River Cottage Fish Book Review

This is my review on Amazon.

The best fish cookery books are written by fishermen and fishmongers. My favourite fish cookery books so far have been from Sophie Grigson and William Black, Philip Diamond, Mitchell Tonks and Alan Davidson. All really know their fish because they get out there and catch them, or deal with fresh fish for a living. Now Hugh and Nick join that select band of my favourite fishy authors for the same reason - they know and love fish, from the bottom of the sea to the plate. They write informatively, humorously and passionately, and the reader can't help wanting to pick up a rod or net and get involved. Don't expect fussy recipes: these are best cooked in a farmhouse kitchen or a fishing boat galley, and eaten with your fingers. But they will taste fabulous. Don't expect too many recipes for boring old cod or salmon either, as Hugh and Nick explore nearly all British edible species that swim or crawl. This is a big book, and hugely readable. The authors are both very passionate about sustainable fishing, and offer useful tips to help conserve the more pressurised species, and provide every reason to try alternatives that are right on our doorstep. Buy this book, you will not regret it. (Click here, even!)

River Cottage Catch and Cook e-Course

I confess, I enjoy cooking. Particularly when the ingredients are fresh and free, and don't involve a lot of fuss and bother. My ideal meal would be fish I'd caught; veggies from the garden; cooked and eaten al fresco. So Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall is a man I can relate to (in a heterosexual way of course). I have enjoyed his Channel 4 programs and bought the original River Cottage Cookbook, so when he announced he was combining his interest in fishing with cooking, producing a TV series and a book, I was first in the queue. I bought the book from the River Cottage web site and they threw in a free on-line "Catch and Cook" course. Although there was nothing new in the "catch" part - in fact I disagree with some of his ideas - the preparation and cooking content is excellent. I wouldn't pay the £20 list price for the course, but as it is free, and the book is discounted by a fiver too, then go for it! My next project, when the weather improves, is to build a Hugh F-W Cold Smoker....