Roast Chicken and Other Stories - Softcover

Hopkinson, Simon; Bareham, Lindsey

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0091812747 ISBN 13: 9780091812744

Publisher: Ebury Press, 1995

Synopsis

Simon Hopkinson's 40 favourite ingredients include such everyday basics as potatoes, chicken and cod as well as more exotic foods such as asparagus and truffles. The book is arranged alphabetically with a chapter on each food. Unable to hide his great love of food, Hopkinson writes about why he likes each particular ingredient, and gives sesnsible advice on quality, variety and good cooking principles together with a selection of his recipes. The book is aimed at home cooks and all the recipes can be prepared by anyone with basic cooking skills. From grilled aubergine with pesto to roast chicken and homemade ice-cream, Simon Hopkinson's food is designed to please rather than simply impress.

About this title

Review:

Simon Hopkinson's much-admired Roast Chicken and Other Stories now appears (unchanged) in Ebury Press's uniform paperback cookbook series, following its original publication in 1995 and a subsequent paperback career. The present edition is handsome, user-friendly and durable, with good paper and secure stitching. These things matter. The book itself is as much an incitement to cook as it ever was. The contents are a stroll through 40 of Simon Hopkinson's favourite ingredients, from anchovy and asparagus to lamb and leeks to tripe and veal, with a discursive introduction to each followed by a number of recipes. Those familiar with Hopkinson's writings will not be surprised that, despite his former reputation as a top restaurant chef (Hilaire and Bibendum in London), the recipes are robust, flavoursome and--if this is the right word-- homely. At any rate, they are all eminently cookable. Mostly they are drawn from the repertoires of British and classic French cooking, with dishes such as "Le Grand Aioli", "Brandade de Morue", "Fruit Fool", "Breast of Lamb Ste-Menehould" and "Omelette Arnold Bennett" giving perhaps an indication of Hopkinson's taste for simple, honest food. Spain and Italy, Australia and South-East Asia also put in an appearance, to vivid effect, with items such as "Gazpacho", "Risotto alla Milanese" and "Coriander and Coconut Soup". Simon Hopkinson's enthusiasm is infectious; his writing is warm and witty. Anyone who hasn't encountered this book in a previous incarnation has a treat in store. --Robin Davidson

Review:

"The recipes and writing are pure genius, from start to finish. Roast Chicken and Other Stories belongs in every kitchen and on every bedside table."

"With Roast Chicken and Other Stories you'll end up with a host of delectable dishes that happen to be utterly doable...I love this collection, both the recipes and the stories!"

About this edition

• Publisher: Ebury Press
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0091812747
• ISBN 13: 9780091812744
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 224
• Illustrator: Bailey Flo