Author(s): Nigel Slater

Cooking | Marianne's Book Talkers

A Cook's Book is the story of Nigel Slater's life in the kitchen . . . . . . from the first jam tart Nigel made with his mum standing on a chair trying to reach the AGA, through to what he is cooking now. He writes about how his cooking has changed from discovering the trick to whipping cream perfectly, to the best way to roast a chicken. He gives the tales behind the recipes and recalls the first time he ate a baguette in Paris and his first slice of buttercream-topped chocolate cake. These are the favourite recipes Nigel Slater cooks at home every day; the heart and soul of his cooking. Chapters include: the solace of soup, everyday dinners, a feast of green and a slice of tart. Then there are, of course, the ultimate puddings and cakes with sections on the silence of cheesecake and biscuits, friands and the brownie. This is Nigel Slater at his finest.

CONSTANT READER STAFF REVIEW: MARIANNE

Nigel Slater writes so beautifully, so engagingly, so whimsically about food, ingredients, eating, and the pleasures of pottering around the kitchen, that you could cook nothing from this book and instead read it like a novel, and you’d still well and truly get your money’s worth (for a charming sample, try p. 485!).

But of course, once it’s in your hands, it’s impossible to resist the lure of a good meal, whether it’s Slater’s suggestions for simple and fresh sauteed greens or something decadent like the superb Coq au Riesling. As always, Slater can be relied upon to derive maximum flavour from a handful of pantry staples, so his weeknight dinner recipes strike a miraculous balance between accessible and impressive.

And don’t get me started on the vast array of cakes, puddings, and biscuits. So much culinary pleasure awaits!