Jamie Does... [Hardcover]

A new Jamie Oliver book is always a cause for celebration and I had literally been licking my lips and biting my finger nails with anticipation since watching the first episode of the accompanying T.V. series last night. He really brought the food of Marrakesh to life, and made me think again about it. For some reason I thought much of it was very sweet and rich- I didn't know it was also so fresh and vibrant. The Morocco chapter of the book adds a few recipes to those on the T.V. show, such as a very intriguing 'Moroccan Fish and Chips' (spicy marinated fish), Kefta meatballs, grilled sardines and a recipe for making your own preserved lemons. The stand-out recipe of this chapter is the one featured on the show for Vermicelli and Prawn stuffed fish- wow that looks great. I think I'll try it if i can get hold of a nice big sea bass because I'm not sure if we can get dorade here... maybe we can?

My favorite chapters are the Morocco, Greece, and Sweden chapters, probably because I haven't cooked much from those cuisines. I think Jamie's book is a perfect introduction to some of the flavour pairings and techniques of the cooking in those countries from which I intend to spring-board off into my own research and exploration and maybe even travel (though this depends on my purse-strings as well as my apron strings!!). I was lucky enough to be in Sweden recently and I tasted a delicious cardamom bun. I had wanted to have a go at making them when I returned but hadn't found a recipe yet until this morning and, whichever way you look at them, Jamie's buns look great.

I really look forward to trying some Greek stews, especially the sticky pork one. Last year I bought the fantastic tome 'Vefa's Kitchen' which is a great encyclopedic greek cookbook but to be honest I haven't cooked much from it. I can tell I will cook Jamie's greek recipes and they will lead me on to and open up some of the recipes in Vefa's Kitchen. Jamie is inspirational and this book makes me want to travel, explore, go diving, charm snakes and above all cook fantastic food.

When I first heard about this book I thought it sounded interesting but it had the potential to be a little bit like your grandmother showing you holiday snaps... it is in a way like that, if your grandmother just happens to be Jamie Oliver.

p.s. O.K., I've just had another flick through and the French, Spanish and Italian chapters are just as good as the rest (!), including a stunning-sounding recipe for Prune and Armagnac ice cream that I'm about to make a start on so it's ready for a late-night treat this evening.

I was so excited about this new series (the giant prawn advert was classic) and this book to accompany the series certainly doesn't disappoint. Beautifully executed with gorgeous photograph. Jamie also introduces each section to set the scene for the great recipes.

Having lived in Andalucia for a year, I can confidently say that Jamie has hand picked the best that there is available. From tasty tapas dishes like mini meatballs, gambas (prawns), patatas bravas (spicy potatoes) to classic paella and gazpacho all the recipes are beautifully photographed and easy to follow. Anyone who loves drinking Tinto de Verano (a refreshing long drink of red wine combined with fanta lemon and loads of ice) will love the sorbet Jamie suggests.

The other chapters include the recently aired Morocco (I really can't wait to try the "Snakey Cakey" cake!) Italy, Sweden, Greece and France. Cute little additions include page numbers in the language of the relevant section.

Made the chicken, olive and preserved lemon tagine for dinner tonight - never made one before and it came out really well.

Buy it for yourself, buy it for your friends. I guarantee that you will have hours of enjoyment from it; both reading and cooking.

Another stylish book from Jamie full of inspirational easy to follow tasty European dishes.

If you were inspired by the Jamie Does TV series then you will want to have this recipe book in your libary. The essence of each place is caught up in these recipes and Jamie's love of the food and enthusiam for learning about other cultures and their cuisine is put across in each description.

I have so far found all the necessary ingredients but obviously you can be creative and use for example a different fish to that Jamie used in his recipes and still arrive at a delicious meal simply prepared.

I will be taking my copy to Spain to try out more of the Moroccan and Spanish and Greek dishes whilst on holiday in a similar environment to that in which he originally created them.