Customer Reviews

Good Tempered Food

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I can't dislike this book, despite the troubles it's given me. The photos are beautiful, and the dishes make me want to eat them.

She's got some great ideas and an admirably simple and straight forward approach to food, and she often writes so vividly that you know exactly what to look for as you prepare your dish. However, her tone can also veer towards condescending and downright bossy, which could definitely put some readers off.

My biggest problem with this book--and the reason I give 3 stars--is that I have a lot of trouble with the actual recipes. You need to be comfortable in the kitchen to get this book to work: her instructions can be very vague, and sometimes I think they are just bad (eg., pureeing hot potatoes and boiling stock in a food processor with no mention of the tremendous care one must take in doing so).

Some of the recipes have just turned out poorly for me (some sauces), others merely underwhelming (noodle dishes, wilted endive, pork meatballs). However, many of the dishes I've made from this book have been delicious and beautiful (soups, spiced chicken livers, eggs with tapenade made with tuna), and for those very high points, I would recommend this to anyone who can bring their own background, tastes, and knowledge to Day-Lewis's recipes.

Tasamin Day-Lewis does it again! I just received this book for Christmas and am planning to make the courgettes (zucchini) with pine nuts and sultanas for Christmas dinner. Can't wait to try the spicy pork meatballs as well. I haven't had time to cook much lately but this book makes me eager to get back to it! Wonderful read.