Brilliant...a must have cook book, January 4, 2009

I am so pleased with this book. It is my favourite in my cook book collection. It contains brilliant recipes that are easy to do and practical for everyday meals.The Thai Green Curry and Sizzling Beef are yummy, I cant wait to try some more.

      Essential reading if you actually want to "cook" your own food rather than just heat it up., January 4, 2009

Jamie's Ministry of Food is a no-nonsense book for those that aren't terribly sure about their cooking and want to graduate past simple fry-ups and things that just come out of a packet and go straight into the oven. I have found that Jamie Oliver always has a very accessible and simple way of writing which will not leave you re-reading the instructions not feeling very sure about what he is telling you to do. What I love about Jamie Oliver is that it often feels as though the recipes have been written by a mate, they are informative without being preachy. Ministry of Food contains a number of familiar recipes that you will have eaten in the past but will have not idea of how to make them and to make them well. Basic recipes like Roast Beef are balanced against more interesting recipes like Paella. Jamie also is very moral with his food, especially meat as he makes a point in the book to say that when you are buying meat, make sure you try to get organic free range produce. As well as that there are a number of recipes that are "quick cook" and should be from the pan to your plate in twenty minutes, which is just superb when you get in from work and don't want to be messing around for any length of time in front of the oven. If you are already an experienced cook you will not get much more from this book other than a few new recipes to your repertoire, if however you are wanting to make a go of making seriously good meals then this book is essential reading.

       Not pretentious - just good, easy food, January 2, 2009

I got this book as a gift for Christmas and have already cooked some great meals from it. I'm quite good at cooking, and I do enjoy cooking for others but I tend to be somewhat unadventurous when it comes to cooking for myself. I have often bought cookery books hoping to be inspired, only to find them full of meals that to be honest I'm never gonna cook! This book however, is full of simple, appetising, healthy recipes with ingredients I already have in my cupboards. The instructions are basic and very clear, using everyday language, yet not patronising either. This is definitely accessible for beginners, cheap simple ingredients for students, and inspirational to all - experienced or otherwise. A great buy - in fact I will buy it for my brother and his new wife right now!

       Pass it on, it's worth it., January 2, 2009

This book is great my 19yr old daughter and I love it, it's simple and easy to follow and the recipes always taste great. Some can work out a little expensive when on a low budget but just substitute cheaper versions of what it asks for.

       Learn to cook, December 28, 2008

This book is amazing! As an avid non cooker I bought this book to try and learn some basics. The recipes I have tried have been easy and delicious, even as someone who has not cooked before I found it accessible and straight forward to follow.