Jamie Does, The new Book From Jamie Oliver
In the new television series from Jamie Oliver (UK only at the time of writing) "Jamie Does" several different locations. Marrakesh, Andalucia, Athens, France, Stockholm and Italy.
Jamie does do the business for me in the first two programmes. So much so that I went out and bought the book!
His enthusiasm for great food comes through in the book as much as it does in the television series. Traditional recipes are given due honour but Jamie also puts his own twist onto them. Reading the book you feel that he is learning from the culture rather than trying to force his own point of view.
Jamie does not have any qualms about giving us "full fat" recipes either. The healthy options are in there but so is everything else. I have cooked the "Best Chorizo and Tomato Salad in the World" (page 22) and it is really good but the fat from the sausage is not spared. A bit of self indulgence now and again does nobody any harm though in my opinion.
The recipes are easy to follow and with generally easy to source ingredients, though Jamie does give some suggestions for replacements for the harder to find items. There are several extra dishes that do not feature in the television series.
The photography in the book is superb in my opinion, David Loftus has done a cracking job (as in all of Jamie's other books) and the travelogue is very interesting. The local history and culture of each region, particularly relating to cuisine, gets good coverage.
I do realise that Jamie Oliver and his presentation is not to everyone's taste but I highly recommend Jamie Does as a great addition to anyone's kitchen bookshelf.
In the UK the book is retailing at ?26-00 BUT you can get copies of Jamie Does (as I did) for around ?9-00 if you know where to look.
Roger
I have written more information and hunted down some good prices for the book at Jamie Does
Jamie Oliver, the Naked Chef, is a culinary star with charm that shines even brighter than his glossy pictures (People). Hes the Food Networks latest sensation, a Today Show regular, and, a GQ man of the month. His audience appeal keeps growing and his primetime show on the Food Network continues to reap huge ratings as he teaches everyone the secret behind fresh, simple, delicious cooking. In The Naked Chef Takes Off, TVs hottest young chef (USA Weekend) returns to offer even more delectable stripped-down recipes with basic ingredients and a minimum of fuss. In this new book, Jamie features fantastic breakfasts, tapas, roasts, fish dishes, and desserts to die for. Best of all, each of the recipes is accompanied by Jamies winning, off-the-cuff commentary and straightforward food philosophy (Los Angeles Times) that will encourage confidence and inspire both new and experienced cooks. Filled throughout with gorgeous photographs of both the recipes and the chef, here is a book to savor and to share.
Will it be dips and chips, or sushi, wasabi, and tamari? Perhaps a platter of build-your-own appetizers, with cheese, breads, and spreads? The uses for this inspired party kit are unlimited. Each of the six pieces is different, yet all stack together for efficient storage. The plain white porcelain assures that the delicacies served will show to their best advantage.
In his new book, "Jamie's 30-Minute Meals", Jamie proves that, by mastering a few tricks and being organized and focused in the kitchen, it is absolutely possible, and easy, to get a complete meal on the table in the same amount of time you'd normally spend making one dish! The 50 brand-new meal ideas in this book are exciting, varied and seasonal. They include main course recipes with side dishes as well as puddings and drinks, and are all meals you'll be proud to serve your family and friends. Jamie has written the recipes in a way that will help you make the most of every single minute in the kitchen. This book is as practical as it is beautiful, showing that with a bit of preparation, the right equipment and some organization, hearty, delicious, quick meals are less than half an hour away. You'll be amazed by what you're able to achieve.