I’ve never been a fan of flashy “performance” cookery. Most of my cooking happens on the hoof—unplanned, last-minute and often chaotic. Frequently there isn’t enough time, yet this is exactly where real skill shows.
The mark of a great cook isn’t producing a single spectacular dish now and then, but reliably turning out tasty, healthy and inviting meals on a weeknight after a tiring day at work. That’s the true challenge.
Bill Granger understands this perfectly. His book is aimed squarely at solving that everyday problem.
Granger is a major figure in the Australian food scene. He opened his first restaurant, bills, in Sydney at twenty-two, followed by more outlets in the city and international expansion to Japan in 2008. His cooking is relaxed, informal and grounded in a self-taught approach.
Feed Me Now is a collection of recipes designed for people short on time. Granger stresses simplicity, speed and a central belief that food is best when shared with family. For him, food and family are essential.
This book offers a substantial range of ideas, supported by appealing photography. It’s a lifestyle cookbook with practical substance.
The recipes focus on everyday meals. The breakfast chapter includes an excellent oaty hotcakes recipe—pancakes boosted with a generous handful of oats and a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg. We tried them on a Sunday morning and the kids finished them faster than I could flip them.
There’s also a cinnamon crunch muesli recipe, which may seem obvious to some—why make your own muesli?—but it’s a useful option for those who prefer homemade breakfasts.
Many dishes reveal Sydney’s diverse culinary influences. The book leans into Pacific rim flavours with noodle dishes, parcels of soy-and-ginger snapper, okayodon (a Japanese chicken-and-egg rice dish), and a shrimp-and-asparagus stir-fry.
Granger includes a few larger, more “event” dishes but warns there’s a balance between showing off and making an effort. His dinner-party approach feels relaxed rather than formal. Examples include meatballs with tamarind, veal chops with tomato and marjoram, and rabbit with chorizo and green chilli.
Nothing is overly complicated or indulgent—just bold, satisfying flavours.
The recipes are unpretentious and generally straightforward to prepare. They’re quick, stripped of unnecessary steps, and ingredient lists are typically short.
That doesn’t mean there’s no finesse; it simply means Granger avoids embellishment where it isn’t needed.
Feed Me Now is an excellent introduction to Granger’s practical, flavour-forward cooking and a valuable addition for any busy family looking for reliable, everyday meals.