Books : Every Day

Rating: - First disappointment from Bill
I have all Bill's previous books and unfortunately this is the weakest. I have given several copies of his other books to friends and relatives, but this book fails to excite and I would not recommend it. Part of the reason is the layout; whereas the previous books were clearly set out with great pictures, this one seems confused. Another reason is because having used his other books for a number of years, the recipes in this book do not appear as fresh. Finally there are chunks in the book about cooking for children which if you don't, then it's a bit of a waste of time. Nevertheless the breakfast loaf is fantastic, easy to knock up on a Sunday afternoon to enjoy for the week and the squid recipe is great. If anyone is considering which of his books to buy then chose Open Kitchen or Sydney Food instead

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Rating: - EXCELLENT, EASY AND YUMMY TOO!
After seeing Bill's food on tv last year - I had to get a book to follow at home. This book is well written, easy to follow and full of yummy ideas that make you want to rush to the supermarket and buy all the ingredients and get cooking FAST! I love the fresh and simple approach of his writing and recipes and the fact they all turn out perfectly!!
I can't wait to get my hands on his other 4 books (they are sat in my basket as I type!)

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Rating: - Great
This really is a great book for every day. Don't think i'll use it for entertaining but for mid week family meals it's fantastic. Provides new ideas that are refreshing but quick and easy which is what i need with an 8 week old baby that is usually restless around our mealtimes.

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Rating: - Favourite chef
This is a brilliant book. I have been a massive fan of Bill since I was living in Australia and have all his books.

This one is different from the others, as it is for all the family. It has handy tips all the way through out for children and ideas for family eating. I have cooked a couple of these recipes and as usual, they are very simple non-fussy yummy recipes!

This makes me feel like I am back in the sunshine in Australia having delicious fresh food!! I would receommend this to everyone to use!!!

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Rating: - Make sure you don't overcook the squid - you don't want rubber bands!
Do you ever pay a great deal of attention to a book title? Is it something you read without really taking in what you have read? If this is you then read the title of this book again . . . yes, that's right it says "Every Day" and that sums up what it is - a recipe book for every day.

One of the first things I do when I get a new cookery book is skim through - like a big kid, I just love to look at the pictures! And I have to say there are some great pictures, the few I have chosen to show not doing them justice at all.

There are nice quotes spread throughout the book . . . Grangerisms?

"Make sure you don't overcook the squid - you don't want rubber bands!"

These make the book feel friendlier as if Bill is talking to you while you peruse his recipes. There is no holier than thou attitude - if tinned organic lentils will do, then use them. Although, being someone who enjoys his bed and hates early mornings, I am not sure I agree with him when he says "What's that old saying? That the man who is up early owns the world? It's so true."

But I certainly agree with him when he says "to see food as one of life's great pleasures" . . . Bill Granger is undoubtedly a person who loves his food and that very much comes across as you read through the book - it is a recipe book you can read and it follows a clear pattern throughout as it takes you through every day from Monday to Sunday.

There is a Southern hemisphere / Pacific Rim influence to many of the recipes which brings a freshness to them, especially for those of us living in the Northern hemisphere . . . and these days most of the ingredients used are common to our own supermarkets.

For me breakfasts are either the traditional English breakfast or more often than not some toast, a croissant or two or a bowl of cereal. Bill Granger takes breakfast to another level - a slice of toasted Apple, Dried Cherry and Almond Loaf! There are plenty more examples where that comes from - he breathes life back into a meal which has become a chore for a lot of us.

He has a great attitude about what the kids eat and how they should be fed. When you read what he has to say it all makes good sense and it is nice to see a chef acknowledge that kids eat too. "I believe it's really important to develop your children's palates. After all, they are going to be the people you are sharing meals with for the next twenty years."

Whilst the book is entitled Every Day it still perhaps takes you by surprise when you turn the page and there is a section dedicated to Packed Lunches. Don't be misled though, you will just love the simple idea of Stewed Apple with Blueberries and Yoghurt or Cheat's Pizza . . . yes, these are for the lunchbox!

Bill is very human in his approach and in the way he addresses his reader. "Just like everyone else, I often find myself in the supermarket at 5 pm, zoning out in front of all those shelves and thinking "What on earth am I going to make for dinner?"

And contrary to the image created about celebrity chefs, they are just like you and me when they are at home . . . "Nothing beats the smell of garlicky seafood pasta filling the house" - I would go along with that.

I just love the way Bill endorses the things I do and, as a professional, doesn't look down his nose at us mere mortals. "I love the whole idea of mixing some good take-away foods with a few dishes I make at home."

It's all here, from food for the kids, to food for dinner parties, to barbies, to curries. There is something very much for everyone and for Every Day of the week. Not to mention religion, "I've tried wine with Indian food, but nothing beats a cold beer, drunk straight from the bottle."

And the Sunday roast is included as well, if with a little twist, together with some interesting soup recipes. Go on treat yourself this is definitely one for the kitchen shelf. If I ever get to Sydney I shall be dropping in at bills!