Alison RomanNothing Fancy: Unfussy Food for Having People Over

Without a doubt the best cookbook I’ve ever had since I was given Goodhousekeeping cookbook in 1989, and I’ve had dozens in my life. This is simple, ever recipe is delicious, the writing is funny, I use it for family cooking too, not just entertaining, but when I do, I am always asked where/how/who the recipes were by, and there from my most foody of friends. A great success. Only one in here that doesn’t work is the lasagna, but I can forgive her for the amount do successful dinner parties they had enabled!

A cookbook for everyone out there - the ease in which it is written, the carefree but absolutely undying love for simple, delicious food and beautiful ingredients. I don't have enough praise for this book!If you're a beginner - this will make you fall in love with cooking. If you're an advanced chef - it will take you back to simple basics and remind you to take a minute to have a glass of wine while your dinner is cooking. Thank you so much, Alison!

Despite what another reviewer has written, this is the UK edition of the book, with UK measurements. The publisher has just used sample pages from the American edition here, which they should really fix to avoid further confusion...My copy arrived today and I’m absolutely in love with it already - beautiful design, super-cool saturated photography and really tempting, appealing recipes. I’m vegetarian and there’s plenty for me, and I might sub out the anchovies on a few others. I definitely see what all the fuss is about with Alison Roman!

Disclaimer: I'm a long time (at least from a millenial's point of view) Roman's fangirl. I think she is the coolest person that walked the food world and I would buy her books for the witty observations and footones only.So I'm obviously biased, that's my point. Nothing fancy was probably the only book that I pre-ordered as soon as it was possible to do so (and as soon as I made sure that I was buying the UK/AUS version of it - seriously what's the deal with cups???).When I finally got it, I read it from cover to cover and the writing didn't disappoint (which was a given, I guess).Now on to the book itself: as a fangirl I'm used to Roman's love for anchovies, bold flavors and loads of citrus or tangy notes. If that's not your thing, you might want to pick another book.I'm not sure if I love the "entertaining" theme (although I really really dig her "snacks" section and all the "parties"): because of it most of the recipes are build for at least 4 people (this is obviously not wrong, it just makes annoying when you're only entertaining two people). I was also not very excited by the choices on "meals", because I found that they're a bit on repetitive side (I don't really need 4 different ways to make chicken on the same book). My biggest let down, sadly, was on the dessert section though: she kind of stuck to (old fashion) classics, like tiramisu or (this one killed me) pannacotta. I mean, sure they have a tweak or two, but not even Roman will convince me to serve anyone (starting with myself) a pannacotta. For all these reasons I'm only giving it 4 stars. Everything else is glossy, beautiful and genius (and that garlic and anchovies bread is reason enough to buy the book).

This is a brilliant book, or from by cookbooks with 100 recipes in them and like only 5… I could cook almost everything in this book. In fact I’ve already cooked about 10 things and every single one of them has worked perfectly and tasted amazing.

Although an American book, the publishers have taken the time to give us Brits the metric measurements as well. Lots of fab recipes to try out, all the info is there in a lovely chatty way, it is like Alison Roman is there talking you though, letting you feel her love of cooking.

Alison Roman talks about food like a normal person would. There's not too much flair, it's good cooking and written so well you'll be able to make anything. The cookies are a must try.

Why, why, why don’t you have a kindle version of this book?? I stopped buying physical cookbooks about 8 years ago because my shelves are full of (mostly unused) cookbooks!!I saw Alison on a Saturday cooking show doing a delicious roast chicken with lemons and figs recipe and immediately changed what we were having for dinner that night! Even though we had to substitute dates for the figs (because shopping assistant (aka husband) is really bad at his job) it was SOO GOOD!I’m waiting however for the kindle version as I refuse to contribute to the wasting of the world’s resources on buying even more cookbooks that may or may not get used regularly.Alison, when you ready to join us in the 21st century do let me know and I’ll be first in line to buy a digital copy! If all your recipes are as intuitive and delicious as this I’ll be a fan for life!I will change this review to 5 ⭐️ when I can get a kindle version!

Love love love Alison Roman so much ❤️Have both of her cookbooks and constantly try out new recipes of hers. She makes everything sound so easy and effortless and I love her sense of humour and personality that definitely shine through her beautiful recipes. Highly recommend!

Personally, I think purchasing a cookbook is a success if there is at least one recipe that is amazing and you’d make it regularly (I own many cookbooks and this isn’t as easy as it sounds). This book has a number of recipes that my family loves and I make regularly so I highly recommend it.The book is split into Snack Time (which includes dips and spreads, fruit and vegetables as well as “crunchy things, salty things”), Salads (Leafy Salads, Crunchy Salads and Kind of Salads), Sides (Vegetables and Grains), Mains (Meat, Seafood and Pasts) and After Dinner.So far I’ve made:- the Overnight Focaccia, Tonight, which I used as a deep pizza base; 🤤- the Lemony Turmeric Tea Cake (which I’ve made many times and is DELICIOUS - picture included);- Mustardy Green Beans with Anchovied Walnuts (if you love Anchovies Alison is definitely your girl);- Crispy Vinegared Potatoes with Chilli Paprika (my husband’s favourite);- Slow Roasted Oregano Chicken with Buttered Tomatoes (which is okay but I don’t think you can’t beat Zuni Cafe’s recipe);- Sticky Chilli Chicken with Hot-and-Sour pineapple (I’ve made this many times but I’d recommend reducing the chilli unless you’re fine with your food making you sniffle 🌶 🌶 - picture included);-Coconut-Braised Chicken with Chickpeas and Lime (which was okay but I probably wouldn’t make it again);-Grilled Lamb Shoulder over Garlicky Tomatoes (anything with lots of garlic is 💯 in my book);- Harissa-Rubbed Pork Shoulder with White Beans and Silverbeet (I didn’t like this one);- A Very Good Lasagne (which I liked but my husband doesn’t rate as he likes his Lasagne to include a meat sauce );-Tiny, Salty, Chocolatey Cookies (so rich and delicious)!There are many more recipes I’m keen to try when I get the time (particularly from the vegetable and seafood sections of the book).I also highly rate Nothing Fancy for its writing style ( Alison Roman has a way of writing that makes you feel like she’s sharing her thoughts with a friend rather than adopting a serious writing style) and the photos (photos on virtually every page that are bright, modern and glossy) - so it’s an enjoyable read if you’re buying it as more of a coffee table book than a cookbook.In summary, I highly recommend this book!!

I love Alison! She has delicios and easy to follow recipes in addition to being a very charismatic. Recommend watching her videos as well.

nice

Ich liebe Allison Roman.So viele Rezepte hiervon gemacht, super zugänglich und non pretentious.Ihre Art zu schreiben ist auch wirklich einzigartig.So toll.