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In Search of Perfection
by Heston Blumenthal

Synopsis
"Perfection" is an eight-part prime-time TV series, hosted by Heston Blumenthal. The series focuses on eight classic dishes - Fish and Chips, Bangers and Mash, Spag Bol, Risotto, Roast Beef, Steak and Salad, Pizza and Treacle Tart and Ice Cream. Heston will look at the provenance of these dishes, how to source the best ingredients and what to look for, and of course, how to cook them to 'perfection'. This tie-in book of the same name contains, all Heston's recipes for the classic dishes, and all his hints and tips on how to cook the very best ingredients, as well as fascinating information on the background to these dishes.

Worthwhile and provocative
Reviewer: Brian Ingram

Is this using Steingarten's style or is Blumenthal just another good food writer with interesting ideas?

I saw the TV programs before the book so I had expectations and knew the subject matter. I found the book provocative . . . its recipe ideas certainly giving me pause for thought. Those I've tried have been successful but as yet I do not have the confidence to try his Roast Chicken. Time will tell.

Perfect
Reviewer: Mr M Randall

This is not a cook book, its something else. Usually you expect a cook book to have tons of recipes & ideas in but not this one. Its has maybe 8 recipes yet the book is as thick as any you would normally buy.

Heston has gone back to basics & stripped down old favourites like fish & chips and has looked at everything to do with what makes the best . . . perfect fish & chips.

This is no for the amateur cook I feel its more for the food enthusiast. This is a fascinating read and a book that is bursting with hints & tips that actually you can apply to all sorts of dishes.
alike.

Do not be put off this book by thinking it will be a load of science rubbish its actually a book that should fascinate all food enthusiast and keen cooks.

I found perfection after reading this book!
Reviewer: Poonam

This book taught me so much I never knew about cooking! I thought I was a master chef but I had not learned the fine art of roasting hamsters or frying frogs ears until I read this book! so my life has been changed and I have now found perfection! Also another plus. . . I met the man of my dreams after reading this book and trying out its expert ideas because he fell in love with me AND with my cooking! So anyone who wants to find their one and only true love should BUY THIS BOOK! It guarantees that you'll find the love of your life within a week OR YOU'LL GET YOUR MONEY BACK! I cant think of a better way to spend your money!

Buy his previous book
Reviewer: R Loxley

This book is interesting and good, for the dishes covered. I would however highly recommend his previous book, Family Food, as a better, wider ranging book and introduction to his cooking.

A breath of fresh air
Reviewer: T M. Tegg

At last a "cookery" publication that isn't all about over inflated chefs' egos and how to make a meal look Michelin starred. No Antony (I cant really cook) Worrall Thomson and no Gordon (my way is best or I'll smash your face in) Ramsay. Just an honest chef with an honest knowledge and passion for food. Not just the cooking but the origins and history of the recipes and ingredients. It is this concept within it that make this one of the most readable cookery books I have ever picked up, actually quite riveting almost like a classic novel. Waiting to see where Heston's unstoppable curiosity would take him next. Although maybe some of the techniques might be a little beyond the average home cook. A Dyson hoover to make a Black Forest Gateaux? I ask you, not every home owns a Dyson! However Hestons tales of his travels especially make for some fantastic reading almost a culinary version of Michael Palins "Around the world in eighty days" I would without reservation recommend this book to anyone even the non budding chefs amongst us.

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If you want to order a copy of the book - click here (UK)

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