Full of Flavour: Create . . . How to Think Like a Chef [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

 

 

Create your own review

I was extremely pleased when I saw that Marie Elia was releasing another book. The very best thing about Maria Elia's books are the inventive flavour combinations... she is genuinely talented in this regard, and shares it so well. I was already a huge fan of her first book, The Modern Vegetarian, but I've never used it for the whole family and preferred to save it for dinner parties. My family isn't vegetarian (but I prefer to eat like one generally), so I was hopeful that there would be a broader offering. I think this book is fantastic! I have tried a few recipes already and believe they are marginally less complicated than her first book but still hugely full of flavour. My husband and children (8,6 and 3) made the Meatloaf recipe this weekend and everyone was extremely happy with it: it's quite adult for a meatloaf and no one was complaining. Even better the next day, too. I can't think of a better way to elevate children's tastes and there's a lot more on offer here so I know we'll be using the book.

A few things to note:
- the book is beautifully produced, with a great cover that allows the book to stay flat while using it;
- this might not be one for a truly beginning cooks, as it does assume that you know how to treat some of the ingredients. That said, it's entire basis is to make you think about combinations and substitutions, and making the dish one's own, so is hugely instructional and adaptable;
- but there are a few odd, less accessible ingredients that reviewers will inevitably moan about;
- and there are typos in the first addition... more than one or two. These will get sorted, so you might want to ignore overly critical reviews.

I don't generally review things -- and my cookbook collection is massive -- but I genuinely hope lots of people find this book and get some enjoyment from it!

I got this book for Christmas, and was really happy with the new addition to my cookbook collection.
The layout is really easy to follow, and I really love the idea of the brainstorming diagrams, which are used at the start of each section. I am by no means a novice in the kitchen, but there were still some really good ideas to take away from this book, and I liked how a lot of the recipes are actually very healthy as well as flavourful. I'm very glad to have found another cookbook that encourages experimentation with flavours from herbs and spices rather than the 'add a giant handful of salt and fat' mentality that a lot of books seem to have.

One I have already made, and loved, is hte lamb meatballs, although I used one of the variations suggested rather than the main recipe. That is another thing to cherish about this book - variations are offered, and the recipes are numbered so you can note down your own variations and experiments on the blank note pages in the back of the book more easily.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to experiment a bit more with flavour. This, along with Flash Cooking: Fit Fast Flavours for Busy People have really opened my eyes even more to the exciting flavour combinations you can create with a few well-chosen herbs and spices. Love it!

This is a superb cook book with recipe content sections for -:Birds, Pork, Lamb, Beef, Game, Oily fish, White fish, Seafood, Grains & Pulses, Roots, Aubergines, Greens, Dairy, Berries, Stone Fruit, Apples & Pears, Citrus Fruit, Chocolate, Extras and Blank Pages to add your own info.

A real good quality and beautifully presented book with good photos, easy to read ingredient list and clear and easy to follow instructions.... and importantly fantastic recipes.
Already tried the Watermelon & Seafood Curry as I was curious of the use of the watermelon in this recipe. I can confirm its an absolutely great dish.
I have already too many cook books before I bought this but glad I purchased it and I know it will be one that continues to get plenty of use.

Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review

› See all 5 customer reviews...

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Maria Elia, Full of Flavour
Another great book by Maria Elia. Although some of the recipes have unusual ingredients they complement each other so well, and you will be sure to impress your guests. Read more

Published 2 months ago by Lucy

5.0 out of 5 stars Full of Flavour
This is Chef Maria Elia's second book I have purchaced.The book gives you lots of ideas I am going to enjoy cooking some of the recipes.

Published 4 months ago by Mrs. E. Thrower

Search Customer Reviews
Only search this product's reviews

› See all 5 customer reviews...

Search Listmania!