Reen cooks (and does little else)
Claiming flashbacks to school exams, I’ve delayed reading The Scarlet Letter this week and spent most of my spare time cooking. Well, they don’t call me the Queen of Procrastination for nothing.
(Actually they don’t call me that at all- the most I’ve been able to conjure up for myself has been a tie between ‘Hey You’ and ‘Do You Know The Time?’)
Anyway, I like cooking. Let’s talk about cookbooks.
Being winter I’ve spent most of my time cooking homely, comforting meals like stews, soups and buttery cakes. The stews and soups have been immensely delicious and warming. The buttery cakes I blame on my recent blood test results that showed my cholesterol was brilliant and obviously giving me a license leap head first into my favourite food group: Baked Goods.
I’ve found the following cookbooks to be reliable in the above departments:
Jamie’s Dinners, Jamie Oliver- Great for family cooking, even better for the Pesto recipe which goes with everything. I have used it for flavour in soups, I’ve put it on roasted veg, I’ve had it on plain toast. I cannot fault this one.
The Return of the Naked Chef, Jamie Oliver- I love Jamie, I’m happy to admit it. I’ve even converted staunch non-foodies into fans with his recipes. The tried and tested in this one is his Chocolate Twister Bread. It’s even better than it sounds, especially straight from the oven. Especially with marshmallows. No, no, don’t lose me here. Give it a chance.
Everyday, Bill Granger- When you want simple comfort food without the heaviness, Bill always has the answer. His delicious Tomato and Lentil Soup is easy, delish and makes enough that you can freeze the rest for later in the week. Ahh, cooking in batches. Eating the same meal for a month. Simple pleasures.
Apples For Jam, Tessa Kiros- I was really surprised by the recipe for Honey Cake in this book. I only picked it up for a casual read- the book is a feast in itself. When I saw this recipe I couldn’t not make it. It’s a traditional honey cake, with cinnamon and rosemary. Try it, you’ll be surprised.
How To Be a Domestic Goddess, Nigella Lawson- I’m going to recommend the entire book. Even recipes I haven’t tried. This is the best book for baking, it hasn’t failed me yet and it will turn you into a domestic goddess. Even if you’re of the male persuasion.
And now, back to the kitchen.
Tags: Bill Granger, Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson, Tessa Kiros