I am a HUGE Jamie Oliver fan...simply because he is so spontaneous in the way he presents the art of food to the world. He can go from basic to complex and back in a jiffy and make it look like a breeze. Although his 'Jamie's 30-Minute Meals' turned out being 2 hours prep and 30 minutes of concentrated cooking time, it's still a gem nonetheless.
But enough about all that - today i'm talking 'Jamie's Ministry of Food'.
The concept behind this book both fascinates and intrigues me as it's an old principal that's been brought back to life. I think the foreword of the book does the explanation the most justice so I quote:
"During and after the First World War terrible food shortages meant mane people were malnourished. So when the Second World War broke out the government knew they'd have to do something pretty clever to stop this happening again, and what they did was set up a Ministry of Food. Basically it was created for two major reasons: to make sure there was enough food to go round and also to educate the public about food and proper nutrition so they'd be healthy and fighting fit. What I find completely inspiring is that the government at that time didn't just watch and give lip service, it pulled its finger out and did something radical...and I like radical! The Ministry of Food was all about going to people, wherever they were - workplaces, factories, gentlemen's clubs or local shopping areas. And they did this by simply mobilizing thousands of women who could cook, then sending them out across the whole country to provide support and tips to the public. Because of this, people knew how to use their food rations properly and were able to eat, and live, better.
Historians say the original Ministry of Food was a saving grace of the war."
There you have it! What a profound, yet logical movement this turned out to be! The wonderful thing about this cook book is that it takes you from hesitant to commit to the "Pass it on" commitment which asks you to teach two people a recipe who will in turn teach two more people to ready to commit and organize a Jamie-Oliver themed dinner party.
But my best about this book is the fact that it fulfills my ONE requirement of a good cookbook. And this is said once again, so well by Jamie himself in the synopsis/dust cover:
"Whether you're a reluctant beginner or a good cook who just appreciates simplicity, allow me and this book to help you cook some truly delicious, crowd-pleasing meals."
Isn't that what its all about? Going back to basics instead of making food that's hardly edible? I like! In fact I love!
So whether you're buying it because it takes you to the very basics of cooking or because you want to do the "pass it on" pledge, just do it anyway! You won't regret it!
I'll let you know what I cook with a "Pass-it-on Pledge"/"Jamie's Ministry of Food" tag in future posts. Happy cooking-baking everyone!
wends x
