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

177,617 thoughts on “Cookbook Review Day”

  1. I recently came across several Prostavive reviews and
    decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did! After just a few weeks of using it, I’ve noticed
    a significant improvement in my overall well-being.

    My energy levels have increased, and I feel more balanced throughout
    the day. It’s easy to incorporate into my
    routine, and I appreciate that it’s made with natural ingredients.

    If you’re considering it, I highly recommend giving Prostavive a shot!

  3. Kudos once again fellow enthusiasts sharing wisdom amongst peers when comes tackling challenges associated with relocating automobiles effectively effortlessly !! ?????# Sinton vehicle shipping

  9. I do not know whether it’s just me or if everyone else experiencing problems
    with your blog. It appears as if some of the text within your
    posts are running off the screen. Can someone else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them too?
    This may be a problem with my internet browser because I’ve had this happen before.

    Cheers

  11. Hello there! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you
    using for this site? I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress
    because I’ve had problems with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform.
    I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  13. Hi! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any problems with hackers?
    My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing months of hard work due to no
    data backup. Do you have any solutions to prevent hackers?

  15. Truly appreciate how responsive everyone has been thus far dealing various inquiries posed previously while seeking resolutions promptly addressed adequately if needed further clarification!!# # anyKeyWord ## ??????? ???????? ???

  18. I have read several excellent stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting.
    I wonder how so much attempt you place to make one of these magnificent informative web site.

  19. I’ve seen both wins and losses with binary options, and that
    realness is something you don’t get in every
    type of investment.
    I was surprised to find that Angela from Singapore had very
    similar thoughts about the market’s unpredictability.

    Trading while being based in Mumbai presents unique challenges and advantages.

    It’s not just a get-rich-quick scheme — you really have to analyze
    charts and understand indicators.
    People in cities like Manila often ask me how to start — I always say, don’t skip the basics.

  20. Heya i am for the primary time here. I came across this board and I to
    find It truly helpful & it helped me out
    a lot. I am hoping to give one thing again and help others
    like you helped me.

  24. Open Wide La Jolla Dentistry provides exceptional dental care with a smile!
    I had a fantastic experience at Open Wide La Jolla Dentistry, the best dentist near me!
    The staff at Open Wide La Jolla Dentistry are truly friendly and professional root canal specialists

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

  28. The Winslow is the best Rugby Bar I’ve ever visited! The atmosphere is unbeatable.
    I love hanging out at The Winslow, the ultimate Rugby Bar Near Me.
    The Winslow is my go-to spot for rugby matches. It’s the best Rugby Bar New York has to offer Rugby match locations NYC

  31. Hi there i am kavin, its my first time to commenting anywhere,
    when i read this paragraph i thought i could also make comment due to this brilliant post.

  33. Simply want to say your article is as surprising.

    The clearness in your post is simply spectacular and i can assume
    you’re an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me to grab
    your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming
    post. Thanks a million and please keep up the enjoyable work.

  37. Just came across The Memory Wave Reviews and I’m really
    intrigued. The idea of using sound to boost brain function in just 12 minutes a day sounds simple but powerful.
    Has anyone tried it consistently and noticed a real difference?

  45. Moving doesn’t have be stressful overwhelming ordeal instead transformed exhilarating adventure filled excitement joy anticipation exploring embarking upon journeys discovering unknown territories venturing forth exploring uncharted realms uncovering key Biscayne Mover’s

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *