Cook books
Author
Discussion

bishbash

Original Poster:

2,447 posts

221 months

Wednesday 12th August 2009
quotequote all
It's Mrs Bishbash's birthday next week, and she's a big fan of cook books. We've got loads of the usual Jamie Oliver/Gordon Ramsey/Nigella jobs so more interested in something a little more unusual. Nothing too niche, she not really into Chinese or Indian cookery for example. Just ones that are well written with interesting recipes and some nice photography or illustration.

So does anyone have any recommendations for something a little left field, that she might like?
Thanks.

uncinqsix

3,239 posts

234 months

Wednesday 12th August 2009
quotequote all
The Ottolenghi Cookbook

Brilliant book - A little bit different, but everything in there looks (and so far tastes) fantastic

Arabesque by Claudia Roden

Perhaps a little "niche," but this is another cracking book.


dcw@pr

3,516 posts

267 months

bishbash

Original Poster:

2,447 posts

221 months

Wednesday 12th August 2009
quotequote all
Thanks both, was just looking at the Ottolenghi one on Amazon, looks like it could be exactly what I'm looking for. Although I said I didn't want anything too specific to a particular style the Arabesque one also hits the spot as Moroccan food is a family favourite.

Not so sure about the Nose to Tail book, certainly looks interesting, but I can't see her cooking up offal and liver on a regular basis. Thanks though.

Plotloss

67,280 posts

294 months

Wednesday 12th August 2009
quotequote all
The Dean and Deluca Cookbook
Leiths
Larousse Gastronomique

All essentials.

Larousse is an encyclopedia rather than a cookbook mind you.

miniman

29,408 posts

286 months

brum

5,892 posts

230 months

Wednesday 12th August 2009
quotequote all
miniman said:
yes A superb, and weighty tome indeed

Mobile Chicane

21,828 posts

236 months

Wednesday 12th August 2009
quotequote all
^^^ Thirded.

Reason being that it explains the underlying principles of cooking meat rather than just providing a list of instructions.

bishbash

Original Poster:

2,447 posts

221 months

Wednesday 12th August 2009
quotequote all
Plotloss said:
The Dean and Deluca Cookbook
Leiths
Larousse Gastronomique

All essentials.

Larousse is an encyclopedia rather than a cookbook mind you.
I'm pretty sure she's got the D&D cookbook, Leiths looks like it covers the basics very well, but she's more into interesting recipes rather than knowing how to cook a white sauce etc. If it were for me rather than her though, this would be the one.

Larousse Gastronomique looks really good, but I noticed on Amazon that there is a 2009 edition out soon, so maybe I'll get her that for xmas.

brum said:
miniman said:
yes A superb, and weighty tome indeed
That looks good, she's got some River Cottage books, not sure if she's got this one though. The good thing about these are they are 'readable' as books, not just instruction manuals. She's actually more happy sitting down reading through cookbooks and learning from them, rather than using them as step by step guides.

nogginthenog

620 posts

225 months

Wednesday 12th August 2009
quotequote all
Lobster & Chips is pretty good - assuming you both like seafood :

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lobster-Chips-Trish-Hilfer...

there are some really interesting & simple dishes in there.

shoggoth1

815 posts

289 months

Wednesday 12th August 2009
quotequote all
Again, if seafood is your thing:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fish-Sophie-Grigson/dp/074...

Always found it to be very good.

Greenie

1,850 posts

265 months

Wednesday 12th August 2009
quotequote all
My favourite is Nigel Salters Appetite.



http://www.amazon.co.uk/Appetite-What-You-Want-Tod...

In my opinion the best cook book ever-proper home cooking. And I should know I've got over 100 of the things!


Mobile Chicane

21,828 posts

236 months

Wednesday 12th August 2009
quotequote all
Alternatively, try one of the Culinaria range of books. I have most of these, and they're great for curling-up-on-the-sofa-and-looking-at-the-pictures.

I'm reasonably knowledgeable about food, but there are a lot of regional specialities in these I'd never heard of, but have since made the effort to go and find.

'France', 'Spain' and 'European Specialities' are the best in the series, I think.

Greenie

1,850 posts

265 months

Wednesday 12th August 2009
quotequote all
Mobile Chicane said:
Alternatively, try one of the Culinaria range of books. I have most of these, and they're great for curling-up-on-the-sofa-and-looking-at-the-pictures.

I'm reasonably knowledgeable about food, but there are a lot of regional specialities in these I'd never heard of, but have since made the effort to go and find.

'France', 'Spain' and 'European Specialities' are the best in the series, I think.
Didn't realise there was so many in the series. I've got the South East Asia one and it is excellent.

I knew as soon as I saw this thread it was going to cost me some money just didn't realise how much! Off to Amazon I go. biggrin

Mobile Chicane

21,828 posts

236 months

Wednesday 12th August 2009
quotequote all
^^^ Not to mention the cost of visiting the places featured. (And you'll want to.) biggrin

brum

5,892 posts

230 months

Wednesday 12th August 2009
quotequote all
Greenie said:
My favourite is Nigel Salters Appetite.



http://www.amazon.co.uk/Appetite-What-You-Want-Tod...
Is it just me or is a quote by Jamie Oliver declaring Nigel Slater to be a genius damning him with faint praise? I mean surely anyone who can talk without dribbling would be a genius to Jamie?

dcw@pr

3,516 posts

267 months

Wednesday 12th August 2009
quotequote all
bishbash said:
brum said:
miniman said:
yes A superb, and weighty tome indeed
That looks good, she's got some River Cottage books, not sure if she's got this one though. The good thing about these are they are 'readable' as books, not just instruction manuals. She's actually more happy sitting down reading through cookbooks and learning from them, rather than using them as step by step guides.
if she doesnt have that then get it

bishbash

Original Poster:

2,447 posts

221 months

Wednesday 12th August 2009
quotequote all
The problem I have with the Meat cookbook, is that I'm a big meat eater, and although she certainly ain't no hippy veggie, at face value it would look like I've bought it more for me than her.

In other words 'Here's a new cookbook poppet, now be a good girl and get in the kitchen and cook me steak' wink

Anna_S

1,473 posts

236 months

Wednesday 12th August 2009
quotequote all
I've quite wanted this one for some time...

http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/displayP...

Greenie

1,850 posts

265 months

Wednesday 12th August 2009
quotequote all
brum said:
Greenie said:
My favourite is Nigel Salters Appetite.



http://www.amazon.co.uk/Appetite-What-You-Want-Tod...
Is it just me or is a quote by Jamie Oliver declaring Nigel Slater to be a genius damning him with faint praise? I mean surely anyone who can talk without dribbling would be a genius to Jamie?
I guess that is in interesting point. No doubt Jamie would struggle with a PHd in Physics but he has presented lots of TV shows at a young age, written loads of very good cook books, owns several restaurants, inspired lots of disadvanted children get into cooking, ran a campaign to improve school diners that gained national coverage and made a few politicians uncomfortable in the process, has a young family and is a multi-millionaire. You may find his mockney manner annoying but I think he is far from stupid.

Not only that but he is right Nigel is a genius biggrin