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”

  2. Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your articles?
    I mean, what you say is valuable and all. However think about if you added some great images or videos
    to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and clips, this website could certainly
    be one of the most beneficial in its niche. Wonderful blog!

  3. My developer is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP.
    I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses.
    But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using WordPress on a variety of
    websites for about a year and am anxious about switching to another platform.
    I have heard very good things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can import all my wordpress posts into it?
    Any kind of help would be greatly appreciated!

  6. Finding the easiest dentist close to me has continually been a mission, however I not too long ago came across a fantastic choice! The care and attention they deliver are excellent-notch dentist near me

  8. Attractive part of content. I just stumbled upon your
    blog and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact loved
    account your weblog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing in your feeds or even I success you access constantly quickly.

  12. I am no longer certain the place you’re getting your info, but great topic.
    I must spend some time learning much more or working out more.
    Thanks for magnificent information I was looking for this
    info for my mission.

  14. I’m curious to find out what blog system you happen to be using?
    I’m having some small security issues with my latest site and
    I would like to find something more safe. Do you have any solutions?

  33. prodentim benefits I like ProDentim!
    It has aided me accomplish a cleaner, fresher mouth. The probiotics in the
    formula support a well balanced dental microbiome, decreasing unsafe germs.
    My breath is fresher, and my gum tissues are
    healthier. ProDentim is an excellent addition to my dental care routine.

  36. Definitely believe that which you said. Your favorite reason seemed to
    be on the internet the simplest thing to be aware of.
    I say to you, I certainly get irked while people consider worries that they plainly don’t know about.

    You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing without having side effect ,
    people could take a signal. Will likely be back to get more.
    Thanks

  39. Greetings from Ohio! I’m bored at work so I decided to check out your
    site on my iphone during lunch break. I really like the knowledge you present here and can’t
    wait to take a look when I get home. I’m amazed
    at how fast your blog loaded on my phone .. I’m
    not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, amazing site!

  40. I just made the decision to work out as a personal trainer at the neighborhood gym. The learning has been transformative! How many individualized guidance can greatly speed up the weight loss process and help you stay motivated is awesome mobile personal trainer

  50. Being mindful while curating spaces filled harmoniously alongside elements showcasing nature’s artistry remains paramount throughout personal journeys taken individually together collectively!! ###myBlogLink### Timber Importers

Comments are closed.