... Knowing this, my Mum bought me Nigella Express last Christmas and I have to hand it to her - it was spot on! As Nigella says in the intro `This is, as the title makes clear, a book about fast food, but it is a book about fast food for those who love eating. Perhaps that's self-evident: How ... Read review
Nigella and her style of cookery have earned a special place in our lives, symbolising all ... more
that is best, most pleasurable, most hands-on and least fussy about good food. But that doesn't mean she wants us to spend hours in the kitchen, slaving over a h...
Postage & Packaging: refer to website Availability: in stock
Advantages: Easy to follow, delicious recipes Disadvantages: Sometimes assumes you own certain gadgets
...this, my Mum bought me Nigella Express last Christmas and I have to hand it to her - it was spot on! As Nigella says in the intro `This is, as the title makes clear, a book about fast food, but it is a book about fast food for those who love eating. Perhaps that's self-evident: How could I write any other sort?" As such all the recipes in this book are as hassle free as possible and allow you to cook delicious meals quickly.
The ... ...has a brief intro by Nigella which normally gives a few handy hints to make your life easier and suggestions for appropriate occasions to make each dish. The recipes are all written in a very casual, easy to follow style and Nigella is fairly free as to whether you follow her instructions to the letter or add a few variations of your own along the way. A full list of ingredients is listed at the start of each recipe, although it's worth checking ... more
I have never been known in my family as a good cook. This is less due to my lack of ability in the kitchen, more my lack of effort. I have never had the patience to mess around with pastry and other such time consuming things - I'd much rather make something quick but equally delicious. Knowing this, my Mum bought me Nigella Express last Christmas and I have to hand it to her - it was spot on! As Nigella says in the intro `This is, as the title makes clear, a book about fast food, but it is a book about fast food for those who love eating. Perhaps that's self-evident: How could I write any other sort?" As such all the recipes in this book are as hassle free as possible and allow you to cook delicious meals quickly.
The book has 390 pages and is split into 13 different chapters:
(1) Everyday Easy - speedy suppers, day in, day out (2) Workday Winners - weekday entertaining made easy (3) Retro Rapido - time-warp favourites given the express twist (4) Get Up and Go - breakfast at breakneck speed (5) Quick Quick Slow - prepare ahead to save time later (6) Against the Clock - no time? No problem (7) Instant Calmer - super fast soul food (8) Razzle Dazzle - give a party pronto (9) Speedy Gonzales - Mexican-inspired moments (10) On the Run - food for eating on the hoof, packed lunches and picnics (11) Hey Presto - instant Italian (12) Holiday Snaps - Christmas quickies (13) Storecupboard SOS - how to cope when there's no time to go shopping
Each chapter has a brief intro by Nigella which normally gives a few handy hints to make your life easier and suggestions for appropriate occasions to make each dish. The recipes are all written in a very casual, easy to follow style and Nigella is fairly free as to whether you follow her instructions to the letter or add a few variations of your own along the way. A full list of ingredients is listed at the start of each recipe, although it's worth checking the recipe instructions through before you start, as she does sometimes tend to assume that you have lots of electric gadgets. I know others have complained that some of her ingredients can be hard to get hold of, but I managed to find everything I've needed in our local Sainsburys (which admittedly is a big one, but still pretty good going!)
The recipes include shortcuts to lots of traditionally very involved dishes, such as Tiramisu, which Nigella puts a twist on with Baileys rather than the traditional rum. Other favourites which I've cooked from here include a Lamb Tangine, Spanish Omlette (great for a bbq), Swedish Salmon, White Chocolate Peppermint Mousse (divine!), and Mexican Scrambled Eggs (our Saturday brunch treat)
As you'd expect from Nigella, all the recipes are full of flavour and colour and even for a cooking novice like me, I've not yet had a situation where I've had to serve up a disaster! As you might expect from Nigella though, many of the recipes are not exactly low in fat, but then I'm more bothered about what my food tastes like!
All recipes include mouth watering colour photos and there is a handy ribbon to mark your place - essential in a cookbook! If you wanted to try out a few recipes before buying the book, nearly all of the ones in this book are available on the BBC website, though I still strongly recommend investing in the book itself!
Advantages: Easy recipes, uses 'normal' foods Disadvantages: You're going to have to read a book
This is an excellent book for practically anyone who is wanting to experiment in the kitchen without too much time, effort and expense. It's fab and all recipes can be done in around 6steps, what more could you ask for!! It is definitely the ideal book for those of us who like the idea of cooking but feel it takes too long for only 20 minutes worth of eating. I have done a couple of the recipes now and each one has been successful, which is extremely ... ...the ingredients used are items you would use yourself and will usually find lurking in the back of your cupboards from a previous attempt at what I call 'posh cooking'. Saves on waste!
All in all it's the best cook book I've come across yet and would highly recommend it ...
catherinewood 22.10.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Nigella Express - Nigella Lawson
Advantages: easy to follow simple recipes Disadvantages: a couple of odd ingredients
I requested this book for Christmas after having watched the bbc tv series and I'm glad I got it.
The book is full of easy to make interesting food. And it is proper food, this is not a book of recipes which you would never make and couldn't feed your kids with, this is family cooking at its best. There are recipes for breakfasts, for lunches, for dinners and also for snacks and desserts.
The lunches I have found to be invaluable, they have brightened ... ...being light meals you can eat at lunch time, these recipes have been thought up specifically for putting in a box (or flask) and taking to work. I have yet to try making any of the buns or muffins but they look very tasty. I'm not much of a dessert person and there are quite a few sweet recipes. The essence of this book is speed and it works. I would recommend this book if you like cooking but don't have the time to mess about. Generally the ingredients ...
rbirkett78 16.01.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Nigella Express - Nigella Lawson
I love this book, Nigella is great!!
The recipes are so easy to follow, my husband bought me this book and he says its the best gift he's ever got me! He gets to eat all the rewards. You should definately try the chocolate fudge ice cream sauce and the chocolate cookies, not that I'm a chocoholic or anything!
The whole book is brilliant, there are some great ideas for quick evening meals and also when you want to do some thing a bit more special. ...
kvj79 09.08.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Nigella Express - Nigella Lawson
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Quick review of Nigella Express - Nigella Lawson
I am a full time busy mum , with two young and a house to run so when it comes to cooking, I want quick and easy meal ideas. And this is excactly what I got , healthy recipes that the whole family enjoyed. ...
Danie83 04.08.2008
Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Nigella Express - Nigella Lawson