Reviews (12)

Master recipes and some food for your inner nerd
If the author's mother ever told him to stop playing with his food, we can be glad he ignored her. Most of The Curious Cook is the happy result of what sounds like great playful time in the kitchen. There are essentially three focuses set out for this book:
Sloppy Writing, Sloppy Science, Part 2
This book, a sequel to On Food and Cooking, is a look at the culinary world through the eyes of pop science. Despite a drastically different approach by the author this time around (real kitchen experiments as opposed to just spinning endless yarns loosely based on a myriad, unfootnoted sources), the results are similar: closer to Danielle Steel than Scientific American.If you liked this book's predecessor, then you will certainly like this one; if you thought it was worthy of a garage sale, you are unlikely to have a different view of this sequel.
How You Too Can Apply Science to Food. Excellent Read
Harold McGee is probably the most widely cited writer in American culinary writing today. Alton Brown literally genuflects at the mention of his name and complains that he is hard pressed to find a subject on which Herr McGee has not already explored at some length. His major work, `On Food and Cooking' appears to be on the short list of Culinary Institute of America references for their students, next to Escoffier and their own references.Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Essays    5. Food    6. Methods - General    7. Reference    8. General cookery   

Reviews (6)

A definite MAYBE...
Interesting recipes that I may actually use, but as far as cooking after a natural disaster...the ingredients are not things I would normally have sitting around my kitchen.
Pass on this one
I was very disappointed in this book. I was hoping for recipes that appear somewhat familiar. My family would be more traumatized if I tried to feed them hearts of palm and guava nectar then 2 dinners in a row of beanie weenies. The appendix charts repeats information freely found on many disaster survivor web sites. Bottom line, instead of buying this book, use the money to add to your food storage.

Great for Florida, but--
This book was written by a Floridian, and there are several recipes in this book that would only do for Floridians.My power is more likely to go out during a blizzard or ice storm than a hurricane, which means that avocados and fresh herbs are out of the question.("Quick, run to the store for avocados and cilantro!There's a blizzard coming!") ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery (Canned foods)    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Emergency management    5. Menus    6. Methods - General   

Editorial Review

Contrary to what the title may suggest, this is not a cookbook for the meals that come packaged in those nifty foil trays for your convenience. Read more

Reviews (37)

Some interesting recipes, fun to read
The excellent Fish 'n' Chips recipe alone merits the three star rating. A number of other intesting looking recipes. Emeril's lively style suffuses the text and makes it fun to read.

BAM!Good suff.
My wife and I are big fans of Emeril, and we love watching his shows. This book has some REALLY good receipes, and you can choose ones as simple or as fancy as you like. The directions are spelled out pretty well, and the ingredients lists in the margins make sure you have everything.My wife was born and raised and New Orleans, and even she is impressed with some of "my" cooking from this book.Thanks Emeril!

Recommended for the Emeril fan you know
I got this because I told someone I liked Emeril (about the five times a year I manage to catch his show).It's a gorgeous book and I highly recommend it for any avid Emeril fan.The recipes are well organized, the layout is beautiful, and it's a collector's item for a fan.For a cook who doesn't love/watch Emeril, it doesn't offer much.
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Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. General    5. Methods - General    6. Regional & Ethnic - American - Southern States    7. Regional & Ethnic - Cajun & Creole    8. Cooking / Cajun    9. General cookery   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (22)

The Best!
Regan Daley's Book is not only indispensible for it's wealth of knowledge, but her recipes are hands down some of the best I've ever made.I've made upwards of 10 recipes from the book now, and have been thoroughly impressed by all of them.In response to a previous review about the amount of butter and sugar, I'd have to say that my impression is completely the opposite.The emphasis here is on the best balance of ingredients; which she does splendidly.(if you want to see stars, check out Ina Garten's sweet recipes...that woman is no stranger to copious amounts of butter).
Excellent baking resource
Regan Daley's book has two parts:a resource guide for dessert bakers and a section of recipes.I've read the first part and it looks like a useful summary of hardware, ingredients, substitutions, etc.I haven't used it as a reference yet, so my review is heavily biased toward the second section. This I find very impressive.There are many cookbooks out there that provide recipes for simple, homey desserts and many that cover elaborate presentation dishes. Daley's recipes fit very nicely in between these two extremes.The recipes tend to take classic concepts -- spice cake, fruit tart, etc. -- and apply them to original desserts that are excellent marriages of flavors that are not forced or ackward. The recipes are well tested;I have not had a failure with one yet.I highly recommend this book for enthusiastic home bakers.

More than 150 superbly presented recipes
Compiled and organized by professional pastry chef Regan Daley, In The Sweet Kitchen: The Definitive Baker's Companion showcases more than 150 superbly presented recipes. Enhanced with sixteen pages of four color photographs, as well as chapters dedicated to "Tools and Techniques" of baking, the ingredients associated with baking, and an informative section on dedicated to flavourings, In The Sweet Kitchen offers savory fare ranging from cakes and tea cakes, pies and tarts, cookies and bars, custards, puddings and Moussses, to ice creams and other frozen desserts, fruit desserts, quick breads, sweet yeast breads and fritters, garnishes, sauces, and basic recipes adaptable for any occasion. In The Sweet Kitchen is a cornerstone addition to any "kitchen cook friendly" cookbook collection! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baking    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Methods - Baking    5. Methods - General    6. Reference    7. Cooking / Baking   

Reviews (2)

Always good
Lots of recips for every day cooking. Easy to make and always delicate. Now I am often baking American Pies.

Wonderful!
If your grandma was a great cook and wrote a cookbook, it would look a little something like this book--great for beginners and advanced cooks alike. It does not tell you how to cook, but gives a full variety of recipes that are easy and scrumptious looking, as well as crowd pleasing.
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Subjects:  1. American Regional Cookery    2. Cookery, American    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Courses & Dishes - General    6. Methods - General    7. Regional & Ethnic - American - General   

Reviews (10)

good basics, straightforward approach
I've been cooking since I was a kid.This was one of the first cookbooks I got for myself as a young adult away from home.Some of the information is outdated, but it remains a good primer for entry level cooks.It's also an interesting timepiece from the time of transition in the U.S. (late 70s early 80s), which, as I like to think of it, was from garlic salt to fresh garlic, if you know what I mean.Took what Julia Child and Alice Waters were contributing and gave us a frugal, direct everyday version of it.
Great cookbook!
Easy to follow recipes and wonderful flavors.Not a fancy cookbook with many pictures, but the recipes are very tasty that I have tried!

It's OK, but his "American" cookbook is better
Though I love his show, this book does not seem to have the outstanding qualities I expect from Jeff Smith.You would be better advised to purchase his "Frugal Gourmet Cooks American".THAT one is a treasure. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. General    4. Low-budget cookery    5. Methods - General    6. Cooking / General    7. Sale Books   

Reviews (6)

Poor service -- very poor follow-up.
As part of a $250.00 order, I ordered the Michelin France Provence map in English, and the Michelin 2006 Red Guide France: Hotels and Restaurants in English - both Items they sent me were written in French, which are of no value to me.I requested a shipping label to return the map and the book and asked they send me the English versions. The Amazon Outsourcing Desk in India refused both request.I requested an American Amazon Customer Service Manager contact me on this Issue.That has never happened.I am also being asked my Satisfaction on a 3d book - Markets Of Provence - which they never sent me.The remainder of my $250.00 order were the English Versions, as ordered.My Overall Satisfaction:Well below the 1 Star shown.Actual Satisfaction "F Minus" for all departments in Amazon and far less for their very poor Customer Service and lack of ethical follow-up for their mistake.

Wonderful!A tour of Provence even when you can't travel.
This book is a lovely guide for those who plan to travel to Provence as well as those who cannot.It is lovely - just lovely.Beautiful photographs, wonderful insights and descriptions off the beaten path.I high recommend this book.

Perfect For Trips Or Just Some Dreaming...........
If you or anyone you know plans a trip to Provence, make sure this book goes too! It is an excellent guide to the wonderful Provencal outdoor markets. If you want to experience Provence at its finest, this is one ofthe very best guide.Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cookery, French    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Europe - France    6. Farmers' markets    7. France    8. Methods - General    9. Provencal style    10. Provence    11. Provenðcal style    12. Regional & Ethnic - French    13. Cooking / French    14. National & regional cuisine    15. Photographs: collections    16. TRAVEL & HOLIDAY   

Reviews (17)

Origami for Connoisseur
I collect Origami books. Each book has something new. This one does too but I mostly buy it for some of the known folds such as Kawasaki Rose.

A near perfect book on origami
The origami collected in the book is very interesing. Also the instruction is as detail as everyone-can-do. The only cons is the instruction is on the back of the paper you use for the origami, which means either you have to figure out a way to follow the instruction during the process, or you use other paper.

Can't put it down!
I have been reading this book and folding models every night since I bought it!It serves as a great introduction into some more advanced folding techniques.The models are very interesting and the directions are easy to follow.The book is structured like a reference book and easy to use.The pictures inside are 2 tone, but high quality. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Methods - General    5. Origami    6. Paper folding, origami   

Subjects:  1. Beverages - Wine & Spirits    2. Careers - General    3. Careers / Job Opportunities    4. Cooking    5. Hotel And Restaurant Management    6. Industries - Hospitality, Travel & Tourism    7. Methods - General    8. Wine And Wine-Making    9. Wine and wine making    10. Beverages    11. Business & Economics / Careers   

Reviews (2)

Excellent Textbook for Learning New Techniques. Buy it
`The Good Cook' by leading culinary educator, Anne Willan is one of a very rare breed of books that can act as a good textbook of cooking methods. While I am sure there are some like yours truly who actually open `The Joy of Cooking' or `Mastering the Art of French Cooking' or `Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking' and read it from front to back, but around 99% of all cookbooks are, after an initial scan to get a sense of what's in them, meant to be consulted on a recipe by recipe basis.
Help for new cooks
If you've cooked from Anne Willan's books, as I have for some 30 years, you get to recognize her culiary voice as spirited, firm but encouraging, and always food-friendly. Her latest, "The Good Cook" (Stewart, Tabori & Chang, comes to the rescue of the beginner in the kitchen.
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Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Methods - Beginner's Cookery    5. Methods - General    6. Cooking / General    7. General cookery   

Reviews (1)

Fun Foodie Read. Uneven suggestions. Lots Great Some dumb
`Chef's Secrets' is a cleverly edited book by caterer and writer Francine Maroukian, subtitled `Insider Techniques from Today's Culinary Masters' which has much to offer, some old chestnuts, and a few misguided suggestions.
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Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Methods - General    4. Methods - Gourmet    5. Methods - Professional    6. Main courses    7. Non-Classifiable   

Editorial Review

Now he's really gone and done it! Charlie Trotter, chef and owner of one of America's finest restaurants (of the same name), has already enriched our lives and decorated our coffee tables with volumes of recipes from his famed establishment. Here, in Read more

Reviews (22)

Must Have
This is one of my favourite books unlike some of the other great chiefs I don not have to start cooking three days in advance to make a single meal. The recipes are not too hard but some needsome basic skill. Most of the ingredients are easy to come by. I've used the Penko chicken is a winner as a dinner party dish or just for the family. This is one of the first books I turn to when I don't know what to make .

As close as you can get to an easy Trotter cookbook
Considering the unworldly nature of Trotter's other cookbooks, it is a wonder he could dumb it down as much as he could for this cookbook.Although this is far and away the most accessible of his books, nonetheless it is not intended for a novice cook.Most of the recipes are within the realm of possibility, and some are actually pretty basic.For a change, the recipes won't make you want to launch the book across the room in frustration.One wonders why Trotter can't do more books like these rather than indulging in the culinary delusions masquerading as cookbooks.

Best collection of recipes in one book I've ever found
I have made 30 of his recipes from this book, and have been dazzled all but once!!The sample menus are great,if planning and organization is something you like to be done for you.I highly recommend this book!Every month at recipe club, I find that my Charlie Trotter recipes are always received well. A++++ ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. General    5. Methods - General    6. Regional & Ethnic - American - General    7. General cookery    8. USA   

Subjects:  1. Agriculture - Crop Science    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Methods - General    4. Spanish: Adult Nonfiction    5. Technology   

Reviews (15)

Great resource for small families
I have been inspired by this book to perform an activity that has intimidated me for years - cook.Even the cullinarily challenged can make these meals!The format is also well done, listing the equipment needed for each recipe, and it includes mix and match charts for everyday favorites.Most of all, I love that the meals are relatively quick and incorporate fresh ingredients.The lack of leftovers is fantastic for us, since we just can't get excited about eating them.Of the 3 "Cooking for Two" books I purchased, this one is by far the best

Amazing and wonderful bood
I can not say enough wonderful things about this book.The recipes are easy, quick and most of all execellent.I have hidden this book from my husband who likes to cook and often thinks he is a better cook than me.With this book as my "secret weapon" I have been able to impress the pants off of him.I have not found a bad recipe yet.The portions are smaller than most recipes, and the tips throughout the book are witty and fun and a perfect compliment to this book.I would highly recommend this to everyone- and am buying it for my mother-in-law as my husband has even raved to her about these recipes!!That alone is good enough for me to know the book is wonderful!

A standard resource in my kitchen
I really do enjoy this little cookbook. While not as comprehensive or big as several others I own, I appreciate the fact that many (not all) of the recipes are sized for a small number of portions. Many recipes can be halved rather easily. I love the chocolate chip cookies (which are the standard Nestle tollhouse recipe with a few key changes) and the garlic mushroom marinara sauce, especially with the optional olives added to it. Overall I think this is a good cookbook. I have yet to make anything in it I didn't like. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cookery for two    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. General    6. Methods - Cookery for Two    7. Methods - General    8. Methods - Quick & Easy    9. Quick and easy cookery   

Reviews (7)

It is a JOY
This book is GREAT!!!!If you can, this is the book! I have used so many recipes out of this book already. This is the 1st time I have canned since I was 6 yrs old with my mother making jelly. this book is great.

Great for beginners!
This cookbook contains all the instructions a beginner needs for canning.Being a total klutz in the kitchen and having a negative amount of cooking talent (i.e. can barely make toast without burning either myself or the toast), I wasn't expecting my first canning attempt to be a success.However, it was, and I now have several jars of delicious strawberry jam in my pantry! I will use this book a lot -it contains a nice diversity of recipes.
Timesaving Techniques
A handy book that includes timesaving techniques from microwave oven jams to quick pickles, classic recipes such as Strawberry Jam and Canned Tomatoes as well as exciting new recipes including Christmas Conserves and Four Citrus Marmalade. Recommended.
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Subjects:  1. Canning and preserving    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Methods - Canning & Preserving    5. Methods - General    6. Cooking / Canning & Preserving    7. General cookery    8. Preserving   

Reviews (6)

Fine, if you're a snob with an unlimited budget.And you care more about what people think than how much fun they're having.
This book should be entitled, "How to Plan the Ultimate Party where money is no object if you can afford everything except the party planner".Or "Party Planning for rich jerks by snobby designers."
Awesome Party Planning
This book gets down to the nitty gritty of party planning. What an amazing help it was!

Perfect guide for the perfect party!!
This book successfully answers all party planning questions for all types of parties and all types of planners.Great recipies, fun ideas....perfect reference!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blank Books / Diaries / Memory Books    2. Blank Books/Journals    3. Cookery    4. Cooking    5. Entertaining    6. Entertaining - General    7. Home Management    8. Methods - General    9. Non-Classifiable    10. Parties    11. Party decorations    12. Planning    13. Cooking / Entertaining   

Reviews (1)

Very well done!
This cookbook is the answer for busy moms everywhere. It not only gives delicious recipes but also helpful tips and information on how to shop, plan and cook more efficiently. Even though it is a "cooking ahead" cookbook, it can also be used as a regular cookbook since each recipe includes instructions for making and eating the dishes right away. This makes it an ultra-flexible, useful book. I will definitely be using it alot now that school and busy schedules are starting again! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Courses & Dishes - General    5. General    6. Make-ahead cookery    7. Methods - General    8. Methods - Quantity   

Editorial Review

Why cook by the hearth when our modern stoves offer such convenience? William Rubel's remarkable Read more

Reviews (7)

A Beautiful and Fundamental Book
Cooking in fire and coals wasn't important to me until I ate in a humble farmhouse kitchen in the mountains of the Veneto a few years ago.The flavors of woodsmoke in the roast squab and the wild-mushroom risotto were magical.They transformed simple, lean ingredients into something amazingly rich, complex, and soul-stirring.I was haunted for months after by the memory of those flavors.Then I had one of the greatest meals of my life at Chez Panisse, which featured flame-broiled rabbit sausages and coal-roasted lamb, which was finshed in the kitchen fireplace in a puff of rosemary smoke.From my vantage in the dining room I watched the utterly simple preparation, an immemorial process, and vowed to learn whatever I could about hearth cooking.In lieu of a grandmother with traditional hearth-cooking skills, I had books, and The Magic of Fire continues to stand out above the others.
Perceptive, literate, and useful...the trifecta.
This is written by a man who thoroughly understands his subject. The well-produced, beautiful book will take you from being the owner of a fireplace (or, for that matter, any contained open fire) and make you into an accomplished open-fire cook. Rubel shows clearly that open-hearth cooking is not only an old-fashioned way to cook, but a method which offers unparalleled control of the cooking process, sufficient to entice those without any interest in its history. Having lived for 5 years "in 1867" in a one-room apartment on Boston's Beacon Hill, lighting by candle and oil and heating and cooking on an open, Rumford fireplace, I think I can offer a unique perspective on Mr. Rubel's methods and practice. Buy this book--you will not regret it!

A magical presentation of an advanced yet natural topic
The Editorial Review provided above by Amazon is a very good technical description of the book contents; much practical and detailed information is indeed contained on this advanced cooking technique.I say "advanced" rather than "primitive" because open fire cooking offers a much greater variety of possibilities for combinations of convective, radiative, and thermal processing of food.Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Fireplace cookery    4. Methods - Barbecue & Grilling    5. Methods - General    6. Outdoor cookery    7. General cookery   

Reviews (2)

I wish there were more photos
I love using my toaster oven to make things, and was extremely excited about this book.But I'm a visual person and it's hard to be motivated to try out these recipes because most of them do not have photos.So if you like to see what you're about to make, I don't recommend this cookbook.

long overdue
As an empty nester and avid cook, this book is perfect.Very tasty recipes without making huge quantities.The author has done her research and deserves credit for filling a rare niche
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Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Methods - General    5. Methods - Gourmet    6. Methods - Special Appliances    7. Toaster oven cookery    8. General cookery   

Reviews (6)

Not worth the time or money
I am a food professional and consulting chef with many years experience curing and smoking. I found much of the information to be incorrect and some of it unsafe from a food handling, curing, and smoking perspective. There are much better sources of information available, both in books and on the Internet.

Cold-Smoking & Salt-Curing Meat, Fish,& Game
I bought this book for our son inlaw, He seems happy with it after having a good look but has not tried anything out of it at present

Not what I had hoped for . . .
This slim volume, while interesting, did not provide the depth I had been hoping for.However, what really ticked me off is that the index is horrible. I was particularly interested in a recipe for cold-smoked salmon.There is one in the text, but it doesn't show up in the index.Of course the author also suggests cooking the smoked salmon before eating -- yeah, that would be great on a bagel! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery (Smoked foods)    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Smoked fish    5. Smoked meat    6. Specific Ingredients - Meat    7. Cooking / Culinary Arts &