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5.0 out of 5 stars
Delightful marriage of the traditional and the unexpected, Jun 1 2002
This gem of a cookbook, published in 1985, was way ahead of its time. The inside jacket flap reads, "Drawing on the diverse cooking traditions of America, Italy, France, India, Morocco, and the Middle East, the authors have assembed 184 recipes that include not only the classic examples of each cuisine, but also unsual dishes that provide surprising gastronomic rewards." It is an apt description.The book was published before roasted peppers, balsamic and other flavoured vinegars and gorgonzola cheese were as commonly used in the everyday North American kitchen as they are today. Since it focuses on soups, pastas and stews, with a few side dishes or accompaniments in a chapter at the back of the book, there is a huge variety. The soups range from the traditional, like borscht or mushroom, to chestnut soup with brandy and cream, or cream of lettuce. The stews, pastas, and salads have names that get your mouth watering: chicken tagine with prunes, onions, and almonds; braised short ribs with onions, mustard and white wine; lamb stew with rosemary and capers; penne with black olive purée and ricotta; Bibb, watercress, walnut, olive and Gruyère salad with creamy walnut dressing, etc. The recipes combine ingredients with flair, and the results are delicious, a symphony of flavours and texture. Even their chili recipe includes red wine, coriander and chocolate. This book is one to be enjoyed when you love cooking and have the time to prepare meals. What is better than the aroma of a hearty soup or stew, simmering for hours on the stove on a wet autumn day? It is a great book for those who have a well-stocked spice rack, and who are not daunted by a long list of ingredients. The recipes are perfect for company, especially if your friends enjoy trying different dishes and ingredients. These are not meals for the rushed weekday evening or for those with strictly meat and potatoes taste. This is dining, as opposed to mere eating.
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