Books
Best food books 2007
What a year it has been for foodie books - we've picked some of our favourites.
From fragrant Moroccan dishes to the fresh flavours of Corfu, Rick explores the Med through its food and culture. He has chosen simple and classic recipes from the region that have stood the test of time and not been blown in by the latest culinary trend. Dive in and let transport yourself to sunnier climes.
A very girlie book, but one full of recipes that everyone will love. Rachel chooses homely dishes that make her happy; and who wouldn’t be happy with a plate of hearty sausage and bean stew, a garlicky chicken kiev or chocolate fudge squares drizzled with molten white chocolate?
The Domestic Goddess is back, and this time she’s in a hurry. Nigella is iconic for her homely cooking and love of really good, simple food. In this new book she shares secrets for everyday cooking when time is short but you still want a tasty home-cooked meal. Try her cinnamon-flecked roast poussin with sweet potatoes.
Bill believes cooking should be a joy, not a chore, and approaches it with an appealingly laid-back style. In Holiday he chooses recipes that evoke those happy moments where you get to take a bit of time out for yourself. Curl up fireside with mirin-simmered beef on rice, celebrate late spring days with a lemon and fresh pea tagliatelle, or serve the person you love a special Valentines breakfast in bed.
When Diana is cooking on a day-to-day basis, she likes the work to be done by the heat of the oven, rather than by her. None of the recipes in this book are bland, rather they show you can make food interesting even if you don't have time to slave in the kitchen.
This is a very serious book from a serious chef. What’s more, you’re going to need a pretty hefty kitchen shelf to hold it. A beautiful photographic portfolio of 50 classic dishes from Gordon’s restaurant is followed by detailed recipes so you can try and recreate a little of his 3-star magic at home.
A great cook and one half of the much-loved Two Fat Ladies, Clarissa has led a life spiked with both enormous successes and tragedy. In this candid account, she shares the story of her life with humour, poignancy and passion.
UKTV Food’s own Roopa has brought out this fantastic little book that brings to life the rich culinary diversity of India to life. Most of the recipes are simple without compromising on flavour, such as sweet and tangy chicken curry or watermelon curry with mint. Then some are really special, such as the fragrant lamb biryani, for when you have time to indulge.
Consistently winning awards as the food writers’ favourite food writer, Simon has compiled this compendium from his long-running column in The Independent. Starting with Spring, he brings together 52 stories that highlight the best of seasonal produce with simple recipes that are sure to become much-loved favourites.
A charming collection of essays on the food that makes up Britain’s much maligned culinary history. In his own inimitable style, and with great humour, Nigel celebrates the glories, eccentricities and foibles of the British at the table. The perfect read to cheer up a rainy English weekend.
Angela, one of Britain’s top female chefs, turns her attentions away from top restaurant cooking and back to the food of her childhood. She offers an authentic taste of her Italian heritage, with recipes from three generations. A celebration of life where eating has always been at the heart.
Anjum takes the fear out of Indian cooking with her simple and healthy recipes, using only readily available ingredients. Make a creamy coconut mackerel curry from scratch in half an hour, or try quick tips for spicing up cheese on toast or scrambled eggs.
We have Delia, the Americans have Joy, the Italians have The Silver Spoon. In Spain they have 1080, their classic cookery bible. Found in almost every Spanish kitchen, it has just been published in English for the first time. As the title suggests, it's crammed with over a thousand recipes covering everything a Spanish foodie needs to know.
The release of a new Moro cookbook is an occasion. The Clarks are renowned for their simple yet unusual recipes influenced by Spanish and North African flavours. In this new collection, they have also drawn inspiration from their allotment in East London, and Eastern Mediterranean neighbours who bring their own cooking traditions to the produce they cultivate.
Mediterranean Escapes
Rick SteinFrom fragrant Moroccan dishes to the fresh flavours of Corfu, Rick explores the Med through its food and culture. He has chosen simple and classic recipes from the region that have stood the test of time and not been blown in by the latest culinary trend. Dive in and let transport yourself to sunnier climes.
Rachel's Food for Living
Rachel AllenA very girlie book, but one full of recipes that everyone will love. Rachel chooses homely dishes that make her happy; and who wouldn’t be happy with a plate of hearty sausage and bean stew, a garlicky chicken kiev or chocolate fudge squares drizzled with molten white chocolate?
Nigella Express
Nigella LawsonThe Domestic Goddess is back, and this time she’s in a hurry. Nigella is iconic for her homely cooking and love of really good, simple food. In this new book she shares secrets for everyday cooking when time is short but you still want a tasty home-cooked meal. Try her cinnamon-flecked roast poussin with sweet potatoes.
Holiday
Bill GrangerBill believes cooking should be a joy, not a chore, and approaches it with an appealingly laid-back style. In Holiday he chooses recipes that evoke those happy moments where you get to take a bit of time out for yourself. Curl up fireside with mirin-simmered beef on rice, celebrate late spring days with a lemon and fresh pea tagliatelle, or serve the person you love a special Valentines breakfast in bed.
Cook Simple
Diana HenryWhen Diana is cooking on a day-to-day basis, she likes the work to be done by the heat of the oven, rather than by her. None of the recipes in this book are bland, rather they show you can make food interesting even if you don't have time to slave in the kitchen.
*** Chef
Gordon RamsayThis is a very serious book from a serious chef. What’s more, you’re going to need a pretty hefty kitchen shelf to hold it. A beautiful photographic portfolio of 50 classic dishes from Gordon’s restaurant is followed by detailed recipes so you can try and recreate a little of his 3-star magic at home.
Spilling the Beans
Clarissa Dickson WrightA great cook and one half of the much-loved Two Fat Ladies, Clarissa has led a life spiked with both enormous successes and tragedy. In this candid account, she shares the story of her life with humour, poignancy and passion.
Curry Lovers
Roopa GulatiUKTV Food’s own Roopa has brought out this fantastic little book that brings to life the rich culinary diversity of India to life. Most of the recipes are simple without compromising on flavour, such as sweet and tangy chicken curry or watermelon curry with mint. Then some are really special, such as the fragrant lamb biryani, for when you have time to indulge.
Week In Week Out
Simon HopkinsonConsistently winning awards as the food writers’ favourite food writer, Simon has compiled this compendium from his long-running column in The Independent. Starting with Spring, he brings together 52 stories that highlight the best of seasonal produce with simple recipes that are sure to become much-loved favourites.
Eating for England
Nigel SlaterA charming collection of essays on the food that makes up Britain’s much maligned culinary history. In his own inimitable style, and with great humour, Nigel celebrates the glories, eccentricities and foibles of the British at the table. The perfect read to cheer up a rainy English weekend.
Cucina
Angela HartnettAngela, one of Britain’s top female chefs, turns her attentions away from top restaurant cooking and back to the food of her childhood. She offers an authentic taste of her Italian heritage, with recipes from three generations. A celebration of life where eating has always been at the heart.
Indian Food Made Easy
Anjum AnandAnjum takes the fear out of Indian cooking with her simple and healthy recipes, using only readily available ingredients. Make a creamy coconut mackerel curry from scratch in half an hour, or try quick tips for spicing up cheese on toast or scrambled eggs.
1080 Recipes
Simone and Inés OrtegaWe have Delia, the Americans have Joy, the Italians have The Silver Spoon. In Spain they have 1080, their classic cookery bible. Found in almost every Spanish kitchen, it has just been published in English for the first time. As the title suggests, it's crammed with over a thousand recipes covering everything a Spanish foodie needs to know.
Moro East
Sam and Sam ClarkThe release of a new Moro cookbook is an occasion. The Clarks are renowned for their simple yet unusual recipes influenced by Spanish and North African flavours. In this new collection, they have also drawn inspiration from their allotment in East London, and Eastern Mediterranean neighbours who bring their own cooking traditions to the produce they cultivate.
