This isn’t just a cookbook, it’s a travelogue you’ll want to read from cover to cover. There are quite a few recipes that call for ingredients that aren’t typical pantry staples and some that are a touch exotic, but there are enough good recipes that a seasoned cook could handle.
I went with a few of the soup recipes because it’s that time of year when I desire the tempting aromas of soup to fill the kitchen. Soup is a true comfort food, don’t you think?
The recipes come with detailed descriptions about the chefs and the upscale restaurants where they are featured. This blurb from the beginning of the book explains it better than I can….
The cocktail section is beautifully photographed but I am pretty much a Gin and Tonic or a bourbon drinker so I wouldn’t attempt these alcoholic masterpieces.
The book is dived by food categories such as starters, cocktails, meat, fowl, seafood and vegetarian. The dessert section will have you planning a trip to a bakery. Drool worthy.
The author, Aleksandra Crapanzano, is a food writer and accomplished cook. If you’d like to take a virtual foodie tour around London and read about the finest restaurants and dishes, you’ll love curling up with this book.
Here is the soup I made. Recipe is easy….
Pea, Potato and Bean Soup
Ingredients
9 ounces of chopped potatoes
Canned great Northern beans
A bay leaf
1 cup of peas
2 cups vegetable broth
Mint
1 clove of chopped garlic
½ cup parmesan
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Method
If you are using dry beans you’ll need to follow the overnight soaking rules. I chose to use canned beans so I could get this recipe going and have some to take for lunch.
Sautee the potato chunks in oil. Now add the rest of the ingredients except the Parmesan cheese and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer. After an hour it may be tender enough and tasty enough to enjoy a bowl. But it will be even better the next day.
Linking up with Joy’s British Isles Friday , Beth Fish Reads for Weekend Cooking and Deb at Kahakai Kitchen for her Souper Sunday series. The linkup for this week may be found HERE
Your soup looks yummy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Vicki. I added a lot of extra herbs to suite my taste.
LikeLike
Poor English cooks have such a bad rap! Although to be honest, my British mum was one of those bad British cooks and I’m not that much better. Thankfully, my hubby enjoys cooking!
The book sounds great and yes, tis the season for warm and yummy soup!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sim, I like cooking very much and there are some good recipes in here! Thanks for visiting 🙂
LikeLike
London really does have a lot of great restaurants, as you point out. I ate at Rules when I was there last month — I notice that a Rules recipe is in the summary page you included. I also ate at the restaurant “Ottolenghi” whose chefs have written a couple of cookbooks.
best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
LikeLike
Mae, I would love to do that one day. Ottolenghi’s restaurant would certainly be on my list.
LikeLike
Even back in the 80s when I lived there, London had a lot of good restaurants. This soup looks great and easy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You were able to live there! #jealous !
LikeLike
This book is calling my name. The soup looks yummy!
LikeLike
Thank you,Jama. I am currently an armchair traveler,
LikeLike
I’ve always loved eating in London! Even corner restaurant serve great curry!!! Amd pub lunches, nothing like getting a real sandwich, not some plastic meat.
Going to check this out at the library.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have me aching to grab the passports, Jackie. One day we will go and I will ask your advice on some of the est restaurants, particularly the ones with good curry.
LikeLike
This cookbook has been tempting me for awhile and this soup looks pretty tasty and simple. I know British food doesn’t have the best reputation but it always sounds so appetizing to me! I know we read a lot of similar mysteries and they always have me wanting to go into the pub and eat with the detectives!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wouldn’t that be fun, Katherine. Eating with one of our detectives and picking their brain. I would love to do a London trip one day.
LikeLike
I love books like this. I just read one about Spain- Matt Goulding’s Grape, Olive, Pig.
LikeLike
I have been hearing about this book so I need to add it for next years reading list. Sounds interesting and it’s getting good reviews.
LikeLike
Looks interesting. Have a great week. Cheers from Carole’s Chatter
LikeLike
It looks like a wonderful book. I love cookbooks that are more than just a cookbook like this one. The Cinnamon Bellinis look delicious and perfect for this time of year.
The soup looks tasty and satisfying–I am a big fan of brothy bean soups. Thanks for sharing it with Souper Sundays this week. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Deb, you saved me for blogging with Souper Sunday. I love your series, keeps me motivated. This is a lovely book though.
LikeLike
Love the review and this soup!!!!!!! Great post.
LikeLike
Thank you! It was a great lunch the next day.
LikeLike
This looks fun! We enjoyed some really wonderful meals in England.
LikeLike
Pingback: Black Friday in the UK #BriFri – Joy's Book Blog
Pingback: The Girl in the Castle: Ireland, civil war, ghosts and drama! | Novel Meals