Review by Booklist Review
In tribute to health-care workers, internationally known chef Oliver, making the most of his twenty-fifth book, also maximizes all the different ways a family or friends can enjoy time and food that say "love." It's a well-organized collection: 19 occasions--from brunch and a twosome to a cocktail party--feature a menu, extra sides, and a three-part schedule ("Get Ahead," "On the Day," "To Serve") that controls possible kitchen mayhem. The five essential pantry ingredients are enumerated up front; along the way, sidebars ("Love Your Leftovers," "Ask Your Butcher," "The Freezer Is Your Friend," "Veggie Love," "Mix It Up") point out other culinary considerations. Occasional untranslatable British items (e.g., Hobnobs) need to be researched and substitutions found, yet most of the hundred-plus recipes accommodate U.S. foodstuffs and tastes. A sampling of dishes: honey focaccia and homemade tortillas, cheese puffs and Bloody Mary crumpets, dukkah roast chicken and extraordinary seafood parcels. At the end is a complete nutritional list for each recipe--one of Oliver's commitments to healthy eating. Expect the TV show soon.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
"To be in a loved one's presence... that's what life is truly about," writes celebrity chef Oliver (Ultimate Veg) in this glib collection of recipes intended to be enjoyed with others. After a touching dedication to the U.K.'s National Health Service workers, he conveys his book's aim: "Think good old-fashioned dinner parties, celebrations... or just getting your nearest and dearest over for that wonderful end-of-the-week meal." But what follows is more of a haphazard assemblage of dishes and Pinteresty photo collages with captions such as "Recipes that can embrace a whole rainbow, in a comforting way, are a delight." Chapters are organized as menus, and aesthetic considerations, such as grilling potatoes "until beautifully bar-marked," abound. In a bid to offer comfort food, Oliver hews heavy: garlic knots with a cream cheese filling pair with rice and beans, and breaded chicken cutlets go with pesto, while a Bundt cake with veggies and cheddar, Hasselback potatoes with sausages, and a fennel gratin with more cheese are sides to accompany an "epic" roast. The aptly named Eton mess (a "megamix mish-mash") is one of several gloppy desserts. While there's much to gather over, these recipes are casting about for a cohesive theme. (Nov.)
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Review by Library Journal Review
In his latest cookbook, Oliver (The Naked Chef) takes 18 different scenarios and events and plans out a full meal for each. These occasions range from "Taco Party" and "Celebration Roast" to "Picnic Love" and "Curry Night." Depending on the occasion, menus include appetizers, entrées, sides, desserts, sometimes even a drink. Each recipe (Scrumptious Garlic Bread; Crispy Chickpea Rice) is meant to stand alone, so readers can mix and match for their own personal celebrations or maybe just a weeknight dinner. Measurements and oven temperatures are given in standard units, and the recipes are straightforward and not at all "chef-y." The recipes are written with entertaining in mind, so they call out preparations that can be made ahead. Beautiful pictures of the dishes and of Oliver with his friends and family give the collection a festive feel. VERDICT There are plenty of great dishes here, organized in an interesting and attractive format. A helpful book for home cooks looking for resources on entertaining or party planning.--Susan Hurst
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