Ah ginger cake. Even the McVities Jamaica version has a certain comfort to it doesn't it? This one though is in a different league - it's given me a bit of a longing.
Snap! I've just been making a wonderful HF-W cake (though it's not exactly an 'everyday' one) but we are having his Mexican meatballs from that book tonight. There are very savoury smells coming from the kitchen just now, and I can't wait to try the finished dish. (It is a super book).
Nothing by Simon Hopkinson! I am faint with shock. He is my favourite chef/writer.
Can you ever have too many cookbooks?
My favorite gingerbread recipe sinks a bit in the middle too but if Mr.
F-W isn't worried about his- I won't worry about mine. But, today I think it's going to be peanut butter cookies.
I could be tempted by Hugh F-W, certainly. I've triued some of Sophie Dahl's recipes - she has a column in the Waitrose mag - and while they are tasty, I'm not adding her book to my want-list just yet.
I own books by Simon Hopkinson but I must confess I've never cooked from them ...
No Sarah Raven? I think you would like her - very seasonal, which I love, and her Christmas book is just spiffing!!
Sarah Raven and Rachel Allen have it all covered for me - such clear, unpretentious recipes that really work. And I actually use, rather than just browse, both writers' books. Highly recommended!
I have a fabulous dark sticky ginger cake recipe (found on the internet years ago, so unable to attribute as I should) that doesn't sink, and is a must for anyone who likes dark treacle - would be delighted to share the recipe and see what other people think!
You are tempted by cookbooks in the same manner and same intensity that I am by knitting books.
On my cookbook shelf I have a couple of American standbys: Laurel's Kitchen and Moosewood Cookbook. Both books are vegetarian, and although I am not strictly vegetarian, I love so many of their recipes.
The new Nigel is on my wishlist too. And I liked my browse through Spohie Dahl, which surprised me. Though I am not sure how much I'd cook from it really.
Oh I have a cookery book fetish too, and have succumbed to Tender - you won't be disappointed, it's an absolute delight. And a Must-Have, so don't delay!
It's so nice to know someone else understands! So many lovely new ones coming out now. Just purchased the new Rachel Allen--gulp!
The ginger cake looks delicious, so I think that will have to be my first from the new Hugh! Ginger cake always seems to be the most popular at the allotment cafe.
K x
Just to make you feel better about the new Nigel Slater ... I was telling my friend about a delicious pasta I'd cooked from it, and she - a huge Slater fan - said she'd been making that for years and years, and it was a family favourite. When we compared the detail of the recipe (oniions, sausages, mustards, cream - he did it on the telly a couple of weeks ago), it turned out to be exactly the same recipe, except the earlier one had a bit of chilli too.
Just like you, I'm longing for the warm honey and cake baking book, it's getting so I can't go to Waitrose for fear it will just end up in my basket 
Joanna
Yeah, cookbooks.
I have been known to take a new one to bed and read it like a novel. I do find an alarming trend toward lovely eye candy but not very much substance in some new books. It's good to stick with tried and true authors/chefs.
Btw, my ginger cake recipe sinks, too. Must be the way of ginger cake. And now, darn it, I think I have to make one! (Note to self, mustn't read blogs before breakfast)
I've only just discovered Rachel Allen and am hugely enjoying 'Bake'. I'm going to try her soda bread in the morning and have a jug of milk going sour on my kitchen worktop as I type (looking revolting!)in readiness.
My kitchen bookshelf is overflowing and there seems to be a growing pile on top of my fridge. I love the Hugh F-W Family book too...may have to buy the new one... oh dear...
oh, man... i think i need some new cookbooks!
i absolutely LOVE the warmth a little homemade baked good brings to the home.
your ginger cake looks soooo good. and i bet it smelled fantastic!
Yum! Your post reminds me of licking the treacle spooon when my Mum baked. I loved treacle but haven't bought any for so long.
ooh,warm ginger cakes...I can almost smell them.
I keep looking at Sophie Dahl's book on amazon and try to resist buying it. My resolve is weakening. x
cookbooks are addictive. i go through phases of acquisitions every so often.
i just love to read your posts - they are forever delightful!
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