Delia's How to Cheat at Cooking - Books (Delia Smith, Hardcover)

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Customer Reviews of Delia's How to Cheat at Cooking

Andrea Smith
London, UK
14th November 2008

Uninspiring
After reading the very mixed reviews on this page I was eager to see what all the fuss was about with this book. I am not overly concerned about the whole argument on whether or not it is right or wrong to cheat at cooking - although I might add that I am surprised at the anger from those who sit firmly in the latter camp (if you feel so strongly about it, why on earth would you buy a book entitled 'how to cheat at cooking' in the first place?) Personally, I bought the book on the basis that it might provide me with some after-work ideas for a quick meal. Flicking through the book, I have only really come across a couple of recipes that appealed to me and most of them contained so many specific ingredients that I felt it was not worth the bother. The ones with a shorter list of ingredients seemed to be so pointless as I felt it easier and cheaper to just buy the dish in a ready made version! Sorry, Delia, I know you are trying to move with the times, and I for one appreciate that, but I couldn't get on with this book, it's definitely not one of your best or one of my favourites.

A. Essex
UK
5th November 2008

Cheese, cheese and more cheese!
Far too many of the recipes in this book contain cheese - which I hate. Looking through the book I only like the look of two recipes and one of them is a cake!

Also, I wish it would give alternatives e.g so I could substitute my mashed potatoes for the frozen ones listed.

Book was bought as a gift and is now on the shelf at the local charity shop.

john
United Kingdom
4th October 2008

WHen "young Delia" was the cooking edge
The original "How to Cheat at cooking " has had an honoured place in our kitchen for 30 years. It was full of great corner cuts based on readily available products and the cheat s worked, like all Delia stuff - This original book didn't depend on which supermarket you used- no corporate recommendations here - just great ways to produce good dishes and sauces with less effort and relatively wholesome ingredients - the new book is different , fun sure, but sooo corporate, - seek out the old one(even as a collectable item it will still be cheaper) and rekindle your faith as well as getting quick dishes people admire on the table

Dendera
UK
8th July 2008

Poor book, not useful, read back of the packets and save your money
I don't care to get into the controversy over whether or not this is part of this food movement or whether it sends the right message... all I wanted to know when I read it was whether Delia presented simple, day-to-day recipes that I could use when I was in a hurry and wanted something nice for the family.

Totally disappointed. Why? -- very simple: I do not need to spend money on a book to tell me to read the back of the packet of pre-packaged foods in the supermarket.

I don't have anything against the occassional use of a ready meal or a frozen ingredient, but why would I want to spend money for a batch of recipes that basically tell me nothing more than the information on the packaging tells me: open, pour, stir in a can of...

I returned this book for a full refund. Useless.

MISS KIRSTY FM STUART

31st May 2008

I haven't had the heart to say I cheated!!
I'm really impressed with this book mainly for the reason that it's been my saviour recently for last minute meals that I've had to prepare for visitors. I haven't had the heart to say I've cheated but I've had nothing but compliments for the food, even from my fiancee who can't stand capers!
I recommend this for real kitchen cheats who want to guarentee a tasty meal. If you want to sit back and take the full credit yourself, try something else!
It's also good value at the moment. I've not seen it cheaper anywhere else.