Nigella Express: 130 Recipes for Good Food, Fast Reviews

• It's what she promises: good food, fast

  
  By A3GGUBZMTQD1B9 on 2007-10-30
  I couldn't wait. I was in London right after Nigella Lawson's newest cookbook was published, so I bought my copy immediately. The only real difference between the UK and American edition, I'm sure, is the measurements (grams versus ounces, etc.) so you get the benefit of the fact I've been cooking from this book for the last several weeks.
  
  This new cookbook, which accompanies Nigella's new series on the FoodTV network (at a really dreadful, inconvenient hour on Sunday), follows in the now-popular "make a decent sit-down dinner in half an hour" theme. Unlike Rachel Ray (to whom I have no objections, but also no particular tropism), Nigella's idea of "in half an hour" is not necessarily in consecutive minutes. That is, if something takes a short time in the kitchen, but bakes for an hour, it's fair game. That works just fine for me -- I telecommute full time, so slow-cooked fast food is compatible with my lifestyle -- but those who rush to the store on the way home from the office and still have a desire to get dinner on the table by 7pm may sometimes be a teensy bit disappointed.
  
  That might, however, be the only real disappointment in this rather exhaustive set of recipes. Because, based on the handful of things I've cooked from this book so far (and a careful reading of the rest of the book), these are just darned good meals. They aren't the special dishes she included in Feast: Food to Celebrate Life -- for holidays when spending all afternoon in the kitchen is part of the pleasure of the meal -- and they take a lot of shortcuts that Nigella admits freely *are* shortcuts. But they're far better than a takeaway meal, and it's good food, fast. (Duh.)
  
  Everything is organized in meals or moods rather than subjects. That is, there's no chapter for appetizers, another for desserts, etc. It works well given the theme of the book -- who has time to construct a whole menu during the week? -- and also because she can tell you that, while the meat is underway, turn your attention to the vegetables. So "quick food slow" collects recipes that can be prepared ahead to save time later; "instant calmer" offers super-fast soul food; "get up and go" is for breakfast at breakneck speed.
  
  So far, as I said, I've made a few things. Orange French toast is pretty simple -- your basic French toast, but with a syrup made with orange marmalade and juice -- but made a special brunch for visiting family. Her prawn and mango curry uses stuff that I mostly have in the house, such as frozen shrimp, a can of coconut milk, cilantro and bottled red curry paste. With some mango, lime juice, and butternut and sweet potato cubes (apparently available in pre-made packets in the UK, though I've never seen such things here)... in about half an hour we had a great dinner. Truly excellent. Her "sausages with sauerkraut" is a much simplified choucroute garnie and... well, that one was okay. It might have been excellent if I had made the trip to the German grocery for better sausages... or maybe some things shouldn't be simplified *too* much.
  
  There's plenty more here to try: chicken in Riesling (looks like under an hour to the table, with half that in chicken-simmer time), Swedish salmon (with dill and mustard, served with a cucumber salad and potato salad). She has lots of quickly-prepared desserts too, but since I generally shy away from refined sugar I don't pay that much attention to them; nothing personal, Nigella.
  
  Great cookbook. Recommended.
  
  

• Good Food, Fast:: Yep

  
  By AQQLWCMRNDFGI on 2007-11-21
  Nigella Lawson begins this cookbook with the statement that: "This is, as the title makes clear, a book about fast food, but it is a book about fast food for those who love eating." Later in the "Introduction," she concludes by saying: "The recipes that follow are not simply quick to cook, they attempt to make the whole of your cooking life. . .easier." In a cookbook, it's the recipes that tell the tale. Let's take a look at a few of those contained in this volume.
  
  One recipe near the start exemplifies what is right (and a bit of what is wrong) with this cookbook--Brandied-Bacony Chicken. Simple to make (as promised), but using bacon and then having the wine bubble up in the bacon fat isn't such a health conscious choice in the process. Nonetheless, this is a delicious recipe.
  
  Do you enjoy bruschetta? I do. On page 90 are dual recipes--one for tomato bruschetta and one for avocado bruschetta. I haven't made these yet, but will do so in the near future. Amazingly simply, but the end result promises to be delicious!
  
  Like omelettes? There is a nice recipe for a frittata (kind of like an Italian omelette), with several options--cheese, chili, vegetarian, and ham--on page 104.
  
  On page 149, Mirin-glazed salmon. A nice recipe for enjoying the Omegas of salmon!
  
  Salad? On page 265, there's a neat hot and sour crunchy salad. On page 291, a simple pasta recipe--linguine with lemon, garlic, and thyme mushrooms. Very quick recipe. The author notes that "This is one of my proudest creations. . . ." I've made this, and boy is it tasty. Simple, easy to make, and delicious.
  
  There are a bunch of high calorie, high fat, high cholesterol recipes, and that bothers me a bit. On the other hand, this does meet the goal of the author--to provide quick but tasty dishes.
  
  
  

• Easy Recipes

  
  By A2BGSA31LAZZV3 on 2007-11-21
  I've purchased "easy recipe" books in the past and discovered they are not easy or the ingredients are impossible to find. This book is great in both categories. I've tried several recipes and found them to be easy to follow.
  
  What I love too is that she is not saying the whole meal will be done in 30-minutes. It's easy prep time and occasionally may take an hour to cook - but that is easy to me.
  
  I've never seen her show on Food Network, but heard her on a radio interview (The Mountain 103.7 in Seattle) and decided to give her book a try. Glad I did.
  
  

• Cookbook lives up to it's name

  
  By A3JTJ0UE2PA1H8 on 2007-11-10
  I do love Nigella Lawsons cookbooks. In a world of going green, eating right and watching intakes and outtakes Nigella expresses herself and her food in a unapologetic way. I can already tell you that many of these recipes will become staples in my household.
  
  Very simple instructions to follow. I will say that on occasion I stumble on an ingredient that is hard to find which makes the recipe daunting. For the most part I have all ingredients in the pantry and love every mouthful.
  
  On a side note if you do not have her recipe for Chocopots...GET IT...it is a recipe that cures all evils and should be in everones household. The world would be a better place.
  
  

• Great addition to my recipe book collection

  
  By A3PHF9UV3F177L on 2007-11-17
  I love Nigella Lawson's recipe books. She writes so well that the books are a pleasure to read as well as being a good source of recipes. She always makes everything sound so delicious that you can't wait to try it. The photography in this book is also excellent and every recipe is illustrated.
  
  The theme for this book is good food fast. The "fast" is somewhat loose (I can't see how her version of coq au vin could be turned around in less than an hour, which rules it out as an after work option in our household). Besides evening meals there are breakfast options, party foods and (as always with Nigella's books) plenty of cakes and sweet things. If you try to follow a low fat diet, this is probably not the cookbook for you. Her instructions are easy to follow and she suggests substitutions for hard to find ingredients.
  
  We have tried and enjoyed the mustard pork chops (though I prefer pasta as an accompaniment rather than the potato gnocchi that she suggests), the mirin glazed salmon (though I already had similar recipes that were similar and equally good) and the quick calamari. They were all very simple to prepare and went down well with the family. I had less success with the croque monsieur bake which emerged burnt at the edges (although that could possibly be the fault of my oven). And while the chocolate peanut butter fudge sauce went down well with my children, it was too sickly sweet for my and my husband's tastebuds.
  
  Overall a beautiful recipe book which I'm happy to add to the collection. I'm sure it will get a good workout over the pre-Christmas period.
  
  
• Nigella's back .... with a bravura performance!
  By AGIBPX0JQZFZ9 on 2007-11-07
  After "Feast," which I thought was a disappointment after Nigella's other PERFECT books, I loyally but nervously ordered this. The minute I got it and started reading, my first thought was: "NIGELLA'S BACK!"
  
  I won't go on and on - if you love Nigella, just buy this NOW. You will not be disappointed ... in fact, you're going to be so happy because it's GREAT, with a much better, totally-user-friendly page layout, Nigella's trademark MILLIONS of gorgeous photos and Nigella's wonderful asides.
  
  Thank you, Nigella!
  
  (One super-small quibble ... I made the Caramel Croissant Pudding yesterday and it was AMAZINGLY GOOD. My American croissants were huge tho' - now I wish I just used one. Maybe on some of those items where the size can vary so much more Europe to the US, it would help to say something like "2 cups of stale croissant." But that's a super-super-super small quibble ... and I did "greedily" eat a very large portion. Wonderful stuff!)
  
  
  
  
• Express way into my tummy
  By AIIR8E34EDKCQ on 2008-05-30
  I was actually surprised that Nigella came out with this new cooking concept, making her favorites with short cuts, suddenly being impatient and saving time while still having parties and cooking dinners ever night for her family. Honestly I never found her recipes hard, I enjoyed making everything the proper way but I have to say its fun to find way to cheat I guess, making mousses without all the fancy work, creams and cakes and stews with minimal effort, without hours of baking and slow cooking, using less ingredients ( saves tons of money) and still eating something tasty.
  
  Basically this book is filled with recipes one can make for any occasion, best yet for dinner after a hectic day of work, using 4-5 ingredients, simple and still having something to put on the table that is not the same old saver we turn to. Too often it's easy to fall into a comfortable rut and cook the same thing; with this book it is really easy to gently shake things up. Sometimes I read it at work, photocopy pages, stop at the store on my way home and make something new that's different and doesn't require me to spend 2 hours cooking and then washing lots of pots and pans. I think to write this book requires more effort, it's easy to make a complex dish using thirty ingredients, but hard to make something simple that takes the least amounts of effort but is edible. I often pick one recipe, and then make a side of my choice even if it's steamed veggies and dinner is on the table in no time.
  
  I have been using this book since last November and some of the my favorites are;
  
  Mustard Pork Chops page 11- any meat can be used but pair it with white cannolini beans, simplicity ( 5 ingredients! ) at its highest, actually writing about it now made me decide to make it for dinner tonight, yet again.
  
  Steak Slick with Lemon and Thyme - great on some toasted ciabatta bread the next day or as an elegant supper, lemon and thyme seems to be a classic combination, not I make all my steaks this way.
  
  Cheese Fondue - Gruyere, Brie, Emmental and Camembert melt into a spectacular and easy dip for anything you can find in the fridge. Some white wine in the sauce and then in the glass to drink with completes this fun dinner.
  
  Chocolate Croissants - more fun then I thought to make, sometimes I just make four, with this book there is no need to make thirty servings of something, I often make enough for just one day.
  
  Moonblush tomatoes page 126- sour, tangy, roasted and great side to savory dishes, my new favorite. I find it goes great with eggs for breakfast!
  
  Irish Cream Tiramisu - wow, interesting and make sure to reserve a nap after, packs a punch!
  
  There are stir-fries, galettes, cakes, burgers, all sorts of meats and pastas, each page has a tiny recipe with a gorgeous picture, and this book is actually very useful and makes cooking fun especially to see how the short cuts turn out. I mean if the short list of ingredients doesn't make one want to cook out of it then the pictures will, and it's nice to have a cookbook that is always used versus having one recipe in it that I have to turn to. Nigella throws things together in a beautiful way, after reading and cooking her recipes to me they are as natural as breathing and they pretty much always turn out perfect! Now that is a feat, I haven't had to apologize for making something new to anyone and it's easy to see that her ingredient pairing choices are well through out and put together.
  
  
  - Kasia S.
  
  
  
• How could it be bad? It's Nigella after all!
  By A3IZZZVK51RPVV on 2007-10-31
  I pre-ordered this book from AmazonUK since I too just couldn't wait to get my hands on it. And let me tell you those few extra dollars for international shipping were well spent, for this cookbook is a welcomed addition to any bookshelf already overloaded with cookbooks raging from the classics to the kitschy such as Elvis' "Are You Hungry Tonight?" It's food that is either quick to cook or that is quick to prepare and then you leave it in the oven while you deal with other life messes. I have made quite a few things so far and I have yet to be disappointed. Well.... I should have chosen a better muesli for my "Lazy Loaf," but that is my fault and not Nigella's. Anyway I, a poor Starbucks Barista that just graduated from college, recommend this cookbook to absolutely anyone that loves to eat. Enjoy!
  
  
• I wanted to like this, but recipes just didn't taste very good
  By A1FH8AY55COJXD on 2008-04-14
  I really wanted to like this book. It has beautiful photographs, and Nigella is so cool and all. But everything I've made from this cookbook has gotten the "thumbs down" from my family. The asian-fish chowder was too fishy tasting. The meat loaves were too dense and greasy. The salad dressings seemed off. Oh, and I made some squash casserole that tasted very strange. And a lot of the ingredients are hard to come by. I live in the New York metropolitan area, so I thought I could track down just about anything, but even I couldn't find some of the items she calls for. And she doesn't offer any alternatives. I don't know what people would do if they didn't live in a metropolitan area with tons of international groceries.
  
  Maybe quick cooking just isn't her thing. I think Martha Stewarts Quick Meals is a much better book in this category. And it's arranged by season, so you never have trouble finding items in the grocery.
  
  
• Nigella Rocks the Kitchen
  By AJW6KG5ATLE8H on 2007-11-15
  I was not too impressed with Forever Summer, but Express delivers. First, it has one of the most important aspects in a cookbook - pictures, one for every dish. Second, the instructions are extremely simple as well as the ingredients. The lay out of the book is very neat and easy to follow. But it would all be for naught if the recipes were of no use. Here is where Nigella really shines. From Party Popcorn, to Tuna and Crab Wraps, to Noodle Soup for Needy People, the average Joe with average kitchen skills can master all 130 of these marvelous recipes. This is a must have for your cookbook shelf!
  
  
• Not a good buy....
  By A3LEHWTLKBNVOP on 2008-01-13
  I'm not all that familiar with Nigella Lawson and her style of cooking. I took a chance and purchased this book thinking since she's such a popular tv cook it must be for a reason. In all fairness I have not looked thru her other books, so don't get all bent out of shape thinking I'm just a Nigella basher. I think she's a lovely woman and all, but when it comes down to the recipes in this particular book I must say they fell flat for me. Unusual and honestly not very appetizing. I have a very good palate from the simple to the most unique cuisines, but there was just nothing in this book I wanted to make except for one or two desserts. The stories are nice that precede each recipe and I loved the fact that there was pretty much a picture for every recipe. I wish all cookbook authors would do this!!! Its a well put together book, and I give Nigella and her editors much credit for it (thus 2 stars instead of 1), but the recipes did not create any interest for my family and I. Next time I'll hit the bookstores or library to have a lookie before ordering another book from Nigella again.
  
  
• Bad American Adaptation
  By A1ZSSZPDXG294Z on 2007-12-06
  Not having seen it, I can't comment on the British edition. The American edition, however, was sloppily done. Many of the recipes call for ingredients that we either cannot get in the U.S., or are called by a different name. Too bad.
  
  
• She's done it again!
  By A24N3TTZ3NXG9B on 2007-12-03
  Nigella has done it again with Nigella Express. I was a little worried even before it was released. The title and theme of cooking fast seemed a bit Rachel Rayish for me. I didn't want Nigella to stoop to Food Network standards (THEY don't deserve her and its a damn shame that they only play her on Sunday morning while they whore the other food network personalities shows(with half the charm and talent) several times every day!) But upon immediatley devouring this book (as I have all of her books (they read better than alot of novels out there)), I discovered that my fears were unfounded. The recipes are simple, the ingredients are easy to obtain and work with, and the food is down-right comforting. Nigella's tone of voice speaks to you in comforting way. She admits to flaw and encourages dissension. She makes you at ease with the prospect of cooking. She doesn't confuse. She doesn't try too hard with elaborate recipes. One of the things I like about her is that she consistantly uses the same ingredients (her favorites: lime, chili, mint, fish sauce, garlic infused oil, etc.) which means shes on our level. I've already made a good handful of the recipes in this book to cheers of "More! More!". She gets it and I feel like I get her. I like Nigella.
  
  
• Good, just like all of Nigella's books
  By A25W99PKVG84TL on 2007-12-01
  Since I actually buy Nigella's books for bedtime reading as much as for cooking I was a bit disappointed that she tried to cut back on some on her commentary. But, there's still enough there to make for good tasty reading; the picutres and great fast recipes make it another great Nigella book.
  
  
• As titled--good and fast!
  By A1HG656WN2CD40 on 2007-12-30
  Recipes are simple--although there are some hard to find ingredients, and have fast work time. Lawson often advocates flavor over healthfulness in both ingredients and preparation techniques, but the portion sizes are moderate. The soups/stew and desserts are particularly good.
  
  
• Depends on what you are looking for.....
  By A1GAGYYEBNHH5A on 2007-12-25
  This isn't the worst cookbook I have ever had, and I love Nigela - she is beautiful and has great taste, but it is not what I was hoping for. I wanted some fast new ideas for meals that my family would actually eat. Like I say, it depends on what you are looking for -- and what your family will eat, but mine would question the idea of brushetta with avacado for breakfast and I can't even tell you where I would find some of the ingredients the recipes call for. Perhaps it is more readily available in larger cities, but it was pretty much useless to me.
  
  
  
  
• My favorite cookbook
  By A2BSHCJ9Y4JBD0 on 2008-01-13
  This is the first Nigella cookbook I've owned and it is really good! I would highly recommend it. My kids love all the recipes we've tried and are always asking me if I'm going to make something from my new cookbook. Since I am a novice cook, I've found that the recipes are easy to follow and are spot on. The results of my cooking actually look like the picture ( which is quite a miracle for me)! I also enjoy the conversational tone of her book, and the pointers she throws in here and there...almost like having a friend in the kitchen showing you how. I saw one reviewer who complained that the ingredients were difficult to find; however, I live on an island with very limited shopping options and have been able to find most of the ingredients. It took a little hunting around at my local grocery store, since I didn't know what section to look in, but I found them!
  
  
• Love This!
  By AB9X1IEDP4ZAA on 2008-01-07
  Nigella is in top form for this new theme. The express recipes are just as clever and delicious...designed for the quickie meals! Perfect for the "OMG what am I going to make for dinner?" days! I love being able to come up with really interesting and delicious meals that are made with real food when time is short, instead of relying on quick fix mixes that don't taste good and are filled with additives.
  
  
• Love this cookbook
  By AQHHY4EFBWPK6 on 2008-01-12
  I love this cookbook, I only wish it was thicker. I read it like a regular book, put stickies on the pages I wanted to try, and when I got to the end I wanted more.
  The recipes I have tried so far have been terrific.
  
  
• Good for the experienced cook who wants to try something a little different
  By A3NWQGIQQODHCJ on 2007-12-26
  I heard Nigella on the radio talking about this book (see recipe for Breakfast Bruschetta) and purchased it as a gift for my mom for Christmas. Thankfully, she bought the same cookbook for me! Irrespective of your fondness for Nigella and her particular way of expressing herself, the recipes are unique, delicious, tempting and easy. Got the cookbook yesterday, whipped up a batch of pancakes this a.m. for the kids and have set aside the "extra" dry ingredients, pre-mixed, for another day soon, when we are in the mood for pancakes but in a hurry. Can't wait to try more of the recipes. The cookbook is also very enjoyable to look through: great photos, easy-to-read text. I would recommend it for someone who is experienced; sometimes the directions assume you have knowledge (e.g, the pancake recipe says "heat a griddle" but doesn't tell you to what temp, such as medium, high, etc. You need to know that or your pancakes will turn out lousy.) Enjoy!
  
  
• Easy, Quick & Yummy
  By A12UNJOQZYKKNZ on 2008-05-15
  My fiance and I have been searching for a cookbook we would actually use and after thumbing through books at Target we decided on this one. We've had it a week and have made the mustard chops, stir fry and the cornish hens. I've loved all of them! We varied a little like using potatoes with the chops, added more veggies and used poultry seasoning and tony's on the hens. We love the fact that we can shop and keep the majority of the ingrediants in the pantry and stop at the store for fresh fish, meat or veggies to make our meal. Pretty much all the recipes have 6-10 ingredients. A few had items I never heard of but if you go to her website you can find descriptions and/or alternatives. I see some of the review state that her recipes are not low fat...but shes not trying to sell it as a low fat cookbook. I think that you could probably get away with making some of her recipes healthier by using less oil or trimming fat from meat! I love the fact that she includes the same ingrediant is multiple recipes...so that I'm not spending money on something just to use a teaspoon of it! So all in all I'm really happy with this book and looking forward to trying many more of her recipes!
  
  I really do recommend this book to anyone...new cooks, families, newlyweds, singles...basically everyone!! :)
  
  
• Easy and Delicious
  By A2UNXNGJ93OU2P on 2007-12-07
  I have already made the cheesecake from the cookbook. It was a little rich, but so very easy and delicious. She makes it easy to substitute ingredients if you don't have them in stock. As a busy mother, there are alot of helpful recipes so I spend less time in the kitchen and more time with my family. There are salads, amazing desserts, wonderfully easy meals and nearly every recipe has a twist on an old favourite. It's a great buy if you want to eat good food,don't have a lot of time and need some inspiration.
  
  
• Get off the cell phone
  By A29XWPAKAIW3NQ on 2007-12-29
  I was studying the cover of this book and something about it bothered me.. and then it hit me. it was the fact that the picture on the cover has her on a CELL PHONE. yes, its supposed to be rapid food or whatever, but give me a break. who stirs pasta while sending a text message?
  
  
• Fan Bloody Tastic!
  By A2BK0I4WS0GEBU on 2008-01-07
  Absolutely brilliant book! Good food easy and made with things that you already have in your cupboard and don't have to make a special trip to a special store to get.
  
  
  
  
• THE cookbook you gotta have!
  By A1JYYFGPMHSEB6 on 2008-01-29
  I detest recipes that call for oodles of ingredients and sound too 'gourmet' for this STAHM to whip up on a given weekday evening so when I found this 'express' cookbook by a favorite cooking diva, well, it took my breath away! The recipes are divine - all of them!!! The pictures make your mouth water. I wish the cookbook were spiral because it is thick and heavy and difficult to open while cooking but then I guess I need one of those cookbook stands for it! I've tried several recipes already in this wonderful new cookbook by Nigella and each has been a keeper. The BUTTERMILK ROASTED CHICKEN is a favorite at our house!!!
  
  
• Excellent!
  By A1UG2A1JPYCBDN on 2008-02-18
  Nigella has given me back my love for cooking! My family and I are forever in her debt. I am a busy, working mother, and her recipes are quick and fun. I am even enjoying grocery shopping again!
  
  
• love it...
  By A2WP86DXEHCSA3 on 2008-03-19
  Ok, so I haven't had time to make anything out of it yet, but my god, it looks so good! I'm a vegetarian, and found plenty in here that I would make, and that my kids would readily eat! The desserts looks absolutely amazing as well.
  
  
• Beautiful cookbook
  By A3D9WPC9AD5XZA on 2008-03-26
  Nigella Express is an artistically designed cookbook with amazing photographs. What's even more amazing is that every dish I've made from the book has looked like the photographs. The Cornish hens with roasted sweet potatoes is so simple yet so delicious. As one with arthritic hands, that recipe will be one that I use on my "bad days" as there is very little preparation required. The cheesecake and the pomegranate ice cream recipes are so rich but will be presented again on special occasions. The potato mushroom gratin was better than anything I've ever had in a restaurant. The only reason I'm taking away one star is because there were quite a few recipes that didn't appeal.
  
  
• what more to say
  By A2TLZ8Y6W0QKLM on 2007-12-12
  the books is great. love the pics. and recipes r very quick and easy to make.
  
  
• impressed
  By A2N5FQTE2DVH92 on 2007-12-29
  A beautiful book, very creative and easy recipes...I purchased 3 of them and plan to gift two of them.
  
  

• Cook with Jamie: My Guide to Making You a Better Cook
• How to Eat: The Pleasures and Principles of Good Food
• How to Be a Domestic Goddess: Baking and the Art of Comfort Cooking
• Feast: Food to Celebrate Life
• Nigella Bites: From Family Meals to Elegant Dinners -- Easy, Delectable Recipes For Any Occasion