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

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.

397,615 thoughts on “Cookbook Review Day

  1. Foothills Paving & Maintenance Inc did an amazing job on my driveway paving!
    I love my new driveway thanks to Foothills Paving & Maintenance Inc!
    Foothills Paving & Maintenance Inc provides excellent driveway paving services!
    My driveway never looked Find local paving companies

  2. I recently attended a workshop on home heating solutions, and the Puyallup Heat Pump was highly recommended by the experts. It sounds like a great investment for comfort and efficiency! HVAC Puyallup

  3. I seriously love your blog.. Great colors & theme. Did you make
    this website yourself? Please reply back as I’m trying to
    create my own personal blog and would like to learn where you got this
    from or exactly what the theme is named. Cheers!

  4. Mercer Island is such a beautiful place to live, and home remodeling can truly enhance its charm! I recently completed a project that transformed my living space into a more functional and inviting area Remodel Company

  5. I visit everyday a few web pages and information sites to read articles, except this blog gives quality based content.

  6. Howdy I am so happy I found your web site, I really found
    you by accident, while I was researching on Askjeeve for something else, Anyways
    I am here now and would just like to say thank you for a tremendous post and a all round enjoyable
    blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to
    read through it all at the moment but I have book-marked it and also included your RSS feeds,
    so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the awesome job.

  7. If you’re looking for a reliable and safe Seattle chiropractor, I highly recommend doing some research on local clinics. It’s important to find someone who prioritizes patient safety and has great reviews from clients Chiropractor Seattle

  8. This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger.
    I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post.
    Also, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks!

  9. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to
    my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
    I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this.
    Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  10. I was recommended this web site by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else
    know such detailed about my problem. You are amazing! Thanks!

  11. You are so cool! I do not think I’ve read through a single thing like that before.
    So good to discover somebody with a few genuine thoughts on this subject matter.
    Really.. thanks for starting this up. This website is something
    that’s needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!

  12. Simply desire to say your article is as astounding.
    The clarity in your post is just nice and i could think you
    are knowledgeable on this subject. Fine together with your permission let me to clutch your
    feed to stay up to date with imminent post. Thanks one million and please continue the
    enjoyable work.

Comments are closed.