From Hugh F-W to Nigel Slater, and it's his Kitchen Diaries I've got open on the worktop just now. Lunch yesterday was French onion soup, the vegetable stock for it made according to Hugh's very good recipe, the soup itself a satisfyingly savoury combination of onions roasted in butter and deglazed with wine, that well-flavoured stock, and melting Emmental-topped croutons. Definitely one to do again.
Later in the day I took another of his January suggestions and roasted rhubarb (with the juice of an orange and some honey) and served it with mascarpone. Note to anyone trying this: it needs a lot more honey than the book specifies, but a generous dusting of icing sugar added after tasting put things right.
One of my absolute favourite cook books, I always to turn to the kitchen diaries when in need of dinner inspiration.
Posted by: Rebecca | 09 January 2012 at 01:25 PM
We use it a lot, too, and I like the way he tells what he's eating, even when it's not something which requires a recipe.
Posted by: Cornflower | 09 January 2012 at 02:08 PM
Its a favourite cookery book of mine too (thank you Karen!) as are a number of the others he has written (Real Cooking and Tender for example). However we almost always find he underestimates the cooking times - any other similar experiences with that?
Posted by: Dark Puss | 09 January 2012 at 03:10 PM
I love Nigel Slater as much for his recipes as for his writing style. The two volumes of Tender are definitely among the cookbooks which I should use more (and I love onion soup).
Posted by: MzTallulah | 09 January 2012 at 03:26 PM
You are inspiring me Cornflower. I'm going to make Hugh's Vegeree for supper tomorrow.
Posted by: Claire | 09 January 2012 at 04:14 PM
Now that you mention it I shall pay particular attention in future. As our ovens tend to be on the fast side anyway, I don't remember noticing any discrepancy.
Posted by: Cornflower | 09 January 2012 at 07:17 PM
I have only the first volume of Tender, but it's another lovely book. The soup was very good indeed!
Posted by: Cornflower | 09 January 2012 at 07:18 PM
I haven't tried that yet but it looks good.
Posted by: Cornflower | 09 January 2012 at 07:18 PM
Thank you, I've noticed this with three different cookers (two gas and one electric).
Posted by: Dark Puss | 09 January 2012 at 08:38 PM
Why no Vol. 2 ???
Posted by: Dark Puss | 09 January 2012 at 08:38 PM
Haven't bought Vol. 2 yet, but intend to.
Posted by: Cornflower | 09 January 2012 at 09:31 PM
I had been unfamiliar with Slater until receiving this book as a gift this past weekend and now you have enticed me with this recipe.
Posted by: ted | 10 January 2012 at 10:40 PM
His Lamb Shanks recipe is sooooo simple and good. And the Spaghetti Bolognaise is a favourite with our grandson! Just reading the Diaries is a joy, isn't it?
Re cooking times, the Bolognaise recipe is certainly a leisurely one.
My first encounter was with his Real Fast Food. The little paperback is falling to bits, but is essential in my kitchen. It is a delight on every level.
Posted by: martina | 11 January 2012 at 06:35 AM
I hope you'll find much to enjoy, Ted - we've certainly used the book a lot.
Posted by: Cornflower | 11 January 2012 at 03:15 PM
You're right, Martina, it is a lovely book just to read, let alone cook from.
Posted by: Cornflower | 11 January 2012 at 03:16 PM
I would recommend Hugh FW's vegeree to you and your readers. A big hit here. Cold leftovers made a good lunch for me the next day!
Posted by: Claire | 12 January 2012 at 08:34 AM
We've just had a Nigel Slater bulgar wheat and aubergine dish which also has provided plenty over for lunch tomorrow, but I think the recipe needs a bit of a tweak - it lacks something! Glad to hear the vegeree was a hit.
Posted by: Cornflower | 12 January 2012 at 08:02 PM
Cooking from Vol 2 this evening, perhaps I might put something on MCS about it?
Posted by: Dark Puss | 14 January 2012 at 04:52 PM
Yes, do.
Posted by: Cornflower | 14 January 2012 at 07:01 PM