Reviews (11)

Excellent source
This book has lots and lots of pictures and loads of information on a large selection of herbs and spices.Some of them are non-traditional...which in my opinion only add to its value.There are a few reciepes, but this isn't really a cook book...it's a reference book for ideas.

Great book
One of the most detailed and enthralling books on cooking I've read in some time.Excellent graphics, descriptions, and infinitely useful

Only book you need on herbs and spices
`herbs & spices, the cook's reference' is the latest of eight different books on either herbs or spices by noted culinary editor and author, Jill Norman, one of the more influential disciples of the great English culinary writer, Elizabeth David, who contributed two books of her own to this subject.
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Subjects:  1. Cookery (Herbs)    2. Cookery (Spices)    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Herbs    6. Reference    7. Specific Ingredients - Herbs, Spices, Condiments    8. Spices    9. Cooking / Herbs, Spices, Condiments   

Editorial Review

First published in 1950 and revised over time, Italy's bestselling culinary "bible," Read more

Reviews (106)

Encyclopedic, simple, advanced
Echoing so many other rave reviews, I have to say this is one of the most exciting cookbooks I've hefted (and it is hefty!) in a long time. It seems like nearly everything that I've eaten in Italy or seen on an Italian menu or read in another Italian cookbook has a straightforward, canonical recipe in this tome. It was like discovery, uncovering secrets again and again. I was breathless turning pages in my favorites sections, and kept returning to the book for days, unable to pull myself away.
A truly great book
There are a great many things to like about this book and very little if anything to dislike.
Definite Buy!
I love this cookbook! i agree with all the other raving reviews about it, everything i've made from it have been easy and delicious ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. History    4. Italian Cookery    5. Reference    6. Regional & Ethnic - Italian    7. Food & Drink / Cookery    8. Italy   

Editorial Review

With more than 3,000 entries on every aspect of wine from vine pests to specific grapes, this hefty tome has something for both the seasoned connoisseur and novice alike. Edited by one of today's premier wine columnists, the work covers all aspects of wine, travelling back in time to early Greece to examine wine's role in Dionysian revels, then returning to today's wine centers to explore all aspects of wine appreciation. A full third of the book is dedicated to specific wines and wine-producing regions. All those technical terms you've heard and puzzled over at tastings are clearly explained, making this the perfect reference for newcomers to the world of oenology.Read more

Reviews (20)

The Greatest Wine Book.....EVER
This tome is simply the best reference for professionals, amateurs and students on the subject of wine. The 3rd edition is updated with additional entries and new statistics, and better maps.

Thank Goodness for This Book
I use the Oxford Companion constantly!Wine terms and references can be a bit confusing at times and that's where this book comes in.This book is organized in alphabetical order so if you see a wine related term or word that needs some splain' just refer to The Oxford Companion to Wine.
Refer back to it often
If you're into wine, or into learning about it, then this book does well to supplement another perhaps smaller, more specialized book.It doesn't necessarily deal at length with nuances of individual grapes, or how to develop a thorough tasting method.It's very useful when you come across a wine term you won't find in Webster's or want to know what the deal is with grafting, etc.I don't give it a 5 because I think, considering it's namesake and already generous size, they could have gone into more detail on some of the world's lesser-known but up-and-coming varietals at the expense of a few dozen more pages.But still a very good book to have if you want to fill your mind, or just like reading encyclopedias cover to cover. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beverages - Wine & Spirits    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Reference    5. Cooking / Wine & Spirits    6. Reference works    7. Reference | Subject area reference    8. Wines   

Editorial Review

Though it drinks deep of its subject, Karen MacNeil's Read more

Reviews (45)

I Love It
I have three wine books, and this is the one I turn to the most. Granted, I don't have an atlas, and I am very new to the world of wine; nevertheless, this book is not only packed with information, it is an engaging and pleasurable read.
Fun, useful and amazingly accurate
Karen MacNeil's Wine Bible is so ambitious that it seems almost impossible for it to succeed. This book is first of all an encyclopedia, so it sets out to be comprehensive and it succeeds. Almost every bit of knowledge that isn't about a particular vintage can be found here. Remarkably, for an encyclopedia, many of theentries are quite detailed. I was particularly impressed by the section on Austrian and Italian wines (I've spent a fair amount of time in both countries).
One of a kind
After having reviewed a number of other books on the subject of wine, this publication takes the understanding of wine to a level easily understood by all.I have it in my kitchen for quick reference and use it for futures purchases as well as a quick understanding as to where the wine and grapes utilized in the wine came from.Maps and diagrams in the text are crystal clear and the text is written for easy understanding.This is a book I simply can't do without.Matter of fact, I have a copy in our Chicago home as well as our Florida home because it is that important to our wine purchases as well as understanding the history of wine and from whence it comes.It is truly best of breed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beverages - Wine & Spirits    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Reference    5. Wine and wine making    6. COOKING / Reference    7. Cooking / Wine & Spirits    8. Reference works    9. Wines   

Reviews (88)

Sublime!
This cookbook is amazing.The author is a genius on how to get foods that are equal to or better than their egg-and-dairy counterparts. Love it love it love it!

I've got more vengeance than you can shake a stick at
When I first checked this book out from the library I did something that I've never done with a cookbook before--I sat down and just read it. The author is so entertaining, witty, and engaging that I just liked reading the recipe descriptions, punk points, tips from Fizzle the cat, and litte vignettes that are woven into the book.
Fabulous!!!
Although not a Vegan, I highly recommend this book to everyone and anyone. First, whether or not you are vegan, I am certain that several recipes from this book will become favorites of yours as they did for me. In addition, this book would have stood on its own as a book of stories. If you want to laugh out loud as I did while reading this book on the bus on my way to work, simply check out the stories written in the introduction, before each section and preceding each recipe as well as Ms. Moskowitz' punk points and 'Fizzle Says:' paragraphs. Great recipes for every meal of the day and scrumptious desserts for any time. No matter what your age,gender, musical inclinations or dietary preferences, this is a cookbook for all.
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Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Reference    4. Vegetarian - General    5. Vegetarian cookery    6. Cooking / Reference    7. Vegan cookery   

Reviews (58)

A Pocket Size Culinary Encyclopedia
In this handy reference you will find definitions of 6000 food, beverages, ingredients, common used acronyms, abbreviations, and culinary terms, all arranged alphabetically and cross-referenced.
Best Little Book
I have used this and the previous edition for many years working in a country club.I just bought three of these for friends who have enjoyed my findings and got a kick out of my constant referring to my "bible" on food.If you are really interested in what things are made up of and where they originated, as well as some true tips for ease in food preparation this book is a wonder.These make 6 books of these purchased and it is one of those treasures that I must pass on to like minded freinds as a gift!

Awesome Book!
I am a college student and as I get older, I have started to realize my love of fine foods. One problem is, however, that when I hear food terms, I don't always know what they mean. This is where this book comes in. This has to be the most comprehensive book on food terms. It is great and really does a good job defining almost anything that you may come across. Also, the apendix is wonderful; from cooking times to diagrams of cuts of meat, it alone is a valuble tool. This is a great reference book for anyone who enjoys food. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Dictionaries    5. Food    6. Reference    7. Cooking / Reference    8. General cookery    9. Reference works   

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Food presentation    4. Garnishes (Cookery)    5. Methods - General    6. Methods - Professional    7. Reference    8. Cooking / Culinary Arts & Techniques    9. Food & Drink / Cookery   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (46)

If there were more stars to give - I WOULD!
This cookbook is the best in my collection - and I have a lot!! The instructions are clear and the pictures are great!

Horrible!
I tried her honey-acorn pie and it came out HORRIBLE!!! I had to re-bake the pie for more than 50 minutes and the pie filling is tasteless andtoo salty....her recipes are too tedious and never seem to produce good results...and I'm somebody who bakes a lot. Now, Julia Child on the other hand has some WONDERFUL recipes that NEVER fail!

Best one yet!
I have a lot of Martha's books and DVD's, but this book is by far the best one for baking, it has everything and anything you could want.I have made many recipes from this book already, and purchased another one for a gift. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baking    2. Baking - Confectionery    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Methods - Baking    6. Reference    7. Cookery dishes & courses    8. Cooking / Baking   

Editorial Review

First published in 1950, Read more

Reviews (92)

A little bit newer desired
When I was first married, in 1966, I received a Betty Crocker cookbook that I wore out through so much use. I bought a newer version but didn't like it as much as my older one. I was trying to duplicate the older one when I bought this one. I think was trying to find one that was published a little later than this one. I don't really like the way the index is set up in this one but I do appreciate the good amount of basic information provided for a new cook.

A "must have", but...
Does contain very helpful information for the beginning cook left out of many "general" cookbooks. All the recipes turn out well, unlike recipes in some other cookbooks that seem like nobody ever tried before publishing them. Good for building confidence in a new cook.
Can't go wrong with the original!
My grandmother used this cookbook religiously for years and through it, taught me to love cooking and baking. Her original book was lost over the years, so I was delighted to get this version. It's absolutely perfect and so many recipes bring back fond memories. The recipes are simple and basic enough that I can share them with my 5-year-old daughter. We love the blueberry muffins and my husband raves about the pineapple upside down cake. Still my favorite cookbook! Thanks Betty! :) ... Read more

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

Reviews (5)

... and then came the Book of Cheese
From Quebec's Chaput Vacherin Mont d'Or to Ireland's Ardrahan and Roomano of Holland to Switzerland's Sbrinz, Cheese - A Connoisseur's Guide to the World's Best by Max McCalman and David Gibbons is a sumptuous feast for mind and eye to 200 of the world's finest cheeses. Listen to what McCalman has to say about Epoisses - "the King of Cheeses" - "Take it out of the fridge, put it on a plate, wait for it to turn meltingly soft and alluring, then cut in and enjoy the beautiful essence of controlled milk spoilage." No wonder this book has become my guide when seeking out a new world of artisanal cheese to explore!
A Course on Cheese
I love a good piece of stinky cheese. I enjoy taking it out of the fridge and letting its nasty old stank peel the paint off my walls, knockout my cat, and make the local children cry. It's how you know you gots yerself sum quality cheese right there.
Remarkable!Essential for Anyone Interested in Cheese
This book, written by one of America's foremost authorities on cheese, is remarkable.The material is well researched, the photographs are stunning, and the recommendations are top notch.Particularly important are the wine pairings, which are insightful and very useful.Like McCalman's "The Cheese Plate," this book looks as elegant as a coffee table book, however it contains a wealth of information valuable to any cheese enthusiast.
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Subjects:  1. Cheese    2. Cookery    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Dairy Science    6. General    7. Specific Ingredients - Dairy    8. Varieties    9. Cooking / Reference   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (11)

Good Basics
Teaches basics, it's like a textbook. Useful information that comes with pictures. It's definitely a worth investment for chefs like myself.

Excellent book
I have really benefitted from this book. It was an excellent value for the money.

Garde Manger Culinary Institue of America
The book arrive fast, the problem is your company change my shipping address. It took me two extra day to reiceve it. I was lucky tobe able to pick it up two hours before my class ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery (Cold dishes)    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Methods - Quantity    5. Quantity Food Production And Service    6. Quantity cookery    7. Reference    8. Cooking / Culinary Arts & Techniques    9. Food & Drink / Cookery   

Editorial Review

Rose Levy Beranbaum is a kitchen chemist extraordinaire--this, afterall, is the woman who wrote her master's thesis on the effects of sifting on thequality of yellow cake. In Read more

Reviews (133)

I love this book
I bought this book for myself several years ago. I learned so much because each recipe is a mini lesson with tips for those times when things go wrong. I just bought this book again as a bridal shower gift.

Excellent Book - Unfriendly Layout
Any cookbook edited by Maria Guarnaschelli and graced with a forward by Maida Heatter is bound to be something of value.There are plenty of simple cakes in this impressive volume that can be prepared without much difficulty along with some real showstoppers such as "Blueberry Swan Cake". The book is full of techniques, equipment and ingredient recommendations, ideas and lessons in cake decorating, and is a marvelous general reference work for bakers at all levels of experience.The section entitled "Temperatures and Tests for Sugar Syrup" is invaluable.The "Special Categories" section is also useful for determining which cakes are better made in advance, which are quick to pull together, and which are lower in fat and cholesterol (The author, Rose Beranbaum, is married to a physician). My favorite recipe in the book - one I use regularly, is the Sour Cream Ganache - probably the easiest recipe in the book.Its beauty is in its simplicity and, assuming the quality of chocolate is sublime, transports the palate to an Elysian experience.My only complaint about this otherwise first-rate manual, is the way the recipes are listed in a table format. Beranbaum uses the same format in her other baking books, but somehow I find it unfriendly and unappealing. This is of small importance overall and is a matter of personal preference - some readers may love it.Also, many of the recipes are just variations of others.In the recipe for Lemon Crepes Suzette, the first item on the recipe list is "1 recipe Chantilly Crepes".I find it easier to have each recipe stand on its own without having to go back and forth. It is obvious that this book has stood the test of time - even after 18 years, it is still being published in hardcover.Beranbaum is thorough and passionate without ever being pretentious.

Professional Pastry Chef
I have owned this book for years and have refered back to it many times,the problem is that it becomes very confusing if you try to incorperate her advice in with what you are already doing.It seems that the only way most of her ideas work is if you from start to finish only follow her recipes.And what's with the "Rose factor" any one who has this book knows what I am talking about.There are definitely some great pieces of advice and nice little stories but all in all not my favorite. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cake    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Courses & Dishes - Cakes    5. Methods - Baking    6. Reference    7. Cakes, baking, icing & sugarcraft    8. Cooking / Cakes   

Editorial Review

Ruth Yaron cares deeply about what your baby is eating--so much so that her bestselling Read more

Reviews (510)

My Favorite baby food book!!
This is the first review I've ever written.. but I just had to after seeing some of the negative reviews on it!YIKES!!
so much info at your fingertips
I was shocked to read the poor reviews of this book, this is the first book I've ever reviewed and I'm doing it because it has made such a difference in our lives.I wanted to make my own healthy baby food because my firstborn suffered a lot of digestive problems starting at the time I began feeding her store bought baby food.Fresh, preservative-free homemade baby food made the difference for us.Since then I have started all my babies this way.I am thankful to Ruth Yaron for doing the legwork of getting all the info together in one book.The book includes a table of foods and the vitamins/minerals they contain, there's a section on how to prepare all the major fruits and vegetables, lots of helpful tips and hints, a good reference section on nutrition, recipes, schedules for when to feed certain foods, and lots more.She is a fanatic about some of her healthy additives for baby's food, I didn't get bothered with all that.If you really want to make your own healthy baby food and want to learn a little about good nutrition in general, this is the book for you.

Very Passionate
This book is advice from a very passionate mom.She's a little over the top on some things, as I'm sure we all are on the things we are most passionate about, but all in all it is a great reference for feeding your baby a healthy, balanced, diet.One thing I would add is that you can make the rice cereal in a rice cooker a little easier than on the stove and when you freeze it after making it that way it is not rubbery at all.
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Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Health - Nutrition    5. Parenting - Child Rearing    6. Reference    7. Baby foods    8. Child care    9. Childbirth    10. Children    11. Cookery (Baby foods)    12. Cookery (Natural foods)    13. Family    14. Infant foods    15. Nutrition Of Infants And Children    16. Parenting   

Reviews (4)

One of Wine's Grand Old Men
By Bill Marsano. We can divide wine drinkers into three classes. Ordinaire Joe, who'd rather drink wine than talk about it, is here advised to flee: This book will bore him stupid. The Wine Geek is just the opposite; for him wine is an excuse to prattle about clonal selection and hints of toffee on the nose. He'll love this book--will take it to bed with him. It is a gold mine of tasting notes covering many decades and innumerable wines from most regions of the world. The emphasis is on France, with Germany a distant third (there is no second), Italy a distant fifth (there is no fourth) and everybody else reduced to odds and ends. There's lots of stuff on champagne and port, too--a quintessentially British slant.

Sweet Dreams are Made of These
I first fell under Mr. Broadbent's spell during my earliest days as a fledgling sommelier. His slender volume, Michael Broadbent's Complete Guide to Wine Tasting and Wine Cellars (1982) has long been, like they say about middleweight boxers, pound-for-pound the best book I've ever read about appreciating wine. When the wine auction scene arrived in Chicago in the mid-eighties. I can still remember attending some of the first few events at the University Club, sponsored by Christie's and conducted by the legendary MB. I was overwhelmed watching him lead auctions, but way too shy and in awe of him to introduce myself. Read more

Subjects:  1. Beverages - Wine & Spirits    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Essays    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Reference    7. Wine    8. Wine and wine making    9. Cooking / Wine & Spirits   

Reviews (40)

The only one you will need!!
This is an absolutely fabulous book - I use it all the time, I never knew one cook rice in so many varied and interesting ways!
Great collection of authentic Persian food.........
Ms. Batmanglij presents a thorough listing of Persian cuisine with beautiful pictures accompaning most dishes.Her style of cooking almost represents the Western orientation of Iran which is truly the most tasteful and decorative collection of the Persian cuisine.

Excellent food in easy to follow recipes!
This is an excellent cookbook with authentic Iranian cuisine. All the recipes I've tried so far, came out great, just as I remember my Iranian grandma making them. Some of the ingredients are difficult to find in areas without Iranian specialty food stores, but Batmanglij usually gives alternatives that are readily available anywhere. The directions for each recipe are clear and easy to follow. The beautiful pictures are mouth-watering, and it's sometimes difficult to decide what to cook first.
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Subjects:  1. Cookery, Iranian    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Iran    5. Reference    6. Regional & Ethnic - Middle Eastern    7. Social life and customs    8. Cookery, Middle Eastern    9. National & regional cuisine   

Editorial Review

Does the thought of cooking from scratch make you panic? Do you stand in front of your supermarket's canned vegetables display frozen with indecision? Is your fridge filled with takeout containers, and your oven used for storage? If you answered these questions with an emphatic "Yes," Sandra Lee'sRead more

Reviews (58)

Because "White Trash Cuisine" was already taken...it's "Semi-Homemade Cooking"
I admit that my review title was unfair and harsh.As was the opening remark I was going to borrow from P.J. O'Rourke: "...the only reason you would cook this would be to convince your ex-wife (or parole officer) that you were trying to live like a human being."
Try some of these, they're good, they're fast!
After reading a few of the reviews of this cookbook, I was a little confused. I bought Semi-Homemade Cooking without reading any reviews, and I'm glad I did. I'm a regular old mom and housewife, and one of my main goals eve