Deprecated: Function WP_Dependencies->add_data() was called with an argument that is deprecated since version 6.9.0! IE conditional comments are ignored by all supported browsers. in /home1/tummytre/public_html/blog/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6131

Cookbook Review Day

Today I want to talk about some new cookbooks that I recently received.  I have become very particular about the cookbooks that grace my shelves these days, and that is for one reason really, room.  My coobook shelves are literally bursting, I have filled all the shelf space and have now started stacking them on top of the shelves. So when I really want a new cookbook, I really need to think about it and think about whether or not it is worthy of my precious space. I decided that both of these books today are worthy of my space, and I actually got rid of one little used book to make room.

This first one is simply one of the most beautiful cookbooks I have ever seen.  Spain And The World Table is a compilation of Spanish recipes from the most highly respected Spanish chefs. From the Culinary Institute of America, this book takes recipes created by such greats as Jose Andres and Norman Van Aken and presents them in a way which they can be recreated by the home cook.  Martha Rose Shulman, whose work I am very familiar with, provides the writing and commentary all throughout the book.  Yet it’s not just a cookbook. This is also a reference book.  Anything you ever wanted to know about Spanish cuisine is in this book.  After a recipe Mission Figs stuffed with blue cheese is a reference page full of details about Spanish cheeses, after a recipe for Consomme with Saffron, we get a tutorial on saffron and when and where we should use it- and is it worth its hefty price tag?  There are bits about the different regions of Spain, and I have to say, there is a lot of information in this book, but it’s presented in such an accessible way.  The book itself is beautiful enough- with a picture for almost every single recipe, that if I had a coffee table, this would be on it.

The caveat is that I haven’t cooked out of it yet, so I can’t attest to the nature of the specific recipes. However, reading through several of them that caught my eye, they don’t seem particularly difficult or too avant garde to give them a whirl in my home kitchen.  Every once in a while a recipe will mention a lengthy reduction or there is one recipe specifically that uses a foam- where did I put that foam-making device anyway?  But overall, they really seem geared toward the home cook, and give us an opportunity to try at home the dishes that the world is talking about.  Spanish cuisine is hot right now- but there are so few cookbooks devoted to the cuisine that this is a very welcome addition to my world parade of cookbooks.  With recipes like Hazelnut Passion Fruit Ice Cream, Lamb and Roasted Pepper Ragout, Sea Scallops with Green Raisin Salsa, and Mango, Scotch Bonnet, and Sesame Mojo, this is a book I could read through several times over and not get bored with it.  I can’t wait to give some of these recipes a whirl.

The second book I wanted to mention today is more fun and less intensive than the Spanish tome, but an equally wonderful addition to my cookbook collection.  Grilled Pizzas and Piadianas brings the art of grilled pizza back home where it belongs.  It wasn’t that long ago that Andy and I figured out just how to make a grilled pizza in the first place.  A careful ballet of flipping crust and adding toppings at just the right time elevates pizza to a whole new level.  This book shows us exactly what we could be doing to make it easier, as well as gives us a virtual parade of pizza topping ideas.  As an example, The New Orlean pizza has blackened crawfish, Andouille sausage, fontina cheese, and a spicy apricot sauce as it’s toppings.  I would have never thought of those toppings for pizza- but now that I’ve seen it, it sounds and looks amazing. The Moroccan pizza is topped with curried chicken, roasted garlic and kalamata olives, The Millenium is topped with ground lamb, feta and cucumber!  There are dozens of new pizza ideas here, and every turn of the page gives me a new mouth-watering picture, and the desire to make pizza!

Then there’s the piadinas. What exactly is a piadina? Well, it’s like a flatbread sandwich.  It’s sort of like making a pizza dough and then rolling it around toppings like a wrap, and apparently, they are very popular in Italy. These also look amazing!  Piadina Firenze is stuffed with grilled eggplant and peppers, and is one I’ll be trying when the eggplant comes up in the garden. There’s also a special chapter here for my husband, who is always wanting to make a dessert on the grill.  We have an Apple Tart- a pizza crust topped with cinnamon glazed apples and almonds, a Grilled Banana Split, and something called The S’more, a pizza topped with chocolate, graham crackers and marshmallows!  There are also tips on throwing the ultimate grilled pizza party as well as suggestions for beverages that accompany some of the pizzas.  I have to say, as much as I love this book, this would have made a fantastic Father’s Day gift for Andy, since he’s always wanting to make grilled pizzas.  We’ll be taking this book for a spin this weekend if the weather cooperates.

Uncategorized - by Erika

397,615 thoughts on “Cookbook Review Day”

  15. Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve been to this web site
    before but after browsing through a few of the posts I realized it’s new to me.
    Nonetheless, I’m certainly pleased I discovered it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back frequently!

  19. After looking over a handful of the blog articles on your website,
    I honestly appreciate your technique of blogging.
    I saved as a favorite it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Take a look at my website as well and tell me
    your opinion.

  22. We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
    Your web site offered us with valuable info to work on. You’ve done a formidable job and our whole community will be thankful to you.

  25. Hey there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s
    new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely delighted I found
    it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back often!

    My website … Download

  32. Hi! I realize this is kind of off-topic but I needed to ask.

    Does running a well-established website such as yours require a massive
    amount work? I’m brand new to blogging however I
    do write in my diary daily. I’d like to start a blog so I will be able to share my personal experience and feelings online.
    Please let me know if you have any suggestions or tips
    for brand new aspiring bloggers. Thankyou!

  33. Kerner Law Group, P.C. provides exceptional service as a Bronx car accident attorney. Their expertise is truly unmatched!
    I’m grateful for the dedicated support from Kerner Law Group, P.C. as my Bronx car accident lawyer.
    Choosing Kerner Law Group, P.C Bronx auto injury attorney

  37. This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.
    I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward
    to seeking more of your great post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!

  40. Wonderful blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News.
    Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
    I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to
    get there! Many thanks

  42. Hi I am so thrilled I found your site, I really found you by accident, while I was looking on Digg for something else, Regardless I am here now and would just like to say thanks a lot for a marvelous post and a
    all round entertaining blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t
    have time to look over it all at the moment but I have book-marked it
    and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I
    will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the superb job.

  43. Usually I do not learn post on blogs, but I wish
    to say that this write-up very forced me to check out and do it!
    Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thanks, very great post.

  45. When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment
    is added I get four e-mails with the same comment.
    Is there any way you can remove me from that service?
    Many thanks!

Comments are closed.