Join us on the 'Cook through a whole cookbook' challenge!

jap200

Muzikmaster wrote: »

I really like this post jap200, well done!

I've noticed on MSE that Jamie has received lots of negative comments about this book/T.V. series. I own a copy of this book and like most cook books we all own there are some good recipes and some no so good ones. So far from the book I've tried the following:

Grated rainbow salad & sesame feta fritters - 7/10
Giant veg' rosti with poached egg, spinach & peas - 9/10
Chicken liver bolognese - 5/10
Sweet & sour fish balls - 6/10

As you can see I've rated what I think the recipe it worth in my opinion. 1 being poor and 10 being delicious.

I'm going to continue to share my thoughts on the ones I choose to cook but I don't feel I will commit to cook the entire recipe collection.

I will be honest though, I'm not enjoying the T.V. series as much as I thought. One things for sure I aint gonna be spending nearly £20 on a large piece of meat for any mothership recipe.

Yes he does always come in for a bit of a slating doesn't he. I think the press like to try and prove him wrong (e.g. the 30 minute meals), but it is partly becasue he tends to get evangelical about his causes. Anyway, I happen to like his style of cooking and am fortunate not to be on a rock-bottom budget, so am giving him a go - although having said that, I do agree that £20 for the 'mothership roasts' is a bit much. I might reserve those for birthday celebrations etc. to justify the extra cost.

I'm going for the Sicilian squash and chickpea stew next - I chose that as I have just picked some butternut squash from my garden.

hazzie123

Much prefer your photo to Jamie's

terra_ferma

What a great idea!
I love JO, but don't like it when he tried to do something clever.
I like his style, he miraculously inspired my OH to cook a couple of times, which is unheard of... He makes cooking look easy and enjoyable, totally the opposite effect that Delia Smith has on me... "too much fuss I'll never be able/have time to do that". The hairy bikers are.. well.. a bit too hairy for may taste, but not everybody in the cooking world is a Nigella lol, so I just got their book too...

JO's 30 mins were not 30 mins at all (at least when cooking something you are unfamilar with), and his money saving recipes would not save me any money.

ostrichnomore_2

What a great idea, but instead of getting (another) cookbook I'm going to do the recipes from on e of the BBC cookery programmes. Lots on there, including Hairy Bikers, Rick Stein, Nigella etc.

I like the look of the 'Simple Suppers' recipes from Nigel Slater. Stuff we will eat but a bit different to our usual recipes. Be a great 'do something nice together' project with other half one night a week as well.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/search?&programmes%5B0%5D=b00vt10m&sortBy=lastModified

gayleygoo

Great idea!

I've got one problem though - no cookbooks I enjoy getting them from the library sometimes and flicking through, but couldn't justify spending £10-£20 on a book I will make one or two things from. Actually who am I kidding I can't follow recipes, when it comes to dinner, I'm a "make-it-up-as-you-go-along" kinda girl!

I'll keep an eye on this thread to see what cookbooks people might recommend then have a hunt for them in the charity shops!

cheerfulness4

What an exciting idea! Subscribed to thread and will have a shifty through my collection to pick my book to do the challenge with.

Looby_Lou

I've done versions of the King of all Burgers (without the onion pickle) which we liked, the korean stirfry twice (once with left over beef and once with left over pork) That was really tasty, although I did put more veg in than suggested. Tonight is left over beef in the humble brisket stew, probably with baked spuds.

I tend to do a joint on Sunday so I'm liking the different ideas for left overs! I won't manage all the recipes as there are a few I know my kids/hubbie wouldn't eat!

lilian1977

I;d like to do this but I don't eat a lot of meat so might have to substitute. Will hunt for a book tonight x

terra_ferma

gayleygoo wrote: »

Great idea!

I've got one problem though - no cookbooks I enjoy getting them from the library sometimes and flicking through, but couldn't justify spending £10-£20 on a book I will make one or two things from. Actually who am I kidding I can't follow recipes, when it comes to dinner, I'm a "make-it-up-as-you-go-along" kinda girl!

I'll keep an eye on this thread to see what cookbooks people might recommend then have a hunt for them in the charity shops!

There's plenty of stuff on the internet, BBC goodfood is my favourite site,

Syman

mam_of_five wrote: »

i would love to do this too, just bought the hairy dieters book and not much i wouldn't eat, except pork as my husband is Muslim, but im sure i can substitute the pork...will aim for once a week maybe 2

I have this book:
The Mince and potato pies using pizza dough is excellent

Their Spanish style chicken is very tasty. Quick and easy too

there is a Jambalaya sort of dish using chicken and choizo which has become a family fave too.