Kitchen Diaries
By: Sheri Wetherell
Published: August 26, 2008

Is there a better gift that a food writer could give us food lovers than a year-long diary of what he (or she) cooks and eats? I think not. But that is precisely what British writer, Nigel Slater, has done. "The Kitchen Diaries" is just that, a diary of what he prepared and ate over the course of four seasons, and peppered it with recipes. If you're adept at cooking without a structured recipe or just enjoy reading about mouth-watering food, then this is a book for you.
I opened it up to this week to see what Nigel is up to. Here's a snippet of what he prepared for his dinner guests on August 24:
"An extravagant supper of rare beef, red salad and cheeses...I present it whole, with some majesty, on a long wooden board. Not being used to this sort of thing, I don't have a board long enough, so some of the great piece of meat hangs off the end. I am slicing it thinly, spooning over a creamy dressing flecked with mint and mustard as I go. The accompanying salad is of red leaves - baby chard, red chicory and oak leaf - and I must admit the whole thing is quite sensational...The evening rounded off with a plate of cheeses that I laid out on leaves from the grapevine."
You're drooling, too, aren't you? And it goes on, but I don't want to spoil it. I want you to enjoy this beautifully written and photographed book yourself. He'll inspire you with his culinary adventures and creations, and I'll bet money that you'll discover foods you've never heard of before this side of the pond (cobnuts, anyone?).
Mr. Slater, you're my new hero.

Comments:
teena
August 27, 2008

It's good to have this kind of stuff in your kitchen. You get to discover great dishes.
Alisa

I came across this book a year ago and I'm glad to see it here in foodista. This is really a wonderful book. The recipes are simple, and the pictures are so honest it makes you feel you can really try your hand at cooking. Its great you like it as well!
Erin

What a lovely idea! I would honestly be embarrassed if I did this myself.  I'd inevitably have entries detailing my Friday night pizza orders from Papa John's and lazy Sunday afternoons spent with a box of Rice-a-Roni shells and white cheddar. Unfortunately not everyday can be so fabulously homemade -- I just don't have the will power :)
Katie Atkinson

He's the best isn't he? It was Nigel Slater who first got me cooking and he does a food magazine in the Observer newspaper... Try Fast food, thats perfect for quick after work interesting meals. x