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”

  1. Hibernia Bar has the best Irish atmosphere in town! I love spending time there.
    I’m so happy to have discovered Hibernia Bar, my go-to Irish bar near me.
    If you’re looking for an Irish bar in New York, Hibernia Bar is the place to be Irish cocktails New York

  11. We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
    Your website offered us with valuable info to work on. You have done a formidable job
    and our entire community will be thankful to you.

  23. 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

  27. Kerner Law Group, P.C. provided exceptional service during my case! Their Bronx car accident attorney team is truly top-notch.
    I’m so grateful to the Bronx car accident lawyer from Kerner Law Group, P.C. They really helped me through a tough time Car accident law firm Bronx

  37. Hello i am kavin, its my first time to commenting anywhere, when i read this post i thought
    i could also create comment due to this good paragraph.

  40. Thanks for your marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed
    reading it, you’re a great author.I will be sure to bookmark your
    blog and definitely will come back later on. I want to encourage you continue your
    great work, have a nice holiday weekend!

  41. In the dynamic landscape of search engine optimization (SEO), web 2.0 backlinks have become a crucial component for website owners aiming to increase visibility and improve their rankings. These backlinks, originating from user-driven platforms such as WordPress, Wix, and Weebly, provide an incredible opportunity to build authority and drive traffic. But what exactly are web 2.0 backlinks and why should they be a part of your SEO strategy? In this article, we will delve into the significance of these backlinks, explore some of the most popular Web 2.0 platforms, and discuss best practices to ensure you’re using them effectively.

  46. Cool blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
    A design like yours with a few simple adjustements
    would really make my blog shine. Please let me know where you
    got your design. Thank you

  47. Web 2.0 backlinks are links created on platforms that allow users to generate content. Unlike traditional backlinks from established websites, web 2.0 backlinks give you control over the content and structure of the page, making them a unique and flexible SEO tool. Platforms like WordPress, Wix, and Weebly enable users to craft articles, blogs, and other types of content that include backlinks to their main website. The beauty of these platforms lies in their ability to combine user-generated content with the credibility and authority of the site hosting the backlink.

Comments are closed.