Non-cookbook quest

Petula

I am quite a good 'basic' cook and know the basics of what flavours, ingredients etc... go together (apple with pork, sage etc...) but I'm looking to expand my horizons a bit

Can someone recommend a cookery book that possibly lists what goes with what well? I don't need a cookbook as such, I'm not really wanting specific recipes more of a nudge in the direction of "oh, this would go well with such and such". I'd like to be much more confident when looking in the fridge and cupboards and putting together a dish or meal.

That's why I don't want a recipe book, I want to be able to go it alone but with some background knowledge

fallin123

Flavour Thesaurus by Niki Segnit sounds exactly like what you're looking for.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Flavour-Thesaurus-Niki-Segnit/dp/0747599777

Stevie_Palimo

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/food-drink/cooking-recipes.html

Petula

I'll have a look at both, thank you

Callie22

For fruits and veggies, I like Nigel Slater's Tender vols 1 and 2 - there are lots of recipes in there but also lots of general advice about what goes with what. In fact, I'd recommend any of his books. Although there are lots of more formal recipes they're all full of general 'chat' about food and ingredients, and I find them inspiring.

FrugalWorker

I don't think one book does this. I think this is something you gleen from reading lots. In fact I've given up buying cookery books and now take them out from the library.

There is also a bit of personal taste, what I love, you may hate. I often find I'll take 1-2 things from different magazines or books.

I agree, I love Nigel Slater, but my bible is Darina Allen, I love the flavours in the avoca books, some of my most inspired things have come from a random recipe in a magazine.

barneydee_2

I have loads of cookery books , I tend to read them to get insperation for what gose to gether I think one of the best cooks for putting ingredients to gether is Nigel Slatter one of his programs where he dose his shopping then shows you how he cooks through the week is great he also has a great way of using up left overs
Dee x

Petula

Thank you, loads to look at and think about now