A while ago I reviewed Rosemary Shrager’s Absolutely Foolproof Classic Home Cooking and loved it, it has become one of those books I refer to all the time when I am cooking. I was pleased when I got sent Rosemary Shrager’s Absolutely Foolproof Food For Family and Friends to review.  This is a book that is aimed at cooking for large gatherings and special occasions, entertaining your family and friends. They are meals that will take time to prepare but are worth the effort you put in.

The book  is quite a substantial book, it has fourteen chapters and an introduction. The introduction explains why Rosemary Shrager wrote the book and her love of cooking shines through. There is also a conversion chart included which converts temperatures and measures from metric to imperial which is very useful. The second chapter looks at kitchen equipment and I have added a couple of items to my kitchen wish list after reading this. It also tells you how to make the best use of your kitchen equipment, telling you the best way to chop and slice for example.

The rest of the book is made up of over 300 recipes. They are grouped into sections which start with Vegetables and goes though Meat and Poultry taking in Game, Meat, Raised Pies and passing onto Fish, Shellfish and Consomme. There are also sections on Curing, Pasta, Polenta and Gnocchi. You are sure to find something you want to cook.

The whole book is full of gorgeous photographs which will make you feel hungry as well as showing you what the finished dish should look like. Twenty of the recipes have photographic instructions which make it very easy to see what you need to do. All of the recipes have very clear simple instructions which are easy to follow. If you are an unsure cook this is a great help as you are not left wondering if you are doing the right thing. Some of the recipes have additional tips and ideas which give you pointers on what to look for and different ideas for serving. I also liked the varieties section with some recipes which gives you pointers on how to vary the basic recipe and make something different.

What I particularly liked was the range of recipes in this book. It goes from simple recipes like Sausage and Caramelised onion to Roast Partridge with cabbage, bacon and apple. Whatever occasion you are cooking for you will find something to make. I am pleased to have this book in my library and am sure I will refer to it over and over again.

Disclosure: I was sent Rosemary Shragers Absolutely Foolproof Food for Family and Friends to review but was not told what to write and my opinions are my own.