So it’s been nearly a month since I was given the definitive Spanish cookery book, 1080 Recipes by Simone and Ines Ortega I’ve had some time to peruse and use the tombe and must say I’m very impressed.

Spanish food seems to have been sadly ignored for some time. However it is now picking up a reputation for good ingredients and innovation, not least due to the incredible popularity (best restaurant in the world?) of El Bulli.

Living rather frugally we don’t eat out much and when we do its generally the odd grilled aubergine, bocadillo or seafood. Things simple and tasty. Eating in Spanish homes has been an occasional treat and walking round the village at lunchtime is an exciting nasal fiesta – what’s not to love about woodsmoke, boar and garlic?

On the mountain we love eating good food and I love to cook so I was very pleased with this gift. On first inspection I admit to being a bit overwhelmed really – 1080 recipes was just too daunting, where to start?

So one day when inspiration of the culinary kind had failed to materialise I decided I would find something in this gastronomic tour of Iberia to have for our supper. Well once I’d decided I had to make myself find a recipe I got quite carried away. There is so much in this book! That first supper was Macaroni with Chorizo and Tomato and it was both simple and delicious. Murcian rice & fish hotpot followed. Okay I used different fish to that specified but the recipe was easy to follow, and served with freshly made alioli from our recently laying hens really was spectacular. I’ve even tackled a light orange sponge (to help with the orange glut) with success. This proves the book’s worth as my desert making skills are a tad hit and miss – I have a few staple cakes and puddings I can make and many other recipes I attempt to the rapturous applause of only the dogs unfortunately!

I have quite a few Spanish recipe books but they tend to concentrate on the ‘glamorous’ or well known meals – paella, potato tortilla and cocido. 1080 Recipes from Simone and Ines Ortega however brings you everything a Spanish cook cooks really. So that means lots of staples, side-dishes, vegetables and custards as well as more flamboyant fish and meat recipes.

Possibly my favorite thing about the book is that it keeps things simple. You don’t get lists of instructions you don’t need (such has how to boil a kettle or saute an onion). The author assumes some knowledge and then expands on it in easy to follow recipes. Also the titles are simple to understand, generally they are of the ‘it does what it says on the tin’ variety. That means it convenient to have a quick flick through and see if there is something to make with the ingredients you plan on using that day.

1080 Recipes really is the definitive Spanish Cook Book. It’s been a best seller in Spain for over thirty years which gives you some idea of its wide-ranging appeal. Now there is an English translation there is no excuse for any of us not to follow the culinary bandwagon to Spain.

Bon Profit!

You can purchase 1080 Recipes from amazon.com in US dollars here: 1080 Recipes, or from amazon.co.uk in GBP sterling here: 1080 Recipes.

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