As you know, I've taken a rather long break from my blog in the past few weeks (more like months, actually); with the arrival of summer I had hoped to get some more free time in to write but actually, what with part-time work and two fantastic summer holidays - in Paris (France) and Estartit (Spain), I became even busier than I'd been during the exam season in May. At any rate, there's lots for me to catch up on! In this blog post I'll be reviewing Jamie Oliver's latest cookbook, Save With Jamie, but look out for future blog posts on my Paris scholarship trip, my family holiday in Estartit, and new recipes...
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I must - and will - update you soon on the recent scholarship trip to Paris that I delightedly accepted in June from the University of Kent (where I am now in my final year of studies). As part of the trip free travel, accommodation, tours, activities and, most importantly, some might say, food were provided, allowing the students involved the chance to really immerse themselves in the Parisian cultural experience. Thanks again to Ana de Medeiros, Stephanie Green, and all the other students involved! I'll try and follow this short surmisal of the trip with two blog posts - one relating to the scholarship as a whole and one regarding the Parisian cuisine, both high and low. Trust me when I say that many photos will be uploaded!
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Save With Jamie
Prior to my break from blogging I tried to impart some budget-friendly tips and recipes that I've picked up during my two years as a self-catering student. And I'm thrilled to say that over the summer, we've seen the release of a wonderful budget-friendly cookbook - Jamie Oliver's Save With Jamie* - which delivers exactly what is promised: delicious recipes with a straightforward list of largely affordable - only occasionally indulgent - ingredients.
Quite simply, I think that he's approached the issue superbly, providing not only a beautifully produced and well-thought-out cookbook (photographing and introducing every recipe included) but a television series that adds real passion to the sometimes arduous task of feeding people successfully and, more importantly, excitingly on a budget.
From what I can gather, the book has been criticised chiefly for Oliver's subtle self-promotion of sorts (i.e. suggestions to buy Jamie Oliver branded food and cooking equipment in the book's opening pages). However I would not say that this a particularly damning critique when considering that at no point does he explicitly demand that you buy his brand items. Personally I think that unless there is a food or cooking-related product that you are happy to indulge in (my own weakness is Lloyd Grossman's jarred pasta sauce, when on offer) it's just common sense to go for a more affordable option. Therefore I would suggest that if Oliver's products are more costly, a budget shopper - the book's target audience, after all - is unlikely to opt for them.
My only niggle with the book would be the occasional slip-up in which meals pictured vary slightly from ingredients stated on the recipe (for instance 'Hungover Noodles' in the Veg section use buckwheat noodles in the picture rather than the cheaper egg noodles listed in the ingredients). To be perfectly honest, though, this is a minor issue and ultimately I love both the ethic and recipes which have gone into this book.
Most significantly, Oliver has shown visible restraint in his recipes in Save With Jamie when compared to previous books. For instance, the majority of the ingredient lists in this cookbook average out at around 10-12 ingredients, in comparison to the sometimes excessive 15-20 - or more - in Jamie's 15 Minute Meals. Furthermore, Oliver's advice regarding the reduction of household food waste and savvy use of meat and fish in brilliant 'leftover' recipes are not only helpful for individual and family budgets but are positive on a global scale, relevant to issues such as food wastage, the meat industry, and worldwide food costs.
In summary, Oliver's cookbook appeals to me on a number of levels, but firstly as a lifeline to a student on a culinary budget - for me, at least, it seems that this book is more than capable of rising to the challenge. Let me know if you agree or think otherwise, as I'd love to hear why.
Thanks for reading and my apologies again for the delay,
Maddie :) x
Thanks for reading and my apologies again for the delay,
Maddie :) x
*Currently available in Sainsburys' for a very affordable £9.99 - otherwise, watch out for the programme on Mondays, 8pm, on Channel 4 or visit the website - http://www.jamieoliver.com/savewithjamie/
