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11th out of 696 books
—
663 voters
How to Be a Domestic Goddess: Baking and the Art of Comfort Cooking
"In Nigellaworld, the kitchen is not a science lab with rigid rules and formulas to follow. It's a place to play, sometimes with your friends and kids.” --Gourmet
Nigella Lawson's How to Be a Domestic Goddess is about not only baking, but the enjoyment of being in the kitchen, taking sensuous pleasure in the entire process, and relishing the outcome. Nigella's deliciously r...more
Nigella Lawson's How to Be a Domestic Goddess is about not only baking, but the enjoyment of being in the kitchen, taking sensuous pleasure in the entire process, and relishing the outcome. Nigella's deliciously r...more
Paperback, 384 pages
Published
September 1st 2005
by Hyperion
(first published August 17th 1998)
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Oh. My. Gosh. This is the definitive book for me. Nigella is not a "chef"--she is a home cook, just like me, like most of us out there. But she is brilliant--funny, mildly goofy (though not over-the-top the way gals like Rachael Ray can be), and extremely intelligent. Her writing is breathtakingly beautiful--these cookbooks read as deliciously as the recipes they serve up.
And as for the title... I've had all sorts of reactions, mostly from women, which astound me. I find that some kinds of wome...more
And as for the title... I've had all sorts of reactions, mostly from women, which astound me. I find that some kinds of wome...more
Jan 13, 2011
Kristi
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
a baker, a butcher, a candlestick maker
Shelves:
cookbooks
Lawson is a real woman. She eats...bad things and good things. She makes cakes for her children that look like a real cake. She invents things, avoids prepackaged foods and best of all she has hips.
Her recipes are British which is very obvious, but they are not too weird to try once. Her cakes are delicious. The Dense Chocolate Loaf Cake is our favorite...its been made for gifts..for cravings and for the hell of it. Pair this with some really good raspberry jam and its is divine.
I especially enj...more
Her recipes are British which is very obvious, but they are not too weird to try once. Her cakes are delicious. The Dense Chocolate Loaf Cake is our favorite...its been made for gifts..for cravings and for the hell of it. Pair this with some really good raspberry jam and its is divine.
I especially enj...more
Jan 12, 2008
Samantha
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
anybody who's interested in baking.
Shelves:
food-and-cookery
I have cooked out of almost all of Nigella's books (not Nigella Express though) but this is always my favourite and the first one I give as a gift! I bought the book years ago in Scotland because I just loved the title. I made the banana bread and have never looked back since. The recipes are consistently good and sometimes fantastic, her writing is delightful and she makes cooking feel like something you share with her. It's the sort of cookbook you cook from, read in bed and refer to constantl...more
It's not that practical. The recipes call for too many hard to find, can't get in west Texas, expensive ingredients. I would have liked a photo of every recipe. The photos in the book are full page and glossy, which is nice if you plan to leave it on your coffee table, but how about a half page photo and get all of them. The food in this book would be nice for a birthday or other special occasion, but do you want to spend $20+ for that? I was lucky I borrowed it from a friend.
Oct 31, 2010
Dayna
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Fans of Nigella Lawson
Shelves:
at-the-library
I love watching Nigella Lawson's cooking show(s). I like her personality and the way she talks about what she's making. I like her word choices and the cadence of her speech. And her passion for good food (whether it's actually good for you or not) is contagious. I always end up smiling as I watch her. That said, I don't think her personality and speech translate well in print. While reading How to Be a Domestic Goddess I took the time to thumb through (quite thoroughly) a few of Lawson's other...more
I must add the caveat that I haven't actually made any of the recipes but the cookbook is divine. I love the philosophy of doing things not out of sheer necessity but because they make you feel like a goddess! The photos are mesmerizing and maybe its just because I'm on a diet but every recipe looked soooo good! Next cheat day I'm totally making one of these recipes but which one? hmmm. I loved reading her thoughts on food. An example of such charm and whimsy..."When I am fiddling about in the k...more
"Lovely to look at/A pleasure to hold..."
I love to look at this book, but that's about all I've done with it. I might have tried a recipe or two after I first bought it. In fact, I'm sure I did. It's been so long, though, I don't really remember what I thought. All I know is I was seduced by its rich bronze pages and lovely photo styling and when I saw it in the store I had to take it home with me. But now it's the kind of cookbook that mostly sits on my shelf and collects dust. The problem with...more
I love to look at this book, but that's about all I've done with it. I might have tried a recipe or two after I first bought it. In fact, I'm sure I did. It's been so long, though, I don't really remember what I thought. All I know is I was seduced by its rich bronze pages and lovely photo styling and when I saw it in the store I had to take it home with me. But now it's the kind of cookbook that mostly sits on my shelf and collects dust. The problem with...more
Within the first fifteen minutes of reading this cookbook, my stomach was growling like a bear out of hibernation, and I was salivating like I'd lost control of my jaw. Halfway through the book and I was ready to get arm-deep in pastry.
Nigella has a way with words that truly puts her book in the gastroporn genre. She describes food with such eroticism that it evokes an almost carnal hunger within you. Add to that the dreamy, bright photos of the food - the picture of Lily's Scone is my favourit...more
Nigella has a way with words that truly puts her book in the gastroporn genre. She describes food with such eroticism that it evokes an almost carnal hunger within you. Add to that the dreamy, bright photos of the food - the picture of Lily's Scone is my favourit...more
If any of you know me well, you know that I worship Nigella Lawson. I adore her way of writing and how her cookbooks are also a good book you can fall into as she describes why and how she does all she does. I love her style of writing and her love of food without any apologies. If I could meet one person, it would be her. Her cookbooks are awesome, though I really feel like I would only attempt to make maybe half (or less) of the stuff in it. While I say that, every time I look through them (wh...more
I've had this cookbook for a long time, but recently reccommended it for my bookclub, and it was really fun to discuss. I love the writing: that sometimes in the kitchen "we don't want to feel like a postmodern, postfeminist, overstretched woman but, rather, a domestic goddess, trailing nutmeggy fumes of baking pie in our langorous wake." Or that our first pie is like a first kiss and suffuses us "with heady satisfaction." Or that a woman who bakes her own bread "can see herself in an almost bib...more
I've actually read this book twice, with a five year gap between. Five years ago, I thought, "Wow, this stuff looks incredible--and there's absolutely no way I'll ever be able to cook like this." This time around, I threw together three recipes before the book was due back at the library. All three turned out fantastic, and they were pretty easy.
As you might surmise, I don't recommend this book for those just starting out in the world of cooking. It's not that the recipes are particularly hard....more
As you might surmise, I don't recommend this book for those just starting out in the world of cooking. It's not that the recipes are particularly hard....more
essential--ESSENTIAL-- reading.
not only can nigella craft a mean recipe, but she's also a witty, smart, and engaging writer. more than a cookbook, something to keep by the bedside for digestif + good book time.
not only can nigella craft a mean recipe, but she's also a witty, smart, and engaging writer. more than a cookbook, something to keep by the bedside for digestif + good book time.
Maybe I am being bias.. but her recipe for snickerdoodles in here is terrible. I have to pass on the rest of the recipes since she couldn't come up with a good recipe for my favorite simple cookie.
1 like · like · see review
A Wonderful cookbook. Not too fussy, not too complicated. I have not found a bad recipe in the lot.
I usually make something from this when I need tasty food that will impress
I usually make something from this when I need tasty food that will impress
First of all, I have to say this - this woman is nuts! She may be a great cook and a very nice person, I don't know, but honestly, she is nuts.
This book, in case you couldn't tell right away, is about baking. She sets it up in several categories: cakes, cookies, bread, pies, Christmas, etc. The pictures are wonderful. But the writing? Wow. It's hard to tell you just how bad it is. So here's an example.
"Coconut Macaroons. These are a very English kind of macaroon, the sort you always used to see...more
This book, in case you couldn't tell right away, is about baking. She sets it up in several categories: cakes, cookies, bread, pies, Christmas, etc. The pictures are wonderful. But the writing? Wow. It's hard to tell you just how bad it is. So here's an example.
"Coconut Macaroons. These are a very English kind of macaroon, the sort you always used to see...more
Nigella's HTBADG is my baking bible! Her recipes are simple yet delicious, and I love her little descriptions and anecdotes about each recipe.
Regular favourites of mine are: the Lemon-Syrup Loaf Cake, Banana Bread, Dense Chocolate Loaf Cake and American Breakfast Pancakes. Her Christmas Pudding has also been VERY popular the past 2 Christmases with my family!
I made the Dense Chocolate Loaf Cake for my little sister's 11th birthday to share with her class at school and I'm told the entire class d...more
Regular favourites of mine are: the Lemon-Syrup Loaf Cake, Banana Bread, Dense Chocolate Loaf Cake and American Breakfast Pancakes. Her Christmas Pudding has also been VERY popular the past 2 Christmases with my family!
I made the Dense Chocolate Loaf Cake for my little sister's 11th birthday to share with her class at school and I'm told the entire class d...more
I bought this book recently and I am currently cooking from it. I absolutely LOATHE the flowery language Nigella Lawson uses to give backstory to recipes but in general I hate it when cookbook authors provide backstory - I like to keep to the facts and practical tips. I also loathe her as a TV personality. However, say what you will about her, her recipes are good and reliable. Don't go thinking that Coca Cola Chocolate cake is just a novelty - it's actually a damn good cake! So in short, great...more
This is a lovely book. Lawson has such a clear and unpretentious tone to her writing, bringing you into her world within the short space of the recipe descriptions. This book covers a wealth of hearty and heart warming recipes that are fantastic to have at hand if you have family or friends coming over. The recipes are well laid out into common sense sections (something that other Lawson books have not achieved as well). One thing I particularly like about Lawson's writing is that she openly dec...more
I'm not really sure how to review a cookbook. I have been in a baking frezy this week - it makes me feel productive or something. Anyway, I made the Dense Chocolate Loaf Cake from this book last night. It is AMAzing! I dare you to make the recipe and not eat at least half the loaf!!!!!!!!!
One side note - Nigella is wonderfully poetic about food in all her recipes which I enjoy. BUT her recipes are a little vague sometimes so read it through two or three times to make sure you have the procedure...more
One side note - Nigella is wonderfully poetic about food in all her recipes which I enjoy. BUT her recipes are a little vague sometimes so read it through two or three times to make sure you have the procedure...more
This is my first Nigella Lawson cookbook and I'm addicted. So far, I've only made one recipe- Fairy Cupcakes. They're fabulous and simple, too! I didn't like cupcakes before- now I do. Another reason I like this book is the title. Obviously the hardcore feminists who hate the book because of the "degrading" title haven't made these cupcakes and they're jealous. Get over yourself and try this book- if you're willing to get a little soft around the middle from your tasty creations :)
I am really sorry if you are feeling inundated with info from me. Just delete! I'm updating my account with everything I can remember right now; it's not like I've read all of these this week. :)
This was a wedding gift from one of Matthew's friends who knew I needed some cooking abilities up my sleeve to please Mr. Lampros. The photos are artful and the premise is nice but the recipes are too out-there for my taste. She loves to add pistachios to EVERYTHING!
This was a wedding gift from one of Matthew's friends who knew I needed some cooking abilities up my sleeve to please Mr. Lampros. The photos are artful and the premise is nice but the recipes are too out-there for my taste. She loves to add pistachios to EVERYTHING!
I love to bake, but have been uninspired to make anything for a while now. I cracked open this book and the next thing I know I'm pulling Baklava Muffins out of the oven. I checked this book out of the library, but the first chance I get I'm going to buy it. Every other page had something I wanted to try. The best part is, Nigella does such a good job of making every recipe sound do-able, seducing you with her vivid imagery, that it takes a lot of the intimidation out of it. There are a few ingr...more
With a couple of tweeks to certain recipes I have come to adore this book. It is filled with tasteful beautiful desserts, easy treats for tots and the occassional breakfast and dinner staples. The dnner staples more English than Amrican...I am not one for English dinner dishes.
Nigella or her publisheralways makes sure her recipes are written well with amazing pictures. She is by far one of my favorites for cookbooks.
Nigella or her publisheralways makes sure her recipes are written well with amazing pictures. She is by far one of my favorites for cookbooks.
May 07, 2011
Kim
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
cookbooks,
cookbooks-baking
I bought this book years ago on the strength of one recipe : a fruit cake containing dried pears and marzipan. Since then it has become battered and splattered with use. I've made lots of things from it, although these days I don't really need to look at the book itself that much anymore, as I know by heart the recipes I use the most. A great addition to the bookshelf of anyone who loves baking.
Mmmmm NIgella you are almost as scrumptious as your recipes! A delicious, sensual celebration of food without worrying about skimping on the fat or sugar or other such delicious naughtiness. Comfort cooking is one of my mamma specialities and nothing makes me feel more like a goddess than seeing the smiling chocolate crumb covered faces of my family around my dining room table.
Who knew a cookbook would make for an excellent bookclub discussion book? There are a few more recipes I'd like to try, but out of hundreds of recipes, a few makes it seem as if Nigella and I have different food tastes. Her dislike of chocolate was the first sign. Then there is my desire for all desserts rich and over-the-top decadent. I found her writing style refreshing, albeit a bit confusing at times. I did "feel the fear and cook it anyway." (p. 134) In the end, I loved her philosophy on be...more
Every recipe I have tried from Nigella Lawson's books turned out delicious, but reading the recipes was just as wonderful as eating the food. She has a wonderful knack for drawing you into the kitchen with her and experiencing every sensation. She is a witting and eloquent writer and her passion for food is shared on every page and in each bite.
Though the recipes in here are very good, for me the joy is more about Nigella's attitude and lifestyle that really come through in her writing. Great ideas for holiday baking, even if you go to a different cookbook for a better recipe. (I.e. Fairy cakes in this book come out too dry; but my daughter and I use the name for our cupcakes!)
I love this book, for the recipes, the hints and the warmth of tone in nigella's writing. She makes me feel like I could make these beautiful dishes and be the perfect hostess, and I would definitely want her here to give me the encouragement and a helping hand! I get the feeling she'd have a cocktail or two with my guests too!
A favorite for when I'm feeling like slightly adventurous baking. Been experimenting with the Christmas puddings and cakes, though I'm the only person of my acquaintance that likes fruitcakes, so that's a high calorie endeavor. The dense chocolate loaf cake is really easy, quick, and amazing.
I love her descriptions ("mix til it's a shaggy mess"), which I've heard is how she talks on TV too, though I've never seen her.
I love her descriptions ("mix til it's a shaggy mess"), which I've heard is how she talks on TV too, though I've never seen her.
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Nigella Lawson is the daughter of former Conservative cabinet minister Nigel Lawson (now Lord Lawson) and the late Vanessa Salmon, socialite and heir to the Lyons Corner House empire, who died of liver cancer in 1985. Lawson attended Godolphin and Latymer School and Westminster School before graduating from Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, with a degree in Medieval and Modern Languages.
Lawson wrote a r...more
More about Nigella Lawson...
Lawson wrote a r...more
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20 fév. 09:31