Before I start off on one of my cranial splurges, it must be said that Jamie Oliver and his team spent billable hours on this book and no, one is not supposed to deviate from the scripture. Hindsight is always 20/20 and as I reflect upon my improvised take on what could've been quite a simple meal, I feel like a bit of a putts.
Moving on swiftly...
Jamie's 30 Minute Meals is a book that has been compiled for people who don't have lots of time or experience in the kitchen but would still like to produce something more than a one dish wonder. What's different about this recipe book is that the method is laid out as an instructional manual, if you will and takes the reader on a step-by-step journey on how to prepare the dishes. As an example, it will start with the chicken, skip to the spinach then go back to the chicken as if a time lapse had occurred. Come to think of it, it's exactly like an episode of the Naked chef, sans cute accent, scooter and Nan named Tiger.
I think that Number 2 would actually quite like this book. He's just moved to Jozi, got his first job and pair of big boy pants and with this book, he would be able to come up with something quite impressive. A housewarming gift, methinks...
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| These were turned into the Strawberry Slushie |
This is not a book for experimental or impassioned cooks. The recipes are great and I would probably get better use out of it by dismantling the process, mostly because I think chicken fillets are boring and that my microwave should not be used for anything besides telling the time. On the up side, I've just saved myself a couple of valuable Christmas shopping hours because I know a couple of guy friends who would do well with a copy of Jamie's 30 Minute Meals.
PS: the meal that I cooked was the Tray Baked Chicken with Squashed Potatoes, Creamed Spinach and Strawberry Slushie. And even though it didn't take kindly to my tinkering, it was goooood
And not to sound like an informercial, but if you want to win a copy of this little book of awesome, Yuppiechef might have one with your name on it
And not to sound like an informercial, but if you want to win a copy of this little book of awesome, Yuppiechef might have one with your name on it
same problem.. No matter how good the recipe or the method, I just cannot follow them.. I always get the urge to tinker, and then sometimes, i wish i didn't. Mostly it turns out alright though, and this looks just divine, regardless of whether or not it followed the recipe!
ReplyDeleteI like the freedom of cooking, the way that one can ad lib and that things turn out ok. This means that I'm a bit of an OCD baker tho....
ReplyDeleteAnd even if you DO follow the recipe to a T, it never looks the same as in the book... oh well... sure tastes good though!
ReplyDeleteLoving the look of your debut from Jamie Oliver's 30 Minutes. Have a good weekend!
ReplyDelete@Matt: You're right, but I still have hope!
ReplyDelete@Marina: Trying to get The Monsieur to try out a recipe this weekend...testing out the gender specifications of the publication ;)
I liked the book for the ideas, but - personally - I prefer to cook at a more leisurely pace :)
ReplyDelete@Ciindy: I know EXACTLY what you mean. It all felt quite pressured, which is not the way I enjoy cooking either
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