Jamie Does..
Posted: 07 May '10 by Niall
Jamie Does.. Spain, Italy, Sweden, Morocco, Greece and France book cover
After weeks (and several small forests worth) of election pamphlets being forced through our letterbox, Kelly and I have stopped running to the door each time we hear another sheaf of paper being delivered. Pointedly ignoring the front-door for several hours, it was a nice surprise to find that Jamie Oliver’s new book “Jamie Does..” was sitting there waiting for us.
Narrowly avoiding lower back damage (it’s a whopping 360 pages – remember, lift with your knees) we sat down and took a look.
What’s in the book
Published to complement the “Jamie Does..” series on Channel 4, the book is a culinary tour of Spain, Italy, Sweden, Morocco, Greece and France. The recipes come thick and fast – Jamie’s versions of classic recipes from the regions and countries that he’s visited – from Moorish Pork Chops to Greek Lamb Fricasse to Spaghetti Vongole.
Jamie is a bit over-the-top for me sometimes (too many “pukkas”, “bootifuls”, and “yeah, mans”) but he does make very good television – “Jamie’s Italy” and “School Dinners” are two of the best and best-intentioned programmes I’ve ever watched – and good cookbooks too. They always seem to be perfectly pitched at the home-cook: the recipes are tasty and not too demanding, the dishes range from rustic mid-week family meals to recipes that could be used for a dinner party, and the ingredients can usually be tracked down even here in Northern Ireland. This book is no different, and it’s filled with some of the best food photography I’ve seen – it just makes you want to cook!
Obviously you’re not going to get an in-depth look at the different cuisines here, but “Jamie Does..” is a very good introduction. I really like the “essential ingredients” features where he introduces some of the ingredients that define the cooking in the different countries. The Spanish section, for example, includes pictures and descriptions of jamon, pimenton, green olives and chorizo, while the Swedish ingredients include mustard and dill, salmon and pickled herrings.
I know I didn’t know much about Swedish cooking before, but I’d be tempted to give some of these recipes a go.
Job done Mr. Oliver.
Details
- Title: Jamie Does.. Spain, Italy, Sweden, Morocco, Greece and France (hardback)
- Author: Jamie Oliver
- Pages: 360
- Publisher: Michael Joseph
- ISBN: 978-0718156145
- Cost: RRP. £26 (now £10.49 on Amazon)
- Where to get it: From www.amazon.co.uk
Our Verdict:
You should buy it.
The recipes are good, the book gives you an easy introduction to some very diverse cuisines, and the photography will make your mouth water.
Useful as a cookbook, and wouldn’t look out-of-place on your coffee table.
Chilli and Chocolate members:
Like to win a copy? Jamie Oliver has sent us a copy of “Jamie Does..” to give away. Visit the Members’ Section for more details.
Other information
You can find out more about the author by visiting the Jamie Oliver website.
Tags: book review, competition, french food, greek food, italian food, jamie oliver, spanish food
Categories: Books for Cooks
any good for veggies?
There are a few recipes in here that are suitable for veggies, fewer still for vegans..
I think that Jamie’s approach is a celebration of regional cuisine, and that usually means rustic dishes. As with most countrified recipes, these dishes depend upon seasonal ingredients, and also make use of every ingredient to hand.
In short, there’s plenty of meat and fish to be found in the book.