As someone that doesn't particularly like cooking and that isn't particularly adventurous with it.....this was the best purchase I've made! I already have a shelf full of cook books, Ainsley, Delia, Gordon and other Jamie books included but this is a first book that's actually inspired me to try new things on a regular basis.

The book is so, so easy to follow and the step by step pictures are great. I can't recommend it highly enough for people that feel they need a helping hand in the kitchen. I've already passed a couple of recipes on as well as buying the book for my sister for Xmas who has a phobia of the kitchen!!!

This book is going to do exactly what jamie wants it to!!! I have brought it for my son and i will show him how to cook as mant of the recipies as possible before he goes off to uni,im already telling everyone i know how good it is and im thinking of setting up cookery lessons for people who want to know how to cook simple healthy family meals.keep it up jamie some of us think youre doing a brilliant job

This is the best cook book i have ever purchased 10/10

This is a fab cookbook for anyone. I can cook, but found the recipes great especially the Thai Green Curry, which is amazing, which I did with chicken instead of prawns - I've already "passed it on".

This is a great little book for people who want to nail down some of the basics.

It starts with about 4 pages about the pass it on movement, then goes onto the kitchen equipment essentials and then onto some cupboard essentials.

The book is then broken down into the following chapters;

Twenty- minute meals
Quick pasta
Tasty-stir-fries
Easy curries
lovin' salads
Homely mince
Comforting stews
Family roasts
Delish veg
Quick-cooking meat and fish
Classic fish
Kick-start breakfasts
Sweet things

The book is well put together full of colour, and I would recommend to anyone who wants to start cooking, as long as you have all the equipment you can cook everything in this book. A good gift idea for a student away at uni!

The recipes were bound to be simple due to the line jaime is taking here and i agree with what he is sayin however this book is mostly a personal rant regarding food and whilst i agree with his stance and very much support his ideas revolving around food this book is awful for the reciepes the pictures are distuging i think only two or 3 of the reciepes are worth making to be honest and whilst i understand its a beginners book the are plenty better out there and many which would help you understand the basics better this book should not be viewed as a cookbook but a political rant about food if thats what your after instead of what this book could have been (a great attempt at helping indiviuals learn to cook) then maybe you might enjoy the book although im sure an autobiography might have been more insightful

I have been watching his new series and it makes me wonder just what happens in "normal" or mainstream schools in the UK. I went to a special needs school and there I at least had the opportunity to learn and gain a GCSE in Home Economics. Add to that the fact I am Jewish, so I learnt to cook from my Bubbeh (Grandmother).

I find it shocking that people just can't be bothered to learn how to cook and will eat rubbish day in day out. Cooking is fun, easy and can give you a real sense of pride, especially when you get approval from friends and family.

Just tonight I made the chicken, parmesan cheese and pancetta recipe, adding some asparagus to it. I did it with a basic salad, and it was great.

People can make snide comments about Jamie, calling him unrealistic, ignorant of "normal" peoples lives etc etc, but this man has a heart of gold and wants to see the people of this country eat proper, home made meals.

If you buy a cookbook this year, make this one the one you put in your shopping basket, I have, even thought I can cook well enough for my household.