Simple Food by Jill Dupleix

Jill Dupleix has been creating quite a stir in kitchens in the UK since she took over her post as The Times Cook in October 2000. Already well known in Australia, she was a relative newcomer to our shores and replacing the much loved Frances Bissell was a hard act to follow. But that she has done and at the same time establishing herself as a name on the Food Front.

Her culinary background has taken in the food of China, Thailand, Japan, the Middle East and closer to home, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, making her a thoroughly modern cook. Her travels are definitely reflected in her cooking and put together, with searingly simple recipes, Simple Food is a must. After all, Jill says ‘I love to cook, but not when I could be eating and drinking …'. And wouldn't we all agree with that one.

Here is Jill Dupleix's recipe for success, her manifesto for simple food for complicated people.

1. Take one copy of Simple Food.
2. Drool over the photographs and choose some recipes that you would like to cook.
3. Follow the simple instructions and make a meal.
4. Allow your friends to arrive. Serve and then ….. party.

Yes, it really is that easy. Recipes are drawn from basic ingredients but the trick is the addition of herbs and spices that make them really special. They burst with flavour. Along with helpful tips, you may never shed a tear again when chopping onions. Put them in a freezer for ten minutes before chopping.

Or if you are looking for a new way to serve potatoes, try Crash hot potatoes. Boil unpeeled potatoes for about fifteen minutes until just about cooked. Drain and then put them on a baking tray and squash each one flat. Drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper and cook in a hot oven for twenty minutes. What about a dip with a difference? Whiz cooked beetroot with yoghurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and spices. This is just a mere taster of what this invaluable book holds.

There is no doubting that Jill Dupleix is a clever lady, she not only writes great recipes but she photographs the results as well, which is no mean feat in these days of perfection. Yes, Simple Food is another book to add to the Good Web Guide Recommended Reads but if you want to fill your summer with sunshine and laughter, this book will set you on your way.

Publication Details
192 pp. Photography by Jill Dupleix. £19.99
ISBN 1903845386. Published by Quadrille.
2002


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