The collection contains over 150 recipes, with something for every reader, whether they're planning a simple solo supper or hosting an elaborate dinner party. The unconventional mix of essays, traditional recipes, and looser narrative recipes is part of the collection's appeal; it provides specific guidance and instruction for certain dishes alongside wide-ranging inspiration for culinary exploration ... This collection of family-friendly dishes that are on repeat in the Lawson household is sure to become a favorite for devotees and new readers alike.
With this cookbook, Lawson reveals her mastery not only of the stove but also of the essay. Each recipe comes with extensive reflections on hospitality, family, cooking techniques, and ingredients that frame and give meaning to her creative British cuisine ... Many of the recipes are designed for just two, perfect for cooking in times of pandemic. Lawson comes to the defense of brown foods, such as stews and braises, which in the age of Instagram are too often dismissed as not photogenic enough. Nevertheless, her book swells with splendid full-color photographs.
... homey, adaptable ideas ... easygoing recipes ... It’s a chatty, meandering 'culinary stream of consciousness' punctuated by recipes, geared as much to armchair reading as to goal-directed kitchen forays...sparking joy in the kitchen, even after a year of seemingly endless home cooking.
In true Nigella fashion this book is perfect to immerse yourself in for hours at a time. Although the book has recipes it’s much more than that. The book is full of stories, advice, and it almost feels like she is having a conversation with you ... this book is not organized in any way that makes sense so it may take a few readings before you appreciate the layout ... the only complaint I have is that the binding of the book was not very strong. The book itself is beautifully designed and I appreciated the colours, I found it modern and refreshing ... It is a great addition to any cook’s collection and a must have if you are a Nigella fan.
Soothingly lyrical essays seduce us into chapters extolling the virtues of anchovies...brown food...the heart-lifting arrival of rhubarb in spring...and the nostalgic comforts of Christmas ... The recipes are spelled out with painstaking precision, but Lawson also encourages spontaneity with simple ideas ... While grounding us in structure, Lawson also nudges us to 'break free and go with the flow.'
Lawson...combines offerings that put a spin on recipes from restaurants, friends, and family, with an insightful take on the importance of cooking in her own life, in this delightful outing ... The prose leans toward the formal, but the recipes are cheerful, straightforward, and easy to follow. Lawson’s fans are in for a treat.
