I have been thinking more about ‘Nigella Express’ and my initial negative thoughts towards it, and I must admit that it has slowly started to grow on me.
Somebody (I’m sorry I can’t remember who it was!*) made a very valid comment, that, as a ‘stand alone’ book, Nigella Express doesn’t really stand out, but when it takes it’s place as part of Nigella’s collection it suddenly becomes more valid and important.
For example, on days when I want to stay home baking, pottering about, I turn to ‘How to be a domestic Goddess’. On days when I want lighter, Sunnier food I turn to ‘Forever Summer, and therefore on days when I don’t have time to breathe, let alone sit, but still need to produce a hot meal for 5, I can turn to ‘Nigella Express’.
Plus, for a book which I felt exceedingly negative about, I’ve still managed to make 16 recipes from it in the space of about a fortnight!
Carrying on with my points counting, I made two much lower pointed recipes than the ‘mellow meatballs’ and both were fantastic – 10 out of 10!
The chicken liver salad took next to no time to prepare and was fabulous, with a points value of only 7.
The mirin glazed salmon is THE best, quickest salmon recipe ever!! With a points value of 5 (excluding the rice!)
There are parts of Nigella Express which I can’t reconcile myself with- jar of pasta sauce anyone?
Too lazy to peel an onion? Open a jar of caramelized onions then!)
I feel that Nigella could still have kept her recipes ‘express’ without resorting to these convenience ingredients…
But, never say never, especially with me 🙂
Also, can I just add – I have nothing against jars of pasta sauce, caramelized onions, or bags of pre-prepared vegetables (I use them all the time) It’s just that I never thought I’d see them in a Nigella book.
Oh, and just so you know that I’m trashy as can be – I use dried onion in boxes constantly, maybe I should email Nigella, perhaps she hasn’t discovered them, LOL!
*Snicolilla
At Anna’s Kitchen Table 
If it’s not good as a ‘stand alone’ book, best to view it then in the larger picture. I’m inspired by you having 16 of the recipes under your belt. Ever since you mentioned the WWs chocolate mint bars, I’ve been thinking about joining…lol. Lea xxx
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Anna, I just blogged about the salmon too.. Haha. :)My first opinion of NE is that I LOVE IT, but I can’t justify eating so many rich things… even if I portion it out, I’d think I would get in two spoonfuls, and I simply can’t eat that way. I think NE will be my indulgences book. I so wish I could join in on the fun, but will have to live vicariously I think. Or I just have to have more parties or fatten up my coworkers… LOL.xoxoIlana
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Lea – Those chocolate mint bars are reason enough to join WW, ha ha!Ilana – I’m SO glad that you LOVE Nigella Express!! There’s no better feeling than falling head over heels with a new cookbook (well, maybe there is, but you know what I mean…) I’ll go and see your blog now…
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Chicken liver salad??!! That does it! I must have this book! But I absolutely agree about jarred pasta sauce. Not buying it. I just won’t.
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You are doing so well Anna, sticking to your points 🙂 Great food too :)I did buy a jar of pasta sauce for the chilli recipe. It was a good chilli, but it felt very strange buying something that has never seen the light of day in my kitchen before! I’ll use some of Giada’s marinara next time ;)KJxx
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KJ, I’m making the chilli with the jarred pasta sauce tonight! :-)I don’t think it would have been too much hassle to simply fry off a few veg and add a jar of tomato passata instead though.xx
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I’m so curious about this book, it’s eating away at me. Anna, do your kids eat liver? It’s never made an appearance at my table, but I might give it a go!
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I love liver Sandy, as does hubby, but none of my kids do!
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Anna, I’m glad it’s growing on you! I never buy jarred sauce either, but yes, the chili was fab. And yes, with more time ahead, one can of course make the sauce from scratch!
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Hi Anna, I know this is really late on the scene, but I am so glad to finally read this post. I couldn’t agree more about the book being a part of a ‘collection’ for us foodies, but I am sure those less inclined to cooking would appreciate it where they might find nothing in (say) HTBADG. In any case, right now – with a clingy babe, ALL the shortcuts are a welcome addition to me:) LOL I love the caramelized onions for instance, but agree if I can take the time to do the extra step (for me that’s dicing veg rather than buying pre-cut which I’ve not seen) well and good:D I am sure Nigella is happy for us to have the ‘express’ stop at a station here and there;)
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