2008-10-08 Thanks Jamie!

Just bought the book today for a bargain tenner, and as it's a cold day chose the stew recipe (hotpot version). I bought the ingredients in my lunch hour and have cooked it tonight. Simple as that. The recipe was really clear to follow, and the results were absolutely delicious. Plus my kitchen smells like a proper kitchen for the first time in a long time!

I should add that I'd never made a hotpot before in my life - my culinary repertoire is lamentably limited to about 10-12 dishes that I seem to constantly rotate, which of course gets boring, which is when you reach for a ready meal (M&S or not, it's still full of rubbish).

After a successful first attempt at one of the recipes, it seems a great book to just dive in to and get fresh inspiration. Thoroughly recommended!