A new and exciting addition to the cookery book collection, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's River Cottage Everyday is full of promise. I've been having fun looking through this - for instance, I like his attitude to breakfast (while he wouldn't actually bake a cake for the first meal of the day, if there happens to be one around the place, then ...) and his food philosophy in general is based on good sense and an eye to the wider issues.
I like Hugh's style (and was pleased to hear from someone who had cooked for him recently just how pleasant and helpful a guest he was) and I shall be trying my first recipe of his tonight.
And then - roll of drums - because Natalie mentioned sourdough bread the other day and I've never made it, and as Hugh gives what look to be pretty comprehensive instructions, I shall be having a go soon!
(Just acquired - 2 is here, by the way).
Oh dear ... I feel an Amazon UK order coming on. Your last 2 posts have made me wanting.
Posted by: carol | 22 September 2009 at 12:59 AM
Does the inside flap indicate what dish that is on the cover (he's squeezing a lemon over something)?
Posted by: Nancy | 22 September 2009 at 03:23 AM
I quite often eat cake for breakfast, doesn't everyone?
Posted by: Dark Puss | 22 September 2009 at 09:01 AM
Pancakes, Nancy! Interestingly, he recommends leaving the batter to rest for 30 minutes or so and then checking the consistency (adding more milk if it's too thick) before cooking. Reassuringly, he says "Almost without exception, the first pancake will be a bit rubbish. Don't worry, this is normal, the next one will be much better."
Posted by: Cornflower | 22 September 2009 at 10:09 AM
I love Hugh -he's great -good values and a good attitude! Been a fan of his for a long long time- once even went for a job at River Cottage and got down to the last 10 out of 300! xxx
Posted by: The Curious Cat | 22 September 2009 at 02:25 PM
I love Hugh and have booked to see him promote his book in Sheffield next month - Can't wait. I'm also a big fan of the most lovely Monty Don. Just discovered your blog and loving it!
Posted by: Diane | 22 September 2009 at 05:42 PM
The house rule on b'fast is that if it's heavily fruited, it can be dessert (I then eliminate any ice cream but not everyone chez nous does: calcium, after all!).
And: sourdough bread? I spent a long time two summers ago trying to make it from scratch, and it never worked. I make regular bread easily, offhandedly, frequently, but sourdough bread. . . I had to give up! BEST OF LUCK!
By the way, Cornflower and readers: according the articles two colleagues have given me, Thursday 9/24 is National Punctuation Day in the US. !!??::!
Posted by: Becky | 23 September 2009 at 11:20 AM
This looks wonderful - here's hoping this will be published over here. May I ask you - have you picked up Nigel Slater's latest yet? I have a question about the printing on the spine that I cannot seem to get an answer to...
Posted by: Tara | 29 September 2009 at 03:43 PM