Favourite Cook Book/Recipe/Food-related Site?

twignme · 11-07-2015 10:04pm

I know what you mean Gloomtastic, I look there often myself. But sometimes it's nice to go to the recipes that you know work every time. Those tomato sauce or butter splattered pages that fall open without having to search, even better when there are a few handwritten notes in the margins. But hey, if not a book, maybe there's a website that does the same thing?

Dizzyblonde · 12-07-2015 11:20am

Threads merged.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO · 12-07-2015 11:26am

Lorraine Pascale's books are all pretty good in terms of actually being useful and practical.

I'd recommend Fast, Fresh and Easy in particular. Does what it says on the tin really, really tasty recipes, not too much fuss and there's enough variety in it that you can cook a practical family dinner one day and something a bit fancy the next. Covers lunches and breakfasts too, with a few sweet bits thrown in for good measure.

Shenshen · 13-07-2015 11:26am

My latest favourite would be Thug Kitchen - both the book and the website.

The recipes are incredibly tasty, and different to what I would normally do.

twignme · 13-07-2015 12:36pm

I've used a couple of Lorraine Pascale's recipes Tickle and I agree they are good, down to earth, no fuss ones that always turn out as they should.

Thug Kitchen sounds great Shenshen! I haven't heard of it before but I'm going to look it up right away because I just love the sound of it.

If you don't want to invest in one of the Ottolenghi books Daisy78, take a look at his website, it has plenty on there. It used to be difficult to get hold of some of the ingredients he uses but they are becoming a lot more common now. His salads are all particularly good.

Toto Wolfcastle · 13-07-2015 1:35pm

The Coconut Curry Soup on the Thug Kitchen website looks really good. The book looks like it has some nice things in it too. Great recommendation.

katydid · 13-07-2015 11:28pm

My best used, most food splattered book is Delia's original Cookery Course. Bought when I was in my mid twenties, thirty years ago. It's my fall back book for so many simple recipes.

Dizzyblonde · 14-07-2015 11:38am

You can't beat Delia. I've got lots of newer cook books, but I've had this for over 30 years and I still use it.

katydid · 14-07-2015 12:01pm

Dizzyblonde wrote: »

You can't beat Delia. I've got lots of newer cook books, but I've had this for over 30 years and I still use it.

I can't remember what the cover looked like. It's long gone. It might have been that one

twignme · 14-07-2015 12:08pm

I have Delia's too, probably bought about the same time in the 80's. I think she was the one who really taught me how to cook.

I just LOVE the Thug Kitchen website Shenshen, I roared out loud with laughter when I looked at it yesterday and I've already started to put some recipes aside to try out.

Dizzyblonde · 14-07-2015 12:36pm

katydid wrote: »

I can't remember what the cover looked like. It's long gone. It might have been that one

My cover is long gone too, but I remember it was that one

Loire · 14-07-2015 6:30pm

Hi all,

Long time no post. Thug Kitchen made me LOL !

Loire.

Mrs Fox · 03-10-2015 1:11pm

Oh be still my beating heart, trembling knees and itchy hands!

By the way, I'm all for eating healthy, but with every second person these days releasing a super clean eating cookbook, I'm getting a bit tired with the obligatory I'm-so-healthy-look-at-me-smiling-ear-to-ear pose on the covers... the glowing skin, beaming gnashers, laughing at the photographer's joke probably...

Now where's my cup of matcha...

Minder · 03-10-2015 7:15pm

I saw a collection of Charmaine Solomon cookbooks the other day. Called the Complete Asian Cookbook Series, there are 5 books in the series. Published in Feb 2014, so I'm guessing these are only just making an appearance in the northern hemisphere. I may have inadvertently order the whole lot.

Mrs Fox · 03-10-2015 8:01pm

Minder wrote: »

I saw a collection of Charmaine Solomon cookbooks the other day. Called the Complete Asian Cookbook Series, there are 5 books in the series. Published in Feb 2014, so I'm guessing these are only just making an appearance in the northern hemisphere. I may have inadvertently order the whole lot.

If you ever.... EVER... want to find a new home for your precious books.... *wink* *wink*

Ottolenghi's new baby Nopi is beautiful. I'd love to own it for Christmas.

Chemical Byrne · 15-10-2015 12:06pm

Hi.

I like to eat healthy meals but I am a busy person. I find that cooking every evening after work is a pain and tends to eat up my evenings like mad.

I'm wondering if any of you could recommend a good cook book with recipies that are healthy and can be done in large batches that can be frozen in tupperware.

I have seen some books like this but they tended to be american and the food didn't seem all that healthy. Lots of cheesy, creamy stuff.

Thanks people.

The Hill Billy · 15-10-2015 12:07pm

Merged.

tHB

Mrs Fox · 15-10-2015 12:24pm

Chemical Byrne wrote: »

Hi.

I like to eat healthy meals but I am a busy person. I find that cooking every evening after work is a pain and tends to eat up my evenings like mad.

I'm wondering if any of you could recommend a good cook book with recipies that are healthy and can be done in large batches that can be frozen in tupperware.

I have seen some books like this but they tended to be american and the food didn't seem all that healthy. Lots of cheesy, creamy stuff.

Thanks people.

Check out Lorraine Pascal's Eating Well Made Easy.

Chemical Byrne · 15-10-2015 12:29pm

Mrs Fox wrote: »

Check out Lorraine Pascal's Eating Well Made Easy.

Thanks Mrs F. I've checked out the google books preview of it. I don't suppose anyone would have a link to a pdf version?

MissFlitworth · 15-10-2015 12:47pm

Chemical Byrne wrote: »

Thanks Mrs F. I've checked out the google books preview of it. I don't suppose anyone would have a link to a pdf version?

Erm - no, because that would be stealing.

Chemical Byrne · 15-10-2015 12:57pm

Well technically I suppose it is, but it's not really like.

MissFlitworth · 15-10-2015 1:11pm

It's both technically and 'really' stealing and there's a general boards wide rule that we don't share or enable the sharing of pirated goods - even cook books. So no debate, no asking for pirated material and no sharing pirate material here.

Mrs Fox · 15-10-2015 2:28pm

Chemical Byrne wrote: »

Thanks Mrs F. I've checked out the google books preview of it

Eason is doing a buy-on-get-one-half price, and her book is in that deal. Maybe check their website and see what other books that might interest you or get it as a gift for someone?

clare82 · 16-11-2015 12:03am

Hi
So as the title says I'm looking for some recommendations for an Italian cookbook for my father.
He's early 60s and eats pretty much everything but loves spicy food. I don't think he'd make his own pasta or pizza bases but he'd up for trying simple new combinations.
I was thinking Jaime oliver Italian but not sure.
Any ideas would be appreciated
tia

The Hill Billy · 16-11-2015 1:09am

Merged.

tHB

Loire · 16-11-2015 2:21pm

clare82 wrote: »

Hi
So as the title says I'm looking for some recommendations for an Italian cookbook for my father.
He's early 60s and eats pretty much everything but loves spicy food. I don't think he'd make his own pasta or pizza bases but he'd up for trying simple new combinations.
I was thinking Jaime oliver Italian but not sure.
Any ideas would be appreciated
tia

The Silver Spoon - doubt you'd ever need anything else to be honest.

Minder · 20-11-2015 8:46am

clare82 wrote: »

Hi
So as the title says I'm looking for some recommendations for an Italian cookbook for my father.
He's early 60s and eats pretty much everything but loves spicy food. I don't think he'd make his own pasta or pizza bases but he'd up for trying simple new combinations.
I was thinking Jaime oliver Italian but not sure.
Any ideas would be appreciated
tia

Made In Italy - Giorgio Locatelli - Authentic, comprehensive, passionate. This is a cookbook to read, full of stories and recipes.
Bocca Cookbook - Jacob Kennedy - Restaurant quality recipes from the length and breadth of Italy
Harry's Bar Cookbook - Arrigo Cipriani - Recipes from the famous Venetian bar
The Sopranos Family Cookbook - Artie Bucco - a bit of fun for anyone who is a fan of the Sopranos

Locatelli's books are where I go when looking for inspirational Italian recipes.

meeeeh · 22-11-2015 4:21pm

Marcella Hazan's The Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking is very comprehensive book with well written recipes.

BaZmO* · 22-11-2015 7:58pm

Gino's Pasta: Everything You Need to Cook the Italian Way is a great book, full of really simple but extremely tasty Italian recipes.

I must admit that I rolled my eyes (internally) when I was given it as a present as I think he comes across as a bit of a clown when on TV, but it's a great book and well worth getting.

corblimey · 04-01-2016 4:17pm

I'm in the market for a new cook book full of interesting recipes to try. It's been an ongoing NY resolution for the last 5 years to cook one new thing per month, and add it to my repertoire if it works (and never speak of it again if it doesn't, I'm looking at you, beef kofta curry).

I've checked the Amazon top ten, but nothing jumps out at me (I have no interest in 'super' foods, or sirt food, whatever that is) so I think I'll have to go classic. I have a Good Housekeeping Step by Step which I don't think I've cracked open, so that'll be first one my list, but I'm interested in other titles (say pre-Jamie, pre-Nigella, etc).

PS: the most straightforward the better, really, something with 20-30 ingredients, a portion of which are only available at full moon on a tuesday in the himalayas is not my thing.

Alun · 04-01-2016 4:21pm

To be honest, I rarely use cookery books at all these days, despite having a large pile of them in the kitchen gathering dust. Mostly I end up either just Googling a list of main ingredients and seeing what turns up, or using the BBC Good Food website and entering a list of ingredients there.

duploelabs · 04-01-2016 4:44pm

The Flavour Thesaurus by Niki Segnet, not as much a cookbook more an ideas book for food

Faith · 04-01-2016 5:38pm

Threads merged.

Alun · 04-01-2016 5:41pm

I find the Nigel Slater books the most useful ones that I do actually use. They do have recipes, but they're more guidelines than rigidly defined recipes, and he goes into what variations you could make on the basic recipes depending on what you have available or your own personal tastes.

iwantmydinner · 04-01-2016 7:58pm

I just got Delia's Complete Cookery Course. Love the look of it from my initial perusal of it. Hoping himself might find it good as well, as he is keen to expand his range but is finding it hard to jump into it.

Dubl07 · 05-01-2016 11:13pm

corblimey wrote: »

I'm in the market for a new cook book full of interesting recipes to try. It's been an ongoing NY resolution for the last 5 years to cook one new thing per month, and add it to my repertoire if it works (and never speak of it again if it doesn't, I'm looking at you, beef kofta curry).

I've checked the Amazon top ten, but nothing jumps out at me (I have no interest in 'super' foods, or sirt food, whatever that is) so I think I'll have to go classic. I have a Good Housekeeping Step by Step which I don't think I've cracked open, so that'll be first one my list, but I'm interested in other titles (say pre-Jamie, pre-Nigella, etc).

PS: the most straightforward the better, really, something with 20-30 ingredients, a portion of which are only available at full moon on a tuesday in the himalayas is not my thing.

Keith Floyd, Delia Smith, Myrtle Allen, Darina Allen, Nigel Slater, Two Fat Ladies all have reliable recipes that aren't ridiculous. Each author has a variety of different books so try borrowing/ordering from the library first until you find your personal favourite(s).

LOU76 · 06-01-2016 11:22am

I've cooked some of the recipes (eg. smoked coley pie, chicken a la King) on biamaith.ie and they went down a storm with my family!! I would highly recommend you give the site a look. A chef called Liam Boland does it and he has just published a book of over 100 of his recipes. I ordered it yesterday and can't wait to get my hands on it!! He does Thai and Indian food too as well as desserts and more traditional Irish food. He's big on meal planning and budget meals too which is how I stumbled across his website. I've improved my cooking skills too - and that's just from the website. Hurry up Mr Postman!!

surball · 15-01-2016 9:11pm

My favourites are the wagamama cookbook ways with noodles or else everyday harumi. Two great Japanese style cooking books.

Banbha32 · 16-01-2016 1:20am

Curries of the World by Atul Kochhar. It is amazing!!! He is a 2 Starred Michelin Chef and was the first Indian Chef in the world to achieve a Michelin star rating. The book is fab. Split into not only Indian but everything from Thai, Burmese, Cambodian, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Indonesian, East African, the Gulf States and the West Indies. Everything is covered and a picture for every curry which is what i love in a good cook book! If yer a fan of curries it is one for the shelf. Starting with the Kalamantan Chicken Curry. Absolutely outstanding

Mrs Fox · 17-01-2016 7:56pm

Can't wait for this book to come out next month. Malaysian chef Norman Musa, who's appeared in Tom Kerridge's show Best Ever Dishes is releasing Amazing Malaysian. Got a sneak peak from his Instagram and it looks pretty good.

Dubl07 · 20-01-2016 7:15pm

Keep an eye out for books by the late Rafi Fernandez. I was at one of her classes some years ago and have a couple of her books. Great recipes with no pfaffing around.

Mrs Fox · 27-01-2016 6:05pm

The Happy Pear is £4.99 (€6.85) at amazon at the moment, in case anyone's interested. I've just placed an order.

Minder · 18-02-2016 8:14pm

Mrs Fox wrote: »

Can't wait for this book to come out next month. Malaysian chef Norman Musa, who's appeared in Tom Kerridge's show Best Ever Dishes is releasing Amazing Malaysian. Got a sneak peak from his Instagram and it looks pretty good.

Got my copy this evening, already spotted half a dozen recipes i want to try!

Mrs Fox · 18-02-2016 8:32pm

Minder wrote: »

Got my copy this evening, already spotted half a dozen recipes i want to try!

Oh goody. Mine is arriving on Monday.
When I placed the order, amazon also suggested "Chicken and Rice" by Shu Han Lee is coming out later. Oh man. The dilemma of a cookbook hoarder.

Minder · 18-02-2016 10:18pm

Mrs Fox wrote: »

Oh goody. Mine is arriving on Monday.
When I placed the order, amazon also suggested "Chicken and Rice" by Shu Han Lee is coming out later. Oh man. The dilemma of a cookbook hoarder.

Now you've done it! Pre-ordered on Amazon as I type. What do you do when you have too many cookbooks? Buy more bookshelves!

TICKLE_ME_ELMO · 18-02-2016 11:33pm

I discovered this guy on Youtube the other day and he's got some really great recipes. Lots of them are very simple and quick but they all look delicious and most of them are healthy too. I think he's got a cookbook out too but I'm going to try a few more recipes off the site before buying it. Made the banana bread today, I over cooked it a little but it tastes delicious and will toast well. A lot of the measurements are in cups which is annoying and apparently Australian cups are different from other cups?

https://www.youtube.com/user/bondiharvest

Mrs Fox · 19-02-2016 11:27am

Minder wrote: »

Now you've done it! Pre-ordered on Amazon as I type. What do you do when you have too many cookbooks? Buy more bookshelves!

Hahahahah!

Let me know what it's like when it arrives in May. I love her blog MummyICanCook.

Sin1981 · 03-08-2016 4:09pm

Does any know of a good cookbook. I'm looking for something that has good dinner recipes, and not full of recipes where you have the seek unusual/expensive ingredients etc.
Basically, just a nice cookbook with straight forward dinner ideas.

thanks!

MissFlitworth · 03-08-2016 5:22pm

Heya Sin1981, this is our cookbooks & recipe sites mega thread!

I'm toting Nigel Slater's 'The 30 Minute Cook' around in my bag at the minute, I like it for quick dinner ideas (although our ideas of what unusual ingredients are might not be the same), it's worth a goo, with added bonus of being regularly spotted in charity shops because it's quite old.

Highly recommend borrowing cookbooks from the library before buying them, to get an idea of whether you like one before dropping €€ on it.

balliali · 01-12-2016 6:05pm

Hi, have a selection of cookery books, ranging from locally created charity ones, to Darina Allen, ICA, Happy pear, Roz Purcell, a Jamie Oliver, All in the Cooking 1, etc.... what cookery book can you recommend or you do keep returning to...(yes, I love them) and ones which my adult children might enjoy "dipping into" too. Usual family cooking with an odd "party" dish or dessert included etc. Am not "into" sugarcraft etc, Thanks in advance.:)

Favourite Cook Book/Recipe/Food-related Site?

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