I love recipe books - not quite enough to read them instead of a good murder mystery before I go to bed which is apparently what St Nigella does - but certainly enough to have a truly evolved collection. I suspect that if my house was on fire, I would save several of the books - after of course the family photos and the two cats.
But what makes a superb recipe book?
Personally, I need pictures - I realise that my dish is unlikely to look like this but at least, I want something to aim for. This is where Prue Leith's Cooking Bible falls down. It is jammed to the rafters with the most amazing recipes and includes some really useful conversion tables as well as useful simple recipes such as how to make a roux but not enough pictures.
I also need simple directions. Yes, I sort of know what a Chiffonade is but can't you just suggest that I cut the vegetables into thin strips. That is why I like Relax it is only food by John Torode as not only are there sufficient pictures but it is well written and the directions are clear.
Next, I want a book that actually knows that it is. Not a rambling holiday tail peppered with recipes but a proper honest to god recipe book. Although, I must admit, I do love Rosemary & Bitter Oranges which is the tale of a Tuscan childhood which is charming and includes some lovely recipes.
There are also a series of books that are called 'Chef's Cook Shelf' which i can't find on Amazon but you often find in book shops. They tend to cover set areas like 'Italian' or 'Potatoes' but that makes life so easy rather than having to leaf through numerous books to find what I want.
Finally, I find that charity stores and second hand book shops are brilliant for recipe books. Yes, I understand the concept that people don't tend to donate what they use if they are good but I've found some real gems which were probably bought with great intentions but never actually used.
Have a browse and enjoy your food porn
Lxx
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