A Cook’s Book: The Essential Nigel Slater with over 200 recipes

I didn’t expect to read this cookbook like a novel, but here we are. Nigel Slater’s writing is warm, thoughtful, and quietly poetic like he’s gently guiding you through his kitchen, sharing stories and recipes with equal care. The recipes themselves are lovely: comforting, seasonal, and unfussy. You won’t need obscure ingredients or fancy equipment. Just a love of good food and a willingness to let things simmer. I’ve made his roast chicken more times than I can count, and the simple puddings are now family favourites. But what really makes this book special is how personal it feels. Slater shares memories, reflections, and little moments that make cooking feel like an act of love rather than a chore. It’s the kind of book you reach for on a quiet Sunday afternoon - not just to cook, but to feel inspired. If you enjoy cooking and appreciate beautiful writing, this book is a gem. It’s not just about recipes, it’s about the joy of feeding people, and yourself, well.

As ever, Nigel Slater has produced a book which is a lovely read as well as a really useful cookery book. If you like reading and/or cooking and aren't already a Nigel Slater fan this (or maybe "Eat") would be a good place to start. Nigel Slater has a very relaxed, non prescriptive approach to cookery which I really love. Overall, this is a real star on my shelf of cookery books.

Such a lovely cook book , Nigel slater is such a gifted writer, he always makes me want to have a go . I brought this book secondhand so it was a good price too .

I have several of Slater's books already. I'd give this 6 out of 10. I feel a cookery book is worth the cost if I would regularly make at least six of the recipes. This fulfils that but with some criticisms. The main criticism is that some of his recipes are not logically set out. I say this as an experienced cook. A good recipe starts with the ingredients and the preparation. So if the eggs need to be separated, that should come at the start with the list of ingredients. If chocolate needs to be chopped, or something ground in a pestle and mortar, it should be stated at the start, not when your cake is mixed and almost ready for the oven. His writing is frankly, waffly and muddled. For me, too many very familiar recipes are included here. For example, fish cakes, apple pie, chocolate brownies and the usual pasta with various sauces. At least a third of the book is given over to bready type of baking ( four days to make your sourdough starter? I think not.) Then there are the biscuits, cakes, pies and puddings. All delicious but only for an occasional treat. One thing I like is that he uses the minimum of ingredients (5 or 6 is perfect!) and most of the food is simple. Depending on your store- cupboard, you may have to stock up on some exotic sauces and herbs. If you like a cookery book that has the feel of a novel about it, you will love it!

You always get great recipe books from Nigel Slater

Great book. Christmas gift for my wife who watches Nigel constantly!

Love the mixture of story telling, tips and techniques and great recipes - my favourite cook book

Brilliant