen.

AINSLEY IS BETTER THEN GORDON AN NIGELLA, 18 Jan 2008
I BOUGHT IT FOR MY SISTER AND SHE LOVES BECAUSE SOME OF THE FOODS IN THE BOOK ARE EASY AND QUICK TO MAKE AS WELL AS TASTY TO EAT. AINSLEY IS UNDERATED IN

The first, and one of the best , cookbooks on my shelf, 05 Jul 2007
When it comes to cooking, almost everyone turns straight to Delia's book when they start out. I turned to Ainsley's Friends and Family for a variety of reasons. It looked simpler and the meals looked more like meals that I would enjoy making.

Now that I am much more experienced, I have bought Delia's work and find it uesful for many things, but this is the book I use more often. The recipes are really simple to follow for someone with minimal cooking experience, and the recipes are simple and down-to-earth. No lobster here, folks!

The chicken curry, the Carribean Lamb and Sweet Potato, the Fajitas, and "Speedy Coq au Vin". Not exactly haute cuisine, but this is food that people want to eat. It is full of flavour, easily accesible and the recipes themselves are simple and enjoyable. And if you do purchase this, be sure to try his lasagne!

If this is not on your shelf, it really should be. Whilst Harriott may not be considered the definitive word on cooking by many, once you buy his book you will find yourself turning to it more often than you would imagine, especially if cooking for a family. An essential edition to any collection.

This cook book is the best ever, 10 Mar 2006
This cook book is the best ever.

Page 79, I've just cooked gratin of penne with spinach and tomatoes, added some mushrooms and it was mmmm, scrummy. Page 128, Caribbean lamb and sweet potato curry with clap-hand roti, sounds complicated but try it, it really isn't and tastes wonderful. Until recently I'd never tasted pine nuts, they're delicious and Ainsley uses them in his Page 82 recipe, chicken pasta salad with pine nuts, delicious. Page 67 pan-fried plaice with crispy bacon, so easy.

The chapter headings are so inviting too: "Spice it up" - describes it exactly; "Home alone" - scrumptious meals for one or two; "Friends for dinne