Plenty [Hardcover]

Diana Henry (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 18, 2010

So what if filet mignon and foie gras are no longer on the menu? Diana Henry revives the lost art of home economics-making the most of what you have-combining it with today's desire for a sustainable table to show modern cooks that there is "plenty" of food for us to eat and enjoy without depleting our bank accounts and the planet's resources.

This cook's tour of recipes from around the globe is all about the great food you can make without spending a ton of money. With what's left from a simple Roast Chicken, make a fabulous Greek Chicken, Pumpkin, Feta & Filo Pie. Turn a bumper crop of tomatoes and basil into a satisfying Tomato & Pesto Tart. Thanks to a special section on less expensive cuts of meat, you'll soon be creating new family favorites from lamb shoulder, pork belly, skirt steak and the like.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Diana Henry was named cooking writer of the year 2007 by the Guild of Food Writers for her work in The Sunday Telegraph Magazine for whom she is the main food columnist. She was shortlisted for the award again in 2008. She is the author of several acclaimed cookbooks including Crazy Water, Pickled Lemons; Roast Figs, Sugar Snow; and Pure Simple Cooking.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Mitchell Beazley (October 18, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1845335732
• ISBN-13: 978-1845335731
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.3 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #143,932 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Another winner from diana henry March 27, 2011

By Mr. A. Mellor

Amazon Verified Purchase

Diana Henry continues to write interesting and stimulating cookbooks, I am a great fan, whether it be gastro pub food, "food to warm the soul" (Roast Figs, Sugar Snow) or "Enchanting dishes from the Middle East. Mediterranean and North Africa (Crazy Water, Pickled Lemons). This book follows proudly in their footsteps although this time she aims for good uncomplicated food for the sustainable kitchen.
To address this problem she emphasizes cooking seasonally and celebrating leftovers, using sustainable fish as well as using economical but delicious cuts of meat. On occasions she allays the fears of the timid cook, often frightened by a long list of ingredients, by pointing out the cooking techniques are not complex. Interesting substitutions, such as the use of breadcrumbs for grated parmesan even consider our health!
I cannot comment on every dish in the book because I am apt to dip into cookbooks for dishes that sound interesting, but the cassoulet, for example, although taking longer to cook than the recipe specified was delicious.
The chapters deal with the roast and using leftovers (including variations); vegetables; dried foods (such as lentils, beans and chickpeas); grains (such as rice, quinoa,couscous and barley); fish (including shellfish); cheaper cuts of meat (including lamb shoulder and breast, pork cheeks and shoulder, braising beef, skirt steak and oxtail); soups; the use of wild foods; and desserts using fruits. Thus it may appear to be like someone turning the clock back to an age in which wastefulness was frowned upon and people learned to make the most of what was available. This book, however, does not turn the clock back to bland dishes. Rather, consideration is given to taste and the use of cooking techniques from many parts of the world. All in all very much a cookbook for our present day and one to which people starting to cook as well as more experienced cooks should give serious consideration.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Plenty is full of great recipes! September 6, 2011

By Abydos641

Amazon Verified Purchase

I originally picked this book up at the library and immediately fell in love. The recipes in it range from deceptively simple to delightfully complex. The beer and lamb chili is by far one of my favorites, and there are plenty of veggie only options to choose from too. We found most of the recipes to be rather affordable too, with easy substitutions for the more expensive ingredients. It's not going to be for everyone, but this cookbook has found a home in our regular weeknight dinner plans.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This showcases many dishes unique to this book and belongs in any culinary collection February 13, 2011

By Midwest Book Review

PLENTY packs in over 300 recipes based on budget preparations and tips on how to spend less, waste less, and eat better. These recipes come from around the world and showcase great food that can be made on a budget. Leftovers can be transformed into outstanding winners, bumper crops of garden produce can become main dish meals, and less expensive cuts of meat can produce new options and variety. From a Creamy White Vegetable, Chestnut and Cranberry Gratin to Granny Miller's Beef, Potato and Parsley Stew, this showcases many dishes unique to this book and belongs in any culinary collection.