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Jamie Oliver - Ministry of Food |
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#1 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Lancs
Posts: 7,928
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Jamie Oliver - Ministry of Food
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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#2 |
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Join Date: Dec 2008
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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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#3 |
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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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#4 |
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Join Date: Jan 2004
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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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#5 |
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Join Date: Dec 2008
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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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#6 |
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Lancs
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I'll give it another go and hope for the best!
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#7 |
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Quote:
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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#8 |
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Inactive Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,333
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the mans deluded .
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#9 |
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Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 5,037
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Quote:
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! 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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#10 |
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 30,072
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Quote:
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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#11 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,369
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Quote:
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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#12 |
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Bruce's Bar N Grill.
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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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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).