‘How to Be a Domestic Goddess: Baking and Art of Comfort Food’, (Knopf Canada, 2003) is celebrating the 22nd anniversary of its original publication in the UK this year. There is a reason why this book of comfort cooking still holds pride of place on my bookshelf.
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Tell me a bit about Nigella Lawson
Nigella Lawson is one of Britain’s most beloved food celebrities. She began her career as a journalist and restaurant reviewer. Nigella makes no secret of her unabashed love of eating. What she alway tries to impart in us, the readers, is that cooking and baking should not feel like drudgery but instead be a pleasurable experience. She writes in a friendly, conversational tone and you can imagine she’s sharing her recipes with you as two friends sharing a glass of wine.
A New York Times Bestseller, ‘How to be a Domestic Goddess’ is Nigella’s second book, following on the heels of her breakout hit, ‘How to Eat’. This book focuses on baking and includes both sweet and savoury recipes. The recipes are fairly simple and many can be made with only a handful of ingredients easily found in your local grocers. The pictures in the book offer large, up close photos of the bakes, although not every recipe includes a photo.
Nigella offers a down to earth, unfussy view of food and her recipes reflect a simple ease with consistent results. Nigella herself says in the preface of the book, “…what I’m talking about is not being a domestic goddess, exactly, but feeling like one. One of the reasons making cakes is satisfying is that the effort required is so much less than the gratitude conferred.”
What kind of comfort cooking will I find in this book?
I have baked with this book for several years and have never been disappointed. You’ll find recipes for cakes, tarts, cookies, breads, and savoury pies. Some highlights I have made from the book include: Burnt Butter Brown Sugar Cupcakes which have a wonderful and unique nutty flavour, Lily’s scones which are perfect for afternoon tea, Supper Onion Pie, which I have made time and time again for my own comforting supper.
I have also adapted my recipe, Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins from Nigella’s Jam Doughnut Muffins.
The book even includes a cake made with Coca Cola. Nigella has gained a lot of attention over the years with her various recipes that feature the sweet, sticky soda.
Will I enjoy this book?
This is the book for you if you’re looking for a collection of well written, easy baking recipes. Both novice bakers and seasoned pros will enjoy dipping into this book when the mood to bake strikes.
Have you tried any recipes from this book? Share your favourites in the comments!
Disclosure
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