Great British Cooking : Wellkept Secret, A

Rating:
Summary: An Unjustly Maligned Cuisine
Review: British cooking has been a much maligned cuisine over the years. One is reminded of the joke which goes: In the European conception of heaven, the French are the chefs, the British are the police, the Germans are the engineers, etc., while in the European conception of Hell, the Germans are the police, the British are the chefs, etc. While this joke is based on national stereotypes, it does illustrate the common perception of British cooking.
Jane Garmey's book does much to dispel this myth. British cooking, done correctly, is indeed quite good. Some of the best and most distinctive dishes of the cuisine are the savory pies and both the sweet and savory puddings. We have tried and enjoyed many recipes from this book, including the one with the horrifying title "Steak and kidney pudding." This turned out to be a flaky steamed dumpling, filled with beef and mushrooms in a rich gravy. The small amount of beef kidney only served to enrich the sauce. It was delicious. Possibly our favorite recipe in the book is the deceptively simple dessert called Summer (Hydropathic) pudding. It consists only of three ingredients (fresh berries, sugar, bread), which are combined in a unique way. We made it with fresh blueberries and raspberries, and topped it with whipped cream. My wife and I both agreed that this pudding was arguably the best dessert either of us have ever had: pure culinary genius!
The British clearly have nothing to be ashamed of with their national cuisine, as demonstrated by this fine book.

Rating:
Summary: The BEST of the British cookbooks!!
Review: Excellent recipes. Easy to follow. I highly recommend the Guiness Beef Stew, even my British godmother loved it when I cooked it for her.

Rating:
Summary: A Secret No More!
Review: I loved British cuisine before I ever had this book. But Jane Gormey uses clear instructions and a generous helping of good humour to make this book a good read even if you never ever use the recipes. That would, however be a mistake. The puddings (desserts) I believe are the best section of the book. The lemon curd is a MUST! Sugggested menus for all occasions, and this book has been invaluable in planning parties and tea. This book doesn't get as much press as "The Two Fat Ladies" and Delia Smith (St. Delia)all of which I own and use frequently, so I guess this book is still a well kept secret that I am more than happy to share.

Rating:
Summary: A must for every kitchen...
Review: I purchased this book in 1983. I purchased a second, paperback version this year, as my original is well worn (and very well loved). I have used it countless times, cooking my way through most of its recipes. It has never failed me and has provided me with many dishes that are now family classics. It is a true gem--simple to use, charmingly written and fool proof in its results. If you have any interest in British food or British heritage this book is a treasure.

Rating:
Summary: My Favorite Cookbook
Review: I purchased this book in 1983. I purchased a second, paperback version this year, as my original is well worn (and very well loved). I have used it countless times, cooking my way through most of its recipes. It has never failed me and has provided me with many dishes that are now family classics. It is a true gem--simple to use, charmingly written and fool proof in its results. If you have any interest in British food or British heritage this book is a treasure.

Rating:
Summary: Fun book, wish it had more recipes and a little more detail
Review: I was pretty well pleased with this book, it has quite a few interesting recipes well worth trying. I've never thought that British cooking (especially what I've had of it)was all that bad, many of these recipes bear that assumption out. I just wish there were more of them because I've seen and heard of dishes not mentioned. I'd also like just a little more detail in the instructions for preparations because I'm not much of a cook.

Rating:
Summary: A must for every kitchen...
Review: Like a previous reviewer I too have spent time in the U.K. (as I married a Scotsman). The recipes in here are the standards to British cooking. I've tried many other and this is by far the best for anyone wanting to cook British meals in the U.S. The measurements have all been scaled for an American kitchen and every recipe I've tried has come out wonderful. A LOVELY BOOK!!!!