Nothing Fancy: Recipes and Recollections of Soul-Satisfying Food

by Diana Kennedy

The author shares her favorite recipes for appetizers, soups, vegetables, salads, fish, meat, poultry, breads, preserves, and desserts

Genres: Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Food, Memoir, Food and Wine

262 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Prima Seadiva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Library book, new edition. It was an interesting read. Diane Kennedy is renowned for her Mexican cookbooks bringing that cuisine in all its variety to the attention of Americans when it was unknown to many except as t.v. dinners. I still have and use my copy of "The Tortilla Book" purchased in 1974
Her recollections are filled with strong opinions and rants about food and life some of which I agreed with some not so much. But hey, I can relate. I've grown into an irascible old lady have my rants too, I'm just not a well known one.
I enjoyed the recollections, perhaps more than many of the recipes but those were interesting to peruse. The ones I liked best were the very simplest ones, like the Sautéed Spinach, Anchovy and Walnut Winter Salad and Brown and Wild Rice Salad plus the various preserves. To me many of the meat recipes were more fancy (and today more expensive) than I would do but were interesting reading.

[Lauren Tennet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read two books in the last six months from very opinionated, English-raised, Americas-living women and they are just great. Diana Kennedy is clear on what she values and likes and I trust her because of her dedication to her craft; to her passion for good food from the good earth. Her recipes are clear and she has obviously spent a lot of time and energy recreating very specific textures and tastes that appeal to her. The title of the book is pretty misleading, though. I think a lot of these recipes are easy enough to put together technique-wise (although she does call for making quenelles in one…) but it’s the ingredient sourcing that’s definitely more on the “fancy” end. I am delightfully haunted by the recipe for beef muzzle (gelatinous?! Vinegar-y?! Herby!?) and all the Christmas cakes and puddings. (Whoever said English cooking is boring just simply doesn’t understand the necessity of boozy, heavy cakes under a broody, winter sky.)

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another book where I simply have to say, "it's not you, it's me." Diana Kennedy has long been highly regarded as a food writer. She is also considered to be the 'Grand Dame of Mexican Cuisine.' I picked up this collection hoping to be inspired by mouth-watering, easy-to-prepare recipes. This didn't happen. So instead of using Nothing Fancy for its recipes, I read its prose cover-to-cover. I found the writing to be compelling. Diana Kennedy knows food. She also has strong opinions and no patience to suffer fools. If you do pick up this book, definitely read My Bête Noires. Whether it be about Kosher salt, brining, low-fat dairy products or putting chocolate chips in oatmeal cookies, Diana doesn't hold back. It felt like chatting with a witty, passionate, slightly judgemental friend (you know the one). Agree with her or not, you can't help but come away feeling enlightened.

[Laura Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the author's sense of humor, but she still sounds very cranky. I would hate to make food for her. Also, I guess I'm not committed enough to find a vet friend to get cuts of meat...or render my own pork fat. But I DID find her stories of growing up in WWII era England to be fascinating and learning the old school way of making things is fun in theory. I would never TRY any of these things. But it's fun to read about.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Watch the documentary to get the full picture, I read the explanations, haven’t tried the recipes yet… a truly unique woman, I would love to be that active at 95!

[Dray · Rating 3 out of 5]

IMHO not her best book. I found it curiously unfocused. Having so much enjoyed her more Mexican recipe oriented books this one did not shine for me.