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Jamie Oliver - Ministry of Food


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Old 25-02-2009, 21:49
Mike_1101
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Just wondered if anyone on here has this book?

"Anyone can learn to cook in 24 hours", he says.

I'm not much of a cook, but bought it so I can be a bit more adventurous than opening tins and microwaving pre packaged food.

The book starts with lists of essential kitchen equipment followed by "essential ingredients for the kitchen". These include "dried oregano" and "garam masala" whatever they are!

I don't doubt that he knows his stuff but this is scaring me off already. Do I really need all this? I have no ambition to be head chef at Claridges.

Did I get the wrong book? I only want to start with basic stuff and work up.

Thanks!
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Old 25-02-2009, 21:54
Meanbugger
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I've got the book and have tried quite a few things out. The only thing I haven't liked so far is the spaghetti bolognese. I find it is really really watery and does not have an awful lot of flavour. Big thumbs up though for the meatballs, lamb and red wine casserole and the fishcakes. I have even managed to make my own gravy and the roasted veg with garlic and rosemary is lovely.

I didn't buy all of the equipment listed either or the store cupboard "essentials". I have just bought the foody bits I needed as I went along.
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Old 25-02-2009, 21:54
StrandedGirl
 
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Cooking is fun and easy to learn! Herbs and spices like garam masala and dried oregano are kitchen stables and can easily be bought from most shops. You don't have to buy
everything he recommends

Why don't you start by picking a recipe based on your favourite food?
Nothing tastes as good as a meal you've made yourself!
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Old 25-02-2009, 22:05
Mike_1101
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Thanks to you two for these replies.

One question - at what point does cooking become "easy and fun"? It's really stressed me out in the past!
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Old 25-02-2009, 22:13
Meanbugger
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I don't find it easy as such but do enjoy making something that the whole family will eat and enjoy.
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Old 25-02-2009, 22:23
Mike_1101
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I'll give it another go and hope for the best!
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Old 25-02-2009, 22:45
StrandedGirl
 
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Thanks to you two for these replies.

One question - at what point does cooking become "easy and fun"? It's really stressed me out in the past!
Well i've always enjoyed cooking even though I don't cook much at the moment. It's fun when you eat!
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Old 25-02-2009, 22:48
captncool
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the mans deluded .
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Old 25-02-2009, 23:31
jessca
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Thanks to you two for these replies.

One question - at what point does cooking become "easy and fun"? It's really stressed me out in the past!
You just need to find something you can make In my experience a lot of chefs say 'You MUST have these ingredients in your store cupboard', but generally it's safe to ignore them (although I can't survive without veggie stock cubes, garlic salt and mild chilli powder).

If you want to make something really easy from scratch, I'd suggest a soup - you can't really overcook them, and they don't need too much fussing, just a bit of preparation time. Especially if you're making vegetable soup - the time taken in prepping it makes you feel virtuous, you can have the radio on whilst you peel and dice, and a big pot will last you for a good few meals
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Old 25-02-2009, 23:35
whoever,hey
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Thanks to you two for these replies.

One question - at what point does cooking become "easy and fun"? It's really stressed me out in the past!
I guess it becomes fun once you love your first meal you've cooked yourself. This just takes one simple recipe. The the real fun comes when you start experimenting with different stuff and share with your lover your creations, or even better the food you made up together
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Old 26-02-2009, 09:30
Orangebathwater
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Just wondered if anyone on here has this book?

"Anyone can learn to cook in 24 hours", he says.

I'm not much of a cook, but bought it so I can be a bit more adventurous than opening tins and microwaving pre packaged food.

The book starts with lists of essential kitchen equipment followed by "essential ingredients for the kitchen". These include "dried oregano" and "garam masala" whatever they are!

I don't doubt that he knows his stuff but this is scaring me off already. Do I really need all this? I have no ambition to be head chef at Claridges.

Did I get the wrong book? I only want to start with basic stuff and work up.

Thanks!

Dried Oregano abd Garam Masala can be found in even the most rubbish of supermarkets, and are hardly obscure ingredients. They are dried herbs or a mixed spice preperation.

If you really can't cope at even that basic level, maybe you should use Delias books. I can cook and do not need the minstry of food book, but pals of mine who are rubbish, have used it and are learning basic recipes.
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Old 26-02-2009, 09:48
unkdysfunk
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Not seen what this new Jamie books like yet (doubt I will to be honest), but if any of the other ones ive got are anything to go by then there is no better way to get stressed in the kitchen than trying to follow one of his recipies. Out of all the books ive got his are the ones that I find pretty hard to follow compared to the old "how to cook" Delia books.
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