Customer Reviews:
 Perfection December 5, 2003
159 out of 172 found this review helpful
I cannot praise this lovely book too highly. It has all the David magic - exquisite prose, trenchant opinions and luscious recipes: some are of academic interest but nonetheless fascinating; most are dishes of simplicity but also subtlety and finesse. The closing essay 'Para Navidad' is perhaps one of the most perfect writings about food I have ever read. Congratulations too, to the book designer and the photographer. The beautiful cover is a true indicator of the delights within and Elizabeth David, who had a keen visual sense, would have loved the photographs which are not so much of cooked dishes but of simple, pure, beautiful ingredients that make you want to dash off to the kitchen and set to. This is the second book that the editor, Jill Norman, has compiled since ED's death, using the author's notes and files, and a worthy successor to "Is there a nutmeg in the house?" Both show great skill and a light hand - ED's unique voice rings clear and true from every page. Brilliant!
Simply Elizabeth David. November 15, 2003
170 out of 174 found this review helpful
During her life, Elizabeth David (ED) accumulated a vast number of recipes, notes and writings relating to Christmas fayre.
Although the lady did go on to write an introduction, sadly the accumulation of this paperwork materialised after her death, in 1992.
The result is a super book of 224 pages, compiled by Jill Norman, a well-known writer in her own right.
The book includes around 150, tried and tested recipes, written in the simple ED style and designed to take the stress out of cooking for the 'Big Day', before and after!
All the favourites are included - from turkey, mince pies and stuffing, to ideas for lighter dishes, thus making this one of the best and complete books dedicated to Christmas cooking, ever.
A great addition to your 'Elizabeth David' shelf, or a very good 'first' if new to the author!
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