3.0 out of 5 stars
Not as comprehensive as I would have liked....., July 4 2004
This review is from: The Whole Chile Pepper Book (Paperback)
Basically, THE WHOLE CHILE PEPPER BOOK, by DeWitt and Gerlach includes a history of the chile (how it left the New World and conquered the Old World) four colorful pages of photos of various chile peppers, and lots and lots of exotic recipes. I bought this book thinking it would include much more detail on raising peppers in the garden than Rosilind Creasy's book THE EDIBLE PEPPER GARDEN, but for my purposes it is not as useful. I don't really need more recipes, I need a book that shows me photos of various peppers and explains their basic uses.
I fould the book more or less interesting - a narrative that explains how the pepper moved from area to area and how the locals in varous areas incorporated the new vegetable into their native cuisines, often developing pepper children who differed from their American ancestor. For example, while Africa had an affair with Paprika, Southeast Asia incorporated peppers into everything from curry to sate. So, according to DeWitt and Gerlach, the American pepper is the ancestor of those hot foreign dishes you eat in Thai, Chinese, and other ethnic restaurants.
I am puzzled as to why anyone would publish a book about something as colorful as the pepper and include so few color photos, however, the book includes many black and white photos and illustrations, along with plenty of text. If you like reading about peppers, this is the book for you.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
A wealth of pepper information and recipes, April 10 2002
This review is from: The Whole Chile Pepper Book (Paperback)
This book has everything for the pepper-lover. Not only some tasty and unique recipes, but also history, interesting pepper facts, and information about cultures throughout the world that enjoy peppers. Plus, many of the recipes are not blazing-hot. Even includes recipes from Africa and Asia for a change of pace. The "Field Guide to Chiles" (with some color photos) is also very interesting. Think of this as the Food Network meets the Discovery Channel.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
As indispensible as salt, Jan 11 2001
This review is from: The Whole Chile Pepper Book (Paperback)
A total source book, everything one needs to know about chiles is here. Part science book, complete with botanical information, part history book with all the 411 on origins of the various chiles, but mostly a recipe book. The beauty of this book lies in the fact that exposure is given to the use of chile throughtout the world. Typically many think of the dishes of Mexico and it's southern neighbors as "hot" food, but this book shows the use of the chile in cuisines throughout the world. The interesting tidbits of information provided about how the chile came to be a part of the cuisine is most fascinating. Old world meets new world cuisines. Many of the recipes are tradional fares that can be found in other books but the truly exotic, different cuisine awaits those who have adventurous taste buds. In the mood for a little African soup? A simple enough recipe consisting mainly of peanut butter, chiles, chicken broth and the usual suspects of diced onions, carrots and oil and you're ready for a starter on your menu. An excellent book for someone looking to serve up some fiery worldly cuisine the book offers recipes on some of the most exotic dishes imagineable. A great book to be used over and over again, year after year, your friends will be impressed when you serve them up something yummy they have never tried before.
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