Who do you rate as a writer as well as a Cook... Let's have your books that are good for an inspirational dip into, or the classic dog eared books that have been with you for ages.
Thumbs Up
Sophie Grigson- anything
Nigel Slater- real fast food, the Kitchen Diaries
a real old copy of Mrs Beeton (don't want any mention of refrigeration or microwaves
)
Elizabeth David (especially her Bread book)
The Women's Institute book of Pies and Puddings- awesome Brit food, fantastic for pastry and trad recipes
Farmhouse Fare- a great book that is a collection of recipes from Farmer's Weekly over the decades. Good thrifty sound cooking.
Neutral
Delia- good form and results, but a bit like being verbally abused by a dominatrix (apparently
) Orders! not guidance
Nigella- She would be thumbs down for expense and lah-di-dah frou-frouness but her margarita ice cream saves her from damnation
Thumbs Down
James Martin- TV Chef, I'm sorry fella, but some limp recipes, and a few photos of you looking uncomfortable in wellies holding piglets isn't going to break you into the Jamie Oliver market.