Review: Jamie's Food Revolution

I love Jamie Oliver.

So when I was searching online for books about Albert Kahn for my hubbie, I couldn't help but purchase Jamie's Food Revolution. The book's subtitle is "rediscover how to cook simple, delicious, affordable meals." Perfect for a recession, right? Now, there's no excuse for takeout.

Jamie's Food Revolution is simply laid out for the home cook. There is absolutely nothing pretentious about it. In fact, cooks are encouraged to use prepared items like Patak's Curry Paste before trying to make their own.

As you might know, about once a week we eat a version of Jamie's Quick Salmon Tikka with Cucumber Yogurt (we use salmon or chicken). This dish is featured in Jamie's Food Revolution' s chapter on 20-minute meals. 20 minutes...he's not kidding! I always found that Rachel Ray's 30-minute meals took way longer than 30 minutes and were a little strange. But in this case, you really can be eating in about 20 minutes. And, that's exactly what we all need after a long day of work and a trip to the gym.

Chicken Tikka

Two nights ago, I tried the Crunchy Garlic Chicken recipe and the "Philosophy of a Great Salad, Pick-And-Mix Style". First let me say that the salad recipe made me giggle. Basically, it's a page full of pictures of soft lettuce, crunchy lettuce, herbs, veggies, cheese and toppings. You are supposed to choose one item from each section. I guess the good thing is that it inspired me to make something besides Caesar or Greek salad. The Crunchy Garlic Chicken was anything but crunchy. Nonetheless, I'd make it again because it was tasty but I don't think I'd use butter. I think the butter is what prevented it from being crunchy.

Crunchy Garlic Chicken with "Pick-And-Mix" salad

Tonight, we tried the Sweet and Sour Pork recipe. Although it wasn't the most authentic tasting Chinese dish, served on Basmati rice it was full of fresh ingredients and was healthier and more interesting than most weeknight meals.

Sweet and Sour Pork

Other recipes that I'm eager to try include:

• Shrimp and Avocado with an Old-School Marie Rose Sauce
• Lamb Rogan Josh
• Lasagne
• Salmon Baked in a Foil Parcel with Green Beans and Pesto
• Fish Pie
• Banana Tarte Tatin (I know I'll screw this up so I hope that one my friends reading this will make it for me! hint! hint! nudge! nudge!)

So, who would I recommend this book to? Well, it's definitely perfect for beginner cooks. I also think that it's great for beginner or intermediate cooks who are seeking some variety in their weeknight cooking. I know it inspired me to go a little beyond the usual offerings.

Really, there's not much in this book that can't be made on any given Monday.