Mummy's book

Finally... Sorry for being tad lazy, 'cos I've been wanting to tell you guys about this book. Procrastination got me lately especially when it comes to writing reviews (same goes for the movies.. bugger!).

YES.
APPLES FOR JAM by Tessa Kiros. Big kid cookbook for the adults. I call it "big kid" because this lovely mummy author created lots of recipes for her babies in this cookbook. It's such a lovely thought, very considerate and loving mum to have! Reminds me of mine, aww!

And so, I decided to test out one of her easier recipes which turned out to be not so easy. I guess the easiest thing still requires a bit of skills! LOL. But she did make it sound like a lot of things are actually a breeze to make! A must-have for mummies whom love their kids to bits, because it's full of little things you can even do for kids' parties... It's rated 5 stars out of 5 on Amazon, isn't it amazing ;) I know I'm not a mummy yet, but I love things made of LOVE :))

JAM SHORTBREAD. My Friday experiment, it started off pretty easy and quick, I managed to put the dough in the fridge within 30 minutes of starting. But the hardest part came when I had to lay the dough, roll it flat, apply the jam and add another layer on top. That was really tough, because that dough was sticky like hell! After putting heap and heap of flour, I managed to cover it nicely and placed it in the oven! I laid one side with orange marmalade, the other with champagne strawberry... mmm does it already sound yummy?

It does look pretty okay, but I'm not satisfied with the result. Part of it turned out pretty okay, part of the shortbread was too moist (I reckon it wasn't thin enough... mmm could it be something else?). My sister and mum sampled it and told me it tastes pretty good except for the fact that it's kinda moist! Argh! A 2nd try next time I guess... I've yet to eat the "dry" portion of it though.

My Jamie book #2

Another addition to my Jamie Oliver's collection...

JAMIE AT HOME.
It's selling over S$80 in Singapore, thanks to my nectar points in UK, I managed to exchange for it free and again credits also has to go to Pea for bringing it back!

I have taken a browse, I still think Jamie's dinners is the best one. But this has a slightly different touch, in it Jamie has his home-grown garden. The recipes are based on the 4 seasons and his seasonal harvests. There, he also gives some tips on growing them in your garden, how nice! From asparagus, strawberries, leeks, mushrooms...

Friends always tell me, Gordon Ramsay is a much better chef and I should get his books instead. I like Jamie's books mainly because he has always done it in a very personal way, close to his life... unlike a lot of other cookbooks which are all about making it look nice, clean and professional. So... I'll still be a regular fan of his books as long as they always have this special touch ;)

dodici

Another book I've got great interest in but not going to get it in SG (even after Borders' discount, it can't be compared to the discounted price in UK). I have browsed it in Borders, and it's such a colorful, attractive cookbook!! Even though I don't think I'm going to even try cooking italian yet, maybe it's worth a keep? Or best, get it as a gift... hehe. Guess what, this book got even the best rating (5 out of 5) in Amazon!! Guess it really rocks.... yummm.... I think I've a soft spot for cookbooks!

Tarts with Tops on

A book to recommend. I happened to find this book weeks ago at a book sale, it's quite a value for money after a quick browse. I am even more convinced after reading the (rating of 4.5 out of 5) reviews on Amazon. Click here to have a flip through a few sample pages. Look at those wonderful looking tarts, the raspberries... cherries... strawberries... just feel an impulse to bake right away (I just need to get an oven!!).

That long awaited book

Finally... finally... finally... my Jamie Oliver's book collection has got a kick-start!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks to Border's once-in-a-blue-moon 30% "one book per transaction" discount. And now I've got the one I most wanted!! I've read his latest one on Italy but my favourite one still has to be "taaaaaaaaaaaaaadaa" (sound effect)

Inside this book, I feel that Jamie has added a very personal touch. Besides lots of "yummmmmmmilicious" recipes, there are lovely kids-style illustrations... photos of kids, his family, friends or people in his life. Oh, he has a mushroom soup recipe (I love mushrooms, doncha too mushieloom)!!

Luv it!!

il cibo da I'Italia

01 30 in the early morning, I just finished browsing Jamie Oliver's latest publication - Jamie's Italy... I can't deny that it has made my stomach growling with every chapter I finished. Not good for a woman whom wants to keep slim and not have weird eating habits at wee hours. I love this book, I'm sure I will try to get his book collection once I have enough space and money too (yes, probably a big book shelf and got myself a whole set of spices and kitchen equipment as well). Food has increasingly become an important part of my life ever since the day I started doing my own meals and living out on my own. And I have to admit I did get more health conscious, eat a lot more salads and fruits, appreciate pasta more (not like our Asian instant noodles anymore), and of course begin to differentiate quality and lousy food. I love good food, and good wine. This book about Italy's food culture is impetuous... That's the kind of word I will use to describe it. Strong emotions about food, so much passion in them. It provides great insights, and having been to Italy myself, I am yearning for another time to taste the fantastic cooking =) When, when, when....???