Ainsley Harriott's Meals in Minutes

well done ainsley, when's the next one out! This is my fave cook book by far, I especially love the Chicken Chou Mein (which sent the plumbers tastebuds reeling) and Chicken Acupulco dishes, I even cooked liver for the first time with the help of a superb port and sour cream sauce! Many of these recipes have been added to my favourite list of dishes to impress and in half the time! On the bad side, I'm running out of new dishes to cook so hurry up and write a second one....!

Great recipes, but not as quick as suggested (15/17 people found this helpful)

There really are some great recipes in here. The Jazz and Spice Shepherd's Pie is a (fattening) favourite of ours. His quick noodles dishes are excellent. And I just loved the Lemon Caramel Strawberry Meringues.

But I have a problem with this book, and it rather centres around its whole concept. The meals are meant to be very quick. Now even allowing for my relaxed style of cooking most of his timings are WAY out. The preperation times in particular are just way off and I can't help but think the timings are based on how quickly HE can chop vegetables. Anyone who has seen him cook on TV will know that like most of the TV chefs they chop FAST! Of course they do! They're professionals! Mere mortals like me have to chop slower to avoid cutting ourselves.

So, my suggestion to Ainsley would be, next time, get an ordinary everyday person to time the preperations for you. Until then folks, double the preperation times - at least!

Ainsley I wish I could kiss you!!! (20/22 people found this helpful)

For my entire 12 year marriage, I have been unable to cook well enough to please my husband , who demands perfection and perfect seasoning in his meals, he would usually hover over me and try to spice up whatever bland food we might be having!! I would be so hurt whenever he tried to interfere with my cooking, I wanted to prove to him that I can cook!!!

WELL!!!
I can now buy the freshest food, at a much cheaper cost, I might add, and wait until I get home and just throw something fabulous together the seasoning is perfect(Ainsley, you don't know how important finding you books has been in our house hold) .
And the variety is awesome( I speak of Barbecue Bible and Gourmet Express too). Unfortunately Gourmet Express 2 is unavailable in the US.

I finally feel like a GREAT cook!! Sorry Better Homes and Gardens, Joy of Cooking and yes even Julia Child!! I could not make hits out of those recipes!!!NOW I feel so empowered and I love shopping fresh every day and these recipes use so many of the same ingredients for different recipes; coriander, sour cream creme fraiche , asian sauces!! We have saved a bundle in groceries as well and take out is almost a non existent thing in our house, but of course it is always nice for a nice night out!!!
For our little family here in the US, trying desperately to keep our money in the bank and still enjoy life, this find has been a revelation!! I hated the American notion that you must cookand freeze large quantities or go to the super stores and stock up with enough food to fill your entire pantry!!AWESOME!! Cannot say enough!!!

excellent easy to use cookbook (6/7 people found this helpful)

I found the "meals in minutes" recipes easy to follow and quick to make. tasty meals at the end of a long day at work are a welcome change!
Can't wait for more recipes!

Fail Safe (13/13 people found this helpful)

Every recipe we have tried from this book has been great - unlike many of the cookery books we own (DELIA!) it is not 'trial and error' to make these dishes work. Just as good for dinner parties as for regular meals - they're always tasty, easy and successful. We love this book! If you only have one recipe book - buy this one.

Ainsley Harriott's Meals in Minutes