Don't be put off by the sheer size of this cookbook--almost 400 pages. And if you're looking for the "quick-and-easy" method, this might not be for you. If you want quick, try "Delia's How to Cheat" book which I use quite often. However, when I want to make something for friends or really have a good meal, I turn to THE KITCHEN DIARIES. You won't find a better compilation of recipes and they're not all with ingredients that you can't find either.

But the most amazing thing about this book is the "seasonal" aspect it has--the fact that certain foods should be enjoyed at certain times. The weather and holidays play an intricate part in THE KITCHEN DIARIES and what you should be eating. Highly structured and with some real punch, this is THE cookbook you should have on your shelf. As with all cookbooks, there's a litle more than just the recipe--you know, the "where it came from" type of information or some biographical info. I was reminded of a book I recently came across that poked fun at all cookbooks and at the same time was a great novel wrapped around the actual cookbook---Barring Some Unforeseen Accident---a very funny book, especially if you collect cookbooks. Other than that, I'd recommend "Eating For England."

This book is as enjoyable to read as the recipes are to cook and eat.
Delicious, easy-to-cook food.
Written in such an earthy tone. I love it!

This is not the cookery book I go to for every day use. It is however, my most treasured culinary possession. It is as thing of beauty and a joy forever. Make sure you buy the hardback edition, which has marbled end pages and a cloth spine, just to add that extra touch of decadence to what is already an extravagant luxury.
This is more than a cookery book, it is about a way of life. We are privileged to journey through a year in the company of Nigel Slater. His diary extracts are wonderful, and his recipes perfectly complement both the writing and the superb photography in the book.
For me this book has to be read in one sitting, and then dipped into over and over again. I also like to read it alongside Slater's memoirs, Toast, which talk of his childhood and his important emotional relationship with food. Together they add a whole new dimension to the works and thoughts of this man.
Food wise the recipes are fantastic. I was having a problem with Nigella's Brownies because I couldn't get mine to cook through properly. I tried Slater's recipe and haven't looked back. They are fabulous and I always get a standing ovation. Other highlights are the pumpkin and tomato Lakhsa and the duck and star anise stew.

If the house was on fire and I could take one cookbook it would be this. This man is just magic and so is his food!

Ever since I bought this book last year, I have returned to it again and again for inspiration or just to leaf through the pictures. Nigel Slater's recipes are clear and easy to follow. All the recipes I tried worked out well and I think both novice and more experienced cooks will find something to enjoy here. The prose is spare yet sensuous: Slater really does love his ingredients and the whole process of cooking. My only quibble is that the pictures are not captioned or placed next to the relevant recipe so that it can take a bit of guesswork to figure them out.

A great gift for anyone interested in food and cooking.