Inspired somewhat by the British show, The Good Life, Oliver not only provides recipes, but also gardening tips on how to grow your own fruits and veg. There are chapters on tomatoes, peas and beans, onions, and strawberries. There are sections about growing and cooking according to the seasons, and he addresses egg production, hunting, and fresh game such as pheasants and rabbit. While I won't be shooting my dinner anytime soon, I did make his version of tomato salad and Indian carrot salad. I've tried many of Oliver's recipes and have found them to be flavorful and easy. ( )

I must say that his 'voice' grates on my mental ears. 'Your mates will be so impressed when you say you made it yourself.' Yes, I do understand that he's trying to reach a different group of (non)readers and (non)cooks. but it grates on me. He's also too cheerful and enthusiastic about everything. 'It's so easy!' A lot of his recipes depend on having a lot of 'mates' to eat it all up. What is a reasonable amount of effort for 6 or 8 just isn't for 2.

The growing instructions are fairly standard, and would probably work fine for anyone having lots of space and time (and strength). Again, they aren't aimed at me.

On the other hand, every now and then you turn the page and see just what you need for supper in a day or two. Like Italian ham and spinach (or chard) tart. ( )

OK, I really like Jamie. I want to go back in time & hang out w/him before fame & all that. Tho I must admit, he doesn't look spoilt by the fame!
I've enjoyed his cook books, this is the first I've said: I must march out the & buy this!

and I will.

:) ( )

Personally I didn't like this book, I wouldn't use it, but for those who are in to very natural foods with the explanations: all the different types of eggs & how they are produced; how to grow asparagus; how to grow rhubarb; how to barbecue; types of lamb; and or chilies & peppers....... This is a good book for you. In fact I view it more of a text book with recipes rather than a cookbook. It is 398 pages!

The pages are non-glossy paper; the photographs (although abundant) are neither always of the dishes nor are they very appetizing; the color of the pages varies as does the color of the font; the font is not always readable as the ingredients are in bold font, but the instructions are small non-bold font.

Contents: a nice little chat; spring; summer; autumn; winter; useful stuff; thanks; and index

Spring: asparagus / eggs / lamb / rhubarb

Summer: barbecue / cabbage family ' carrots & beets / climbing beans / zucchini / onions / peas & fava beans / pizza / potatoes / strawberries / summer salads / tomatoes

Autumn: chillies & peppers / feathered game / furred game / mushrooms / orchard fruit / pickles

Winter: leeks / pastry / squash / winter salads / winter veg

Useful stuff: my favorite seed & plant varieties / where to buy them / other good addresses & websites ( )

Another "Go to" Favourite of mine love the seasonality of this book great recipes for mid week meals to entertaining the family!! ( )