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Book Review and chance to win: My Daddy Cooks by Nick Coffer

May 26, 2011 by Katie Bryson 98 Comments

I’ve been genuinely excited about the release of Nick ‘My Daddy Cooks’ Coffer’s blog-titled recipe book.

I stumbled upon Nick’s blog when I first started out as a blogger myself last year, and was instantly won over by the hilarious videos of Nick attempting to cook meals with his toddler Archie. It was the immediate recognition that someone else was going through the same crazy kitchen antics and still managing to produce great family food that really inspired me.

Nick’s a really warm guy and I was lucky enough to be invited to be a guest on his weekend cookery show on Three Counties Radio. He can talk for Britain and has so much energy and enthusiasm for food, it’s like he can’t be anything but a success really.

So onto the book….

Who is it for?

Anyone who wants to whip up a delicious home-cooked meal for their family – with an emphasis on simplicity. Nick calls it “Tuesday evening cooking,” that doesn’t phase someone who’s knackered and quite possibly got little people snapping at their feet.

Fans of Nick’s blog will also be loving the cute pictures of Archie and warm chatty prose from his dad that feature heavily throughout the book.

Recipe count:
100

Easy to follow?
It’s billed as foolproof and toddlerproof so you’d hope so. The section headings are down to earth with titles like Throw It All In (Literally) and (Almost) No Cooking Required, clearly signalling that this book is a welcoming kitchen companion rather than a snooty foodie tome.

The recipes are clearly laid out, with the method in short numbered instructions which I personally prefer to wading through great paragraphs of text which are all too easy to get lost in when you’re under pressure to get dinner ready.

Nick is generous with his guidance if you’re a nervous cook and really holds your hand throughout the recipes. He’s quick to fill you in on little tips like how to remove bones from chicken legs and not to worry if you’ve not got exactly the right amount of ingredients and indeed suggestions of other things to use if you haven’t got them at all.

Family friendly?
Being a parent/foodie blogger, Nick knows his audience so he’s gone for crowd-pleasing classics along with some more adventurous recipes, but none of the ideas are lofty or require culinary skill. He doesn’t sanitise food and feels it important that children should try different tastes and textures – no hidden vegetable sauces here!

You might get the impression from the cover that this is a ‘show your kids how to cook’ type book. It’s not – it’s a book of great family recipes that you can choose to get your kids involved with and Nick makes that very clear from the get-go.

He also makes helpful suggestions of how to adapt the recipes for younger and older tastes, like holding the spices back in a curry or making two versions of the same brownie – rich and a double-indulgent rich.

Most likely to cook
Chinese lettuce wraps – kind of like tacos but with lettuce – sound surprisingly good and would make a fun weekend light lunch.

Bready scrolls look like a great alternative to sarnies for a picnic and there are endless possibilities for fillings.

Feta, mint and pea sauce – One of my favourite flavour combinations in the world – Nick clearly speaks my language!

Oven-baked risotto – I love these kind of unfussy recipes that cut many corners but still leave you with a winning result.

Least likely to cook
Baked cinnamon apples – they have always been unappealing to me – they look like baked spuds gone wrong. Sorry Nick but that’s just a bit too old-school!

Would you buy it for a friend?
I would definitely buy it for someone who had run out of kitchen inspiration in the daily quest for the perfect family meal. There are so many recipes to get through. It kind of reminds me of Jamie Oliver’s Ministry of Food, full of a mix of classics and adventurous ideas but above all approachable and keen to get you cooking from scratch.

Rating out of 10
8

My Daddy Cooks is published on 26 May 2011, Hodder & Stoughton Hardback, £16.99
An enhanced eBook will be available on publication.

WIN WIN WIN!

Nick has kindly agreed to give me TWO copies of his book to giveaway to my readers…

1. For a chance to win please comment on this post telling me what’s your fave fool-proof family meal?

2. For a second chance to win please tweet this post Win family cook book: My Daddy Cooks by Nick Coffer @cookingkt http://wp.me/pU5T8-Jv and comment HERE telling me you have done so along with your twitter username

3. For a third chance to win please follow me @cookingkt on Twitter and comment HERE to tell me you have done so.

This giveaway is open to all readers with a UK mailing address. The winner will be chosen using an online randomiser and announced in a subsequent post. As I am allowing multiple entries the randomiser may choose the same person twice, in this case I shall pick another winner until there are two separate winners.
When commenting please leave your e-mail address so I can contact you if you win.

I am running this competition on behalf of Hodder & Stoughton
who will be responsible for sending the prizes to the winners. Their decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

There is one main way to enter and several ways to get bonus entries. You must leave a separate comment for each bonus entry otherwise they will not be counted.

Closing date: 10pm Thursday, 9th June 2011

Good Luck!

Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton for my review copy of My Daddy Cooks

Filed Under: Book review, Win Tagged With: comfort food, competition, cook book, family favourites, family recipes, feeding boys, giveaway, my daddy cooks, nick coffer, quick recipe, quick supper, Review

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Comments

  1. Jane Willis says

    May 26, 2011 at 7:19 am

    “Caribbean chicken” – not authentically Caribbean but everybody loves it. Chicken, banana and pineapple in a very slightly curried tomato sauce.

    Reply
  2. Erica says

    May 26, 2011 at 7:25 am

    Spag Bol can’t be beat.

    Reply
  3. Erica says

    May 26, 2011 at 7:26 am

    Tweeted @ericahughes

    Reply
  4. Erica says

    May 26, 2011 at 7:26 am

    Following you on twitter.

    Reply
  5. Sally says

    May 26, 2011 at 8:22 am

    It’s really hard not to like Nick and this whole concept of cooking with his small son. Your review and others I have read all seem to agree that there are some excellent no nonsense recipes here (however high falutin your ambitions, we all need these most of the time) and a really nice bloke. It sounds like the perfect book for my teens to cook from.
    If you do pick my comment I can provide a UK address.

    Reply
    • Sally says

      May 26, 2011 at 8:24 am

      Whoops – forgot to add my favourite family proof meal. Keema – spicy enough to please husband, soothing enough for teens (plus it contains peas) and a one-pot meal so I’m happy when time and energy is flagging.

      Reply
  6. Hazel Rea says

    May 26, 2011 at 8:41 am

    Favourite foolproof family meal – turkey casserole (made with fresh turkey pieces, not left over turkey). It can be stretched by adding extra mushrooms etc. if necessary.

    Reply
  7. Hazel Rea says

    May 26, 2011 at 8:42 am

    I have tweeted as @beachrambler.

    Reply
  8. Hazel Rea says

    May 26, 2011 at 8:42 am

    I already follow you on Twitter.

    Reply
  9. Lorraine Gaw says

    May 26, 2011 at 9:27 am

    Pork casserole with cider & wholegrain mustard. So easy as you can pop all the ingredients into the slow cooker (or oven if you prefer) Use whatever veg you like – we tend to use shallots, carrot & swede. Serve with a nice jacket potato – easy peasy. (Plus the pork casserole freezes well – perfect for an ’emergency’ meal!)

    Reply
  10. Lorraine Gaw says

    May 26, 2011 at 9:28 am

    Have tweeted your comp @littlemissnau41

    Reply
  11. Lorraine Gaw says

    May 26, 2011 at 9:29 am

    Already follow you on twitter : )

    Reply
  12. Dorothee Archambault says

    May 26, 2011 at 9:31 am

    My fave fool-proof family meal is a home made quiche. It could be either Lorraine or salmon quiche.
    @Dorothee77

    Reply
  13. Dorothee Archambault says

    May 26, 2011 at 9:33 am

    I have tweeted the comp
    @Dorothee77

    Reply
  14. Dorothee Archambault says

    May 26, 2011 at 9:33 am

    I already follow you on Twitter @Dorothee77 – that’s how I heard about the comp!

    Reply
  15. HELEN JESSUP says

    May 26, 2011 at 10:20 am

    favourite family meal in our house is Roast Chicken dinner – loved by everyone except me, I don’t like roast dinners so I have my chicken on a salad, everyone else eats every scrap.
    I would love to win Nick’s book
    @jessies_online

    Reply
  16. HELEN JESSUP says

    May 26, 2011 at 10:20 am

    I’ve tweeted the comp

    Reply
  17. HELEN JESSUP says

    May 26, 2011 at 10:21 am

    Already following on Twitter

    Reply
  18. Multiple Mummy says

    May 26, 2011 at 10:58 am

    Our favourite foolproof family dinner is fish pie! The kids just wolf it down, but I suppose you can’t beat fish in cheese sauce and mashed potato (with a bit of brocolli sneaked in!) They love it and so do we.

    Have tweeted @MultipleMummy

    Reply
  19. Multiple Mummy says

    May 26, 2011 at 10:59 am

    Have tweeted at @MultipleMummy!

    Reply
  20. Multiple Mummy says

    May 26, 2011 at 10:59 am

    Following you on twitter. x

    Reply
  21. Nina C says

    May 26, 2011 at 4:27 pm

    Has to be cheese and bacon pasta (with home made cheese sauce of course). If no-one can agree on dinner, it’s the alternative everyone enjoys!

    Reply
  22. Nina C says

    May 26, 2011 at 4:27 pm

    Have tweeted (@nc099)

    Reply
  23. Nina C says

    May 26, 2011 at 4:27 pm

    Am following on twitter (@nc099)

    Reply
  24. Sam Cantwell says

    May 26, 2011 at 5:21 pm

    My mix-up mince; basically a mince, onion and tomato combo with any vegetable that you have leftover. This can then be served with pasta, rice or even fresh bread if you add a bit more liquid for the sauce.

    Reply
  25. ali.b. says

    May 26, 2011 at 8:10 pm

    Ooh thank you for the chance to win – I am always looking for inspiration in the kitchen especially for meals that we will all eat. It seems as the kids get older they are becoming more & more fussy!! Whats all that about??? Anyhoo, my family favourite meal is: Chicken dinner .. p.s. how are your york. puds coming on??

    Reply
  26. alittleteteatete says

    May 26, 2011 at 8:12 pm

    Tacos are for sure our go-to meal! So easy and delicious…

    Reply
  27. LouLou says

    June 2, 2011 at 9:31 am

    My favourite dinner is Roast Beef & Yorkshire Pudding(home made of course)

    Reply
  28. LouLou says

    June 2, 2011 at 9:33 am

    Have tweeted you as well @ivan47

    Reply
  29. LouLou says

    June 2, 2011 at 9:35 am

    I am following you on Twitter

    Reply
  30. Rachael G says

    June 2, 2011 at 12:23 pm

    Macaroni cheese is our foolproof recipe!

    Reply
  31. Rachael G says

    June 2, 2011 at 12:24 pm

    Have tweeted the tweet in step 2. (@rachiegr)

    Reply
  32. Rachael G says

    June 2, 2011 at 12:24 pm

    …And I now follow you on Twitter (@rachiegr)

    Reply
  33. Cheryll H says

    June 2, 2011 at 1:02 pm

    Toad in the Hole… nom nom 🙂

    Reply
  34. Cheryll H says

    June 2, 2011 at 1:03 pm

    Have tweeted @pipersky1 🙂

    Reply
  35. Cheryll H says

    June 2, 2011 at 1:04 pm

    Following you on Twitter @pipersky1

    Reply
  36. James Spicer says

    June 2, 2011 at 2:30 pm

    Tweeted @therealspizer

    Reply
  37. Andy p says

    June 2, 2011 at 3:34 pm

    Nice and simple but well loved by the kids…. Pasta Bake with Chicken

    Reply
  38. Ashleigh says

    June 2, 2011 at 7:31 pm

    probably spag bol or cottage pie!

    Reply
  39. Ashleigh says

    June 2, 2011 at 7:31 pm

    i have tweeted as @ashlallan

    Reply
  40. Ashleigh says

    June 2, 2011 at 7:31 pm

    i am following @cookingkt on twitter too as @ashlallan

    Reply
  41. lucy Robinson says

    June 2, 2011 at 9:39 pm

    It’s got to be spag Bol.

    Reply
  42. Donna says

    June 2, 2011 at 10:53 pm

    My Favourite foolproof family meal is Chilli Con Carne with Rice.

    Reply
  43. Pamela Gossage says

    June 3, 2011 at 12:01 am

    Spag Bog is our family favourite

    Reply
  44. Pamela Gossage says

    June 3, 2011 at 12:02 am

    I am following on Twitter

    Reply
  45. Alice Hindley says

    June 3, 2011 at 9:48 am

    Favourite foolproof family meal is Sausage,Beans and Mash

    Reply
  46. Alice Hindley says

    June 3, 2011 at 9:48 am

    I have Tweeted the comp on Twitter

    Tweet me @aesop57

    Reply
  47. Alice Hindley says

    June 3, 2011 at 9:56 am

    I am following @cookingkt on Twitter @aesop57

    Reply
  48. kim says

    June 3, 2011 at 6:36 pm

    we are all a fan of chilli con carne with boiled rice and tortilla chips goes down a treat and if made more than needed gets frozen for another week all the family love it including the lil ones and simple & easy to make

    Reply
  49. Solange says

    June 4, 2011 at 10:45 am

    Spag Bol

    Reply
  50. Isabelle Smith says

    June 4, 2011 at 11:53 pm

    following on twitter 🙂

    Reply
  51. @littleboo_21 says

    June 5, 2011 at 9:46 am

    Lasagne, my family can’t get enough of it

    Reply
  52. @littleboo_21 says

    June 5, 2011 at 9:47 am

    Following you on Twitter

    @littleboo_21

    Reply
  53. Kelly Koya says

    June 6, 2011 at 9:45 am

    Our fav is tex – mex bean lasagne. It’s made with layers of black beans and salsa, alternatived with a mixture of ricotta and mozarella – can be made in minutes and tastes delicious!

    Reply
  54. Julie says

    June 6, 2011 at 10:58 am

    Vegetarian spag bol

    Reply
  55. Sophie says

    June 6, 2011 at 2:42 pm

    My ‘go-to’ meal is probably chilli – either veg or meat. Can make loads at once, it’ll be happy cooking for longer if people are running late, can freeze leftovers, serve it with rice/potatoes, add different things if people are being fussy about certain ingredients… in short, something for everyone!

    Reply
  56. Sophie says

    June 6, 2011 at 2:46 pm

    Oh, and am already following you on twitter

    Reply
  57. Claire Butler says

    June 6, 2011 at 5:49 pm

    My favourite fool proof family meal is cottage pie

    Reply
  58. Claire Butler says

    June 6, 2011 at 5:50 pm

    Im following on twitter @BBDIVA1977

    Reply
  59. Claire Butler says

    June 6, 2011 at 5:50 pm

    I have retweeted @BBDIVA1977

    Reply
  60. ALISON CAMPBELL says

    June 6, 2011 at 7:01 pm

    cheesy pasta is always a quick dinner winner in our house

    Reply
  61. Pearl says

    June 7, 2011 at 10:18 am

    Shepherds pie – nice and easy and yummy every time!

    Reply
  62. Pearl says

    June 7, 2011 at 10:18 am

    I’m following on twitter and have retweeted! @TPAJJA

    Reply
  63. Heather Shaw says

    June 7, 2011 at 11:40 am

    Our standby recipe is quorn chilli. So easy to make yet healthy and filling! @kiki_725 on twitter

    Reply
  64. Heather Shaw says

    June 7, 2011 at 11:41 am

    Tweeted message above @kiki_725

    Reply
  65. Heather Shaw says

    June 7, 2011 at 11:42 am

    I follow you on twitter @kiki_725

    Reply
  66. Fiona M says

    June 7, 2011 at 10:22 pm

    Favourite family meal is a big meaty lasagne!

    Reply
  67. Fiona M says

    June 7, 2011 at 10:22 pm

    I follow you on Twitter
    @Fi_71

    Reply
  68. Fiona M says

    June 7, 2011 at 10:23 pm

    Oh, and I retweeted you!
    (@Fi_71)

    Reply
  69. JoJo says

    June 7, 2011 at 11:21 pm

    Mince & pasta topped with cheese, simple to make & the kids love it!!

    Reply
  70. JoJo says

    June 7, 2011 at 11:21 pm

    Have Retweeted @MrsD_Winchester

    Reply
  71. JoJo says

    June 7, 2011 at 11:22 pm

    Already a follower of you on Twitter 🙂

    @MrsD_Winchester

    Reply
  72. annette hanley says

    June 8, 2011 at 12:17 am

    My favourite fool proof family meal is Baked potatos can be thrown in oven and forgotton about for an hour or zapped in the microwave and filled with what ever you have in the fridge/cupboard.

    Reply
  73. Sarah Allcoat says

    June 8, 2011 at 10:35 am

    My family proof meal is definitely a chilli con carne- vegetarian of course then it appeals to everyone especially if you make it mild. If a huge amount of people turn up it can be expanded upon by serving with nacho’s and guacamole etc..perfect.

    @medsdemon

    Reply
  74. Sarah Allcoat says

    June 8, 2011 at 10:36 am

    I have tweeted your giveaway xx

    @medsdemon

    Reply
  75. Sarah Allcoat says

    June 8, 2011 at 10:36 am

    I have tweeted xx

    @medsdemon

    Reply
  76. Katherine Coldicott says

    June 8, 2011 at 12:23 pm

    My family love curry. As long as you’ve got the basics in the cupboard you can make a quick curry really easily.

    Reply
  77. Lina says

    June 8, 2011 at 1:15 pm

    Spaghetti cheese with spinach in the sauce.

    Reply
  78. Stacey Gahan says

    June 8, 2011 at 3:09 pm

    My family love garlic and chicken pasta bake, never fails.
    Followed and retweeted @pinkxxlaydee

    Reply
  79. Liz Burton says

    June 8, 2011 at 6:03 pm

    My favourite fool-proof meal is pasta with cheese sauce and salmon.

    Can knock it up in minutes, bung in some spinach too for a nod to the five-a-dayers – perfect!

    Reply
  80. Liz Burton says

    June 8, 2011 at 6:04 pm

    Tweeted @missielizzieb

    Reply
  81. Liz Burton says

    June 8, 2011 at 6:05 pm

    Following you on Twitter x @missielizzieb

    Reply
  82. Hazel rush says

    June 8, 2011 at 8:26 pm

    My favourite family meal is lasagne! Everyone always loves it!

    Reply
  83. judithsbooks says

    June 8, 2011 at 8:44 pm

    Casserol – cooked slowly then its full of flavour.

    Reply
  84. judithsbooks says

    June 8, 2011 at 8:45 pm

    Tweeted – @judithsbooks

    Reply
  85. lindsey bluff says

    June 8, 2011 at 8:59 pm

    tweeted this post @mashandsoph

    Reply
  86. lindsey bluff says

    June 8, 2011 at 9:01 pm

    our favourite family meal is homemade pizzas on a scone base with salad, yummy and simple

    Reply
  87. lindsey bluff says

    June 8, 2011 at 9:03 pm

    following you on twitter @mashandsoph

    Reply
  88. Paul Witney says

    June 8, 2011 at 9:33 pm

    We all love roast dinner.

    Reply
  89. Paul Witney says

    June 8, 2011 at 9:34 pm

    Have tweeted – @pepicola3

    Reply
  90. Carolina J. says

    June 8, 2011 at 11:40 pm

    My fave fool-proof family meal is chicken stew.

    Reply
  91. Carolina J. says

    June 8, 2011 at 11:40 pm

    Tweeted! (@pandcands)

    3. For a third chance to win please follow me @cookingkt on Twitter and comment HERE to tell me you have done so.

    Reply
  92. Carolina J. says

    June 8, 2011 at 11:41 pm

    I follow you @cookingkt on Twitter (@pandcands)

    Reply
  93. Angela sandhu says

    June 9, 2011 at 12:30 am

    Good old pasta bolognese! Can’t go wrong xx

    Reply
  94. Angela sandhu says

    June 9, 2011 at 12:31 am

    Tweeted comp @angiesandhu

    Reply
  95. Angela sandhu says

    June 9, 2011 at 12:36 am

    Followed cookingkt on twitter @angiesandhu

    Reply
  96. Sarah Ballantyne says

    June 9, 2011 at 2:48 pm

    Our favourite family meals is fish pie with peas – easy to make, freezes well and everyone loves it.

    Reply
  97. Sarah Ballantyne says

    June 9, 2011 at 2:50 pm

    I am following you on twitter @rugbylovingmum

    Reply

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I’m Katie Bryson – Freelance Food Writer, wife of a strapping vegetarian and mum of two boisterous boys – keeping them all fuelled and trying to stay sane is a daily challenge so I thought I’d share my experiences. Read More...

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