by Camilla Schneideman (Author), Tara Fisher (Photographer)
Divertimenti Kitchenware Shop was opened in Brompton Rd in 1965 by Camilla's parents, bringing to post-war London quality cooking utensils and beautiful tableware. In 2001, at the newly opened Marylebone High Street branch, Camilla started cookery classes, gaining an understanding of what people wish to cook, what dishes and procedures intimidate them and where confusion sets in when cooking dishes for the first time. In this book she shares her knowledge, giving tips and shortcuts as well as a repertoire of dishes that are simple and stunning. She introduces unusual ingredients, answers most often asked questions, and gives advice on equipment. Many of the dishes can be prepared or even cooked well in advance - chicken roasted in white wine, garlic and herbs, Persian chicken with pomegranates and walnuts and red duck curry, her dad's famous steak and chips, slow cooked lamb shanks with tamarind and dates and simple elegant fish dishes. There is a wide selection of desserts ranging from an orange steamed pudding with thick vanilla-flecked custard and hazelnut meringues to a chocolate mousse with a perfect balance of bitter-sweet.
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 192
Edition: First Edition
Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Published: 10 May 2007
ISBN 10: 0297844423
ISBN 13: 9780297844426
Book Overview: Divertimenti is London's premier cookery and kitchenware shop built up over 40 years and recently expanded to become a food emporium. Since 2001 Divertimenti has run a cookery school - last year with 3,000 students of all ages and interests - which also attract top chefs and cooks as guest teachers. Camilla's cooking is drawn from family background, travels, restaurant training and most recently the Divertimenti cookery school. Camilla comes from a dynasty of cooks and food lovers, her parents, her aunt ran a famous Sydney cookery school, her cousin is a restaurateur, and her brother a very good cook. Divertimenti is now owned by the Aga group (there are three new outlets planned in the UK in 2006) who will support the book.