Average customer rating:
- A culinary student must have
- Don't Bother Me...I'm choosing a wine.....!
- From http://www.AWineStory.com Publisher Marisa D'Vari
- Great content, sloppy editing
- Perfect Timing
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What to Drink with What You Eat: The Definitive Guide to Pairing Food with Wine, Beer, Spirits, Coffee, Tea - Even Water - Based on Expert Advice from America's Best Sommeliers
Andrew Dornenburg ,
Karen Page , and
Michael Sofronski
Manufacturer: Bulfinch
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Windows on the World Complete Wine Course: 2007 Edition (Windows on the World Complete Wine Course)
ASIN: 0821257188 |
Book Description
The most comprehensive guide to matching food and drink ever compiled, by the James Beard Award winning author team of Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg, with practical advice from more than seventy of America's leading pairing experts In a great meal, what you drink is just as important as what you eat.This groundbreaking food and beverage pairing reference allows food lovers to learn to think like a sommelier, and to transform every meal- breakfast, lunch, and dinner - from ordinary to extraordinary. Exceptional in its depth and scope - with over fifteen hundred entries - What to Drink with What You Eat is based on the collective wisdom of experts at dozens of America's best restaurants, including Alinea, Babbo, Bern's, Blue Hill, Chanterelle, Daniel, Emeril's, French Laundry, Frontera Grill, Inn at Little Washington, Jean Georges, Masa's, The Modern, Per Se, Rubicon, Tru, and Valentino. You'll find authoritative recommendations for stocking your cellar and kitchen with must-have beverages, from wines to waters.You'll also learn what to drink with everything from French toast to Chinese food, and what to eat with everything from Pinot Noir to green tea, to create mouthwatering matches.Follow the authors three simple Rules to Remember when making a match - or just dive into the wide-ranging listings in chapters 5 and 6. This incisive, hip writing team (Publisher's Weekly) distills history, geography, science, expert technique, and original insight to create a remarkably user-friendly and engaging reference.Lavishly illustrated with gorgeous four-color photographs, What to Drink with What You Eat is an instant classic essential to every connoisseur's bookshelf.
Customer Reviews:
A culinary student must have.......2007-05-12
I recently had to do a food and wine pairing for class. Considering i'm still in school, I had no idea what to do.After talking to a chef instructor, I decided that this book would benefit me in both school and out in the industry. I mean, it even pairs water. Yeah, this book is definately worth every cent.
Don't Bother Me...I'm choosing a wine.....!.......2007-04-18
The dust on my furniture is thickening, the phone is ringing, my dog wants a walk...Sorry, I am selecting which beverage to serve tomorrow nite with peel-and-eat shrimp...oh, what fun!! Watch out because once you open this book, it will be awhile before you rejoin the world: It's pure facination and empowerment (!) for an avid foodie who has never been quite certain of what wine to serve without groveling at the local wine shop! And it's not just about wine; there are fabulous suggestions for beer, citrus drinks, tea....
There are already excellent reviews (in my opinion) so I don't want to reinvent the wheel by raving on the photos, the organization, the pure depth of information, the perfection of this book. But if you have stopped on this page, you probably also own a dog-eared, raggedy, finger-smudged copy of "Culinary Artistry" (somewhat like mine is?) and suffice to say that while this is a much more beautiful book and may not necessarily be sitting next to your stove (although there are wonderful recipes...)you will probably refer to it as often.
Suggestion: Read the more in-depth reviews, click to order....and purchase those little anti-static dust cloths. I haven't figured out what to do about the dog yet...
From http://www.AWineStory.com Publisher Marisa D'Vari.......2007-04-09
Are you curious about what wine to order with your cheesecake? Intimidated by five-hundred page wine list at a top restaurant? Downright scared when the sommelier comes charging toward your table?
Relax. Authors Andrew Dornenburg and Karen Page have created a resource that helps even the `average Joe or Jane' understand the principles of wine and food pairing. They take the conventional, canned, old-school advice of "red wine with meat, white wine with fish" to an entirely new level, based on insights learned from their previous books on cuisine, as well as interviews with America's top, cutting-edge sommeliers.
In many ways, the format of What to Drink with What You Eat resembles a substantial wine/food pairing encyclopedia specifically designed to be quickly skimmed before heading off to a restaurant or purchasing wine for a dinner party. For example, let's say you are entertaining clients at a steakhouse, and want to sound intelligent about wine. You know red wine typically goes with red meat, but which red? Old world or new? And what are the virtues of each? By spending just five minutes with this book (and perhaps jotting down some notes) you will be able to help your guests order a Shiraz, Barbaresco, Barolo, or good old Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon based on the elements of the sauce and cut of meat they choose.
In a similar fashion, let's say you want to dazzle your friends and show off your new kitchen with a fabulous dinner party. Spend a few moments with this book and you will be able to pair every element of your menu with an exciting, unusual wine. No need to consult a professional wine expert, as you have this knowledge at your fingertips.
Sommeliers interviewed for this book are mostly young and more free-thinking than sommeliers of years past. They are enthusiastic about wine, regardless of it's an exciting, new world find of exceptional value, or a fine-aged Bordeaux worth hundreds of dollars. As a group, they see their mission as helping you find a good wine to accessorize your meal within your price range. And the individual quotes from sommeliers are what makes this book so fresh and appealing.
For example, Steve Beckta of Beckta Dining & Wine in Ottawa believes that as a sommelier, it is almost more important to match a wine to a person than to match the wine to the food. Curious thought! "The most important part of being a sommelier is not your ability to taste, but your ability to empathize with the person who is in front of you," he explains in the book.
How very true. In one instance, Beckta recalls three `big businessmen' sitting at a table. One wants lamb, one wants halibut, and the other guy wants scallops. They tell him they want the "perfect" wine that matches all three, dissimilar dishes. By carefully listening to the subtext of what they are telling him, Beckta realizes they are after a wine that fits into their comfort zone, not necessarily the best match. To him, that means a "big red" from Australia and as it turns out, the businessmen love it.
Sommelier Alpana Singh, formerly of Everest in Chicago (now with the Lettuce Entertainment Group) agrees that comfort is important. She likes to serve California wines on big holidays like New Year's Eve and Valentine's Day, because people who dine out only a few `special nights' a year want something they can recognize and appreciate.
If you entertain or dine out frequently, What To Drink with What You Eat is a dynamic desktop resource and wine and food pairing primer that will stimulate you to learn more about wine by further reading or classes. If you like oaky Chardonnay, for example, this book will also motivate you to try unoaked Chardonnay wines and realize the difference, especially when paired with food. Yet what works best about this book is the way you can take advantage of the authors' extensive research and with just a few minutes of skimming, come across as a credible wine expert in front of clients, colleagues, family and friends.
Great content, sloppy editing.......2007-04-06
First off, it's very wide ranging and is incredibly easy to use. All of the recommendations in this book have come from top notch chefs and sommeliers, so you know they can be trusted. You'll often find a wealth of options to choose from for different foods due to the democratic group effort behind this. You'll also get more than just wine, which is incredibly refreshing. Some snobs refuse to admit it, but there are some dishes that simply work better with other drinks. They go above simply listing "beer" and will put "lager", "wheat beer", etc., which is nice.
The book uses a system of bold print, capital letters, and asterisks to point out which drinks work particularly well, as well as other options for people who are looking to try something different. It's also nice to see a section afterwards that does the reverse and is listed by drink and then has food suggestions. Sometimes you want to build the meal around a special bottle of wine instead of vice versa. After that comes specific recommendations from some of the well known contributors to the book. It's an almost flawless book. Except....
....the book is very poorly edited and, in at least two cases, factually inaccurate. Jean-Luc Le Du is either misquoted, misinformed, or simply misspoke. The quote: "Where to find great Cabernet Sauvignon: This would be a toss-up between hillside vineyards in California and Pomerol in France." I had to do a double take...Pomerol? For Cab Sauv? Huh?
Not only that, I noticed this statement in two different parts of the book. I'm assuming M. Le Du meant to say Pauillac, as Pomerol is, of course, known for Merlot, which makes up most or all (80-100%, usually) of the wine blend there. Even if there is Cab Sauv in the blend, it's a minimal amount of the wine. I can understand misspeaking and saying Pomerol when you mean Pauillac; it happens. But how this obvious factual error ended up in the final print of the book is beyond me. Anyone that buys a Pomerol expecting a shining example of Cab Sauv will be disappointed (although they may end up with some of the world's best Merlot.)
I've also noticed another factual error concerning the retail price of a certain wine; they mention Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon as a great value wine at $10 a bottle. It actually retails for around $30-$35 a bottle, not $10.
While I have yet to find any other major errors in the text (not that I'm actively searching for them, but maybe I should), I have noticed a couple grammatical blunders; missing punctuation, spelling errors and such. It's disappointing to see easily correctable errors like this mar an otherwise fantastic book. That being said, don't let these gripes deter you from buying this excellent reference source for food and drink pairings. Clean up the grammar and factual errors and this becomes a 5 star book.
Perfect Timing.......2007-03-19
I am soon to open my First restaurant. Being a chef not only did this book help me brush up it even expanded my paring knowledge. I have also used it as a training tool with my employees and recommended it to them. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys food.
Book Description
During World War II, young Vincent Iezzi was at home with his grandmother in his Philadelphia neighborhood. Because of the war effort, most of the mothers, big sisters, and aunts were working in the factories while most of the fathers, big brothers, and uncles were off at war.
Nonna always knew just what to say. Gifted with a native ability to tell stories, her solution for every one of Vincent's questions or problems was another elaborate story, accompanied by cups of coffee sweetened with war-rationed brown sugar and milk.
And such stories they are! Angels and saints take on peasant charm, God paints peacocks' tails, and the humble good Joe always finishes first. Heroes. Plots. Intrigue. Better than any comic book, for sure.
Pull up a chair. You can almost smell the coffee.
Customer Reviews:
Heartwarming stories.......2007-10-08
This book is full of delightfully heartwarming stories that take us back to a warmer, simpler time of love, humor and faith. It's a feel-good book!
Uplifting Catholic book.......2007-02-24
This book is a pleasure to read. I've been reading the stories to my 9-year old son, who could read the book to myself, but prefers to sit with me and hear me read it to him, like as if he was Vinzee and I was Nonna. Right before I bought this book I traveled to Portugal with my family. It was Christmas and we were touring an ancient Cathedral when we noticed a very modest Naviity scene next to the Cathedral wall. A stray dog was laying in the hay right next to the Baby Jesus. We all laughed and commented that we didn't know that Baby Jesus had a pet dog. Well, I come home and start reading "Coffee With Nonna" just to discover that wise Nonna knew about the dog and the other four animals at the birth of Jesus, and what the significance is of the loyal dog. I shared this with my family who all agreed that the Portuguese stray dog truly had the last laugh.
A Great book to share........2006-02-01
This book like it's companion is filled with terrific stories of a boy and his grandmother. Although Italian in it's background, any grandparent or grandchild could enjoy this book.
Surpirsed!.......2005-12-26
Got this book for Christmas from my Nonna. She always tells me to read and i don't like to read. Could not imagine what this book was about but this morning I opened it and began reading and read it all day. I loved it and my Nonna got a hug from me. She now is going to buy me the second part of this book and I cannot wait.
Great stories that I could relate to.......2005-08-27
I lived with my grandfather who came over from Italy as a teenager and also told many stories. I also lived in South Philly. I could relate to so much of what was mentioned in the book. The book is great. I have recommended it to many friends and family! Well worth the purchase!
Book Description
Cocktails in Tahiti is a visually stunning, full color showpiece combining a playful yet sophisticated look at Tahiti's magnificent luxury resorts and their most delicious, flirtatious, and slightly decadent cocktails. Filled with unusual insights, folklore, and facts about Tahiti and her islands,
Cocktails in Tahiti has something to tempt and delight all tastes.
Over 50 sumptuous cocktail recipes blend exotic fruits, juices, and liquors providing a flavorful and vibrant palette from which to capture the fun and often elegant mood of these captivating islands. You'll learn the history of the legendary Mai Tai, Tahiti's most famous cocktail, and discover the secrets of the intriguing rums, vodkas, and distinctive liqueurs used in creating Tahiti's most celebrated libations.
A special section features the signature cocktail recipes from Tahiti's most outstanding luxury resorts along with spectacular photographs and overviews of these renowned hotels.
Whether served from a coconut or elegantly chilled in a martini glass of fine crystal, the flowering and colorful cocktails of Tahiti have an undeniable presence all their own. If you are dreaming of a future trip or reliving special memories from a past visit to these beautiful islands, this wonderful collection of delightful drink recipes, dazzling hotel photographs, and distinctive insights will put you in a tropical, tranquil mood as you sip your way to our magical paradise.
Al Keahi, Managing Director, Tahiti Tourism Bureau N.A:
A must have book of fun and facts for anyone who has visited or dreams of visiting Tahiti.
New Book Resources, October 2006:
We can't wait to try out the recipes and imagine that we are at one of the featured, dreamlike hotels.
Vincent Guerin, Director of Sales, Starwood Hotels & Resorts French Polynesia:
The finest collection of resort photographs and cocktail recipes from across Tahiti.
Customer Reviews:
What a fun and entertaining book!.......2007-08-05
Not only does this book have a wealth of information on a destination we long to travel to, but it offers a wide variety of fun and DELICIOUS drinks.
We love to entertain and it has been great having 'Cocktails in Tahiti' out at our parties...quite a conversation piece! Everyone loves the stunning photos of Tahiti, the scrumptious drinks, and the intriguing facts of the islands. Thank you!
Experience a whole new world of Cocktails!.......2007-04-28
Always looking for new and exciting cocktails to try, I purchased this book. Each page became more interesting, not only for the drinks presented but for the knowledge that Mr. Bondurant shares about Tahiti, it's culture, local accomodations, etc.
The photos are exceptional and each drink I have mixed has been better than the last. I have bought several as gifts for coworkers and friends. You won't be disappointed!
Cocktails from paradise at your fingertips.......2007-02-06
"Cocktails in Tahiti" is a must have for any lover of spirits with a tropical flair. The author has artfully put together a wonderful collection of cocktails, both old and new, from the scenic paradise of Tahiti. Colorful photographs and descriptions of each drink will have your mouth watering to imbibe several of these treats from the South Pacific. If you are looking for something new to bring some tropical flavor to your cocktail library, then you need this book!
This book will make you fall in love with Tahiti.......2006-12-18
I have always wanted to go to the Tahitian islands but have never had the opportunity. Now, after reading "Cocktails in Tahiti", I am planning a trip to Tahiti for next Summer. I originally thought "Cocktails in Tahiti" would give me some good ideas for entertaining, but soon found out it contained many intersting nuggets about the islands and their history. To sum it up, I am packed and ready to go to these beautiful islands.
If you've ever dreamed of a tropical vacation or just need to brighten up your winter, you should read this book.
Beautiful Book.......2006-12-09
I have never been to Tahiti, but after reading the fun, informative facts about Tahiti, seeing the beautiful pictures, and sampling some of the excellent cocktail recipes, I am ready to go!
Mr. Bondurant's love and knowledge of Tahiti come through clearly in the book, which is very well laid out. It provides enough information and explains things in such a way that an amateur can make delicious Tahitian cocktails as well as the most experienced bartender. The fun facts about Tahiti, along with summaries of the total hotels and the gorgeous pictures, makes this book a must have.
Until I can take my first trip to Tahiti, this book will help bring a little Tahiti to my home.
Amazon.com
Remember the days when "heavenly coffee" came straight out of a vacuum-sealed can? No longer--this is the age of specialty coffees, and selecting a great bean is almost as complicated as choosing a fine wine. What's the difference between medium roast, high roast, and French roast? Should you use a French press or a percolator to brew your dream cup? And what's the difference between cappuccino, latte, and café au lait, anyway? All these questions and more are answered in The Coffee Companion, a trim little volume to guide you through the coffee conundrum, from buying the beans to brewing them.
In addition to describing and rating more than 150 coffees from around the world, The Coffee Companion includes tips on roasting, grinding, and blending your own beans to create the perfect brew. There are also plenty of delectable recipes for making classic coffee beverages. So if you're particular about the coffee you drink, don't leave home without The Coffee Companion.
Customer Reviews:
Good Companion Indeed.......2006-11-20
This is a very nice book about coffee. It explains the history of the drink, the different ways of making it, including glossary's, and also what kind of coffees from around the world there are. Nice buy if you can find it. My edition is from the mid-90's, so I hope there is some kind of update.
Book Description
"This book is something. Lovingly researched and written, with all the known drawings illustrated, identified, ordered and annotated, it is a historical, some might feel spiritual, event. Ms. Gealt and Mr. Knox, who intended it for both a general audience and scholars, say simply, 'We believe this is a book to linger over.' . . . they are absolutely right."
--
Holland Cotter, New York Times
In this major new work of art history, Adelheid M. Gealt and George Knox assemble, present, and document for the first time a cycle of 313 drawings of scenes from the New Testament by the 18th-century Venetian draftsman Domenico Tiepolo (1727-1804). When Domenico died in 1804, the drawings were dispersed among various purchasers. Locating, identifying, and documenting them required years of detective work by Gealt and Knox.This book presents the fruit of their labors and is a treasure that any art lover will wish to own. The book will accompany an exhibition to open October 2006 at The Frick Museum in New York.
Introductory chapters by Knox and Gealt provide a history of the drawings and a discussion of the literary and pictorial traditions in which Domenico worked and the complexities of his narrative approach. The heart of the book is a catalog of full-color reproductions of the drawings, arranged to follow the New Testament narrative from the lives of Joachim and Anna (Christ's grandparents) through the acts of Peter and Paul. The accompanying text includes the biblical passages depicted in each drawing, synopses of the stories that Domenico tells, and commentaries. A reference section provides further information on the traditions of iconography and on the biblical and historical sources reflected in Domenico Tiepolo's work.
Customer Reviews:
Biblical adventures.......2007-10-02
With 313 large scale colour plates, this handsomely produced and pleasantly designed book allows art lovers to savour to the full the exquisite draughtsmanship and fertile imagination of what must surely be one of the most extraordinary biblical cycles of the 18th century. I can imagine no one who is even remotely interested in 18 th century religious art who would not want to add this book to their collection.
As to the text, the authors have most assiduously accumulated a vast quantity of material on pictorial and literary sources and traditions, which is likely to turn the book into a useful reference tool for iconographic matters well beyond the book's immediate concerns.; there is also as much factual information about the genesis of the series and ist subsequent fate as anyone can possilby provide today.
When it comes to intellectually stimulating insights into Domenico's highly idiosyncratic art, however, the book is somewhat disappointing. There is a fair amount of elevated prattle that does not really take us anywhere ("He [Domenico] reinforced his reality with the authority of dogma, refreshed history by giving it the appearance of eyewitness reportage" etc., p. 65), and following threads of motives and themes is all very well but often does not probe very deeply into Domenico's artistic mind; in an exhaustive series of bible illustrations you would expect quite a lot of "fathers and sons, mothers and sons", "greetings and partings, exits and entrances", "deaths and funerals", wouldn't you, whoever designed the series. What the authors should rather have done is extend the section on particular structural devices characteristic of Domenico's way of organizing biblical incidents, and, to be sure, there are quite a few. As it is, the authors refer only to the technique of "cutoffs", but it cannot, e. g., have escaped their notice that one of the most striking recurrent features is the tension between empty or sparsely structured spaces, austere, even forbidding architectural settings and grid-like patterned areas (such as brick walls) on the one hand and vibrantly outlined figures, quite often congealing into dense or even all but impenetrable clusters, on the other hand.
Another oddity is that each author supplies his or her own separate commentary for every individual drawing; as these commentaries at least partially cover similar ground, they should surely have been merged into just one coherent text for every drawing. As they stand, the commetaries are of varying interest; at their worst, they would have vastly benefited from serious editorial interference, such as the inconclusive ramblings on what may or may not de depicted on plate 302.
Notwithstanding all these shortcomings, gratitude is due to the authors' and the publisher's efforts to make a magnificent achievement of 18th century art accessible to a wide audience. If Tiepolo is a name you treasure, do buy a copy.
An extraordinary achievement .......2006-10-19
This is an extraordinary example of contemporary scholarship in both art history and Christianity. The "Tiepolo Code" as described by Gealt and Knox is a wonderful, complex and compelling story.
The book itself is beautifully rendered in rich color which brings the drawing themselves to life.
Customer Reviews:
Most often used cookbook in my collection!.......2006-09-15
Out of the hundreds of cookbooks that I have, this one is reached for most often. Easy to follow instructions, no fussy equipment needed and the muffin and quick bread recipes have won me rave reviews! Well worth the money!
Easiest & Best Coffee Cakes & Quick Breads by Renny Darling.......2000-12-21
This is, by far, the most treasured cookbook in my collection. I have tried nearly every recipe in the book, and they are all excellent. I bake regularly for my family and friends, and have a reputation as being a "fantastic" baker, and it's all because of Renny Darling's fabulous recipes. The instructions are clear, easy to read and follow, and the outcome is always perfect. There are wonderful recipes for banana breads, cranberry breads, pumpkin breads, as well as cakes, muffins, and scones. Renny also indicates how to change cooking time to adapt quick bread recipes to muffins, or cakes and vice versa. You will not be disappointed in this "Cake Bible."
A treasure book of luscious treats.......2000-08-16
I had never heard of Renny Darling before my husband brought this book home to me as a gift for our first wedding anniversary. That was over five years ago, and I continue to use this cookbook for sweet treats more than any other baking/dessert cookbook I own. Darling's philosophy is that baking is a labor of love, but in this book, as she says in her introduction, she has taken out the labor--these recipes really ARE easy to make, and use ingredients that are simple, not impossible to find. This cookbook has no photographs in it, but they aren't needed! Just casually perusing the book will get you inspired to start baking! Darling includes muffins, lots of quick breads and coffee cakes, and also some more sophisticated tortes which are still quite easy to prepare. If you like to bake at all, you must have this cookbook in your collection--you will not regret buying it!
This is the cookbook I use to prepare all of our family's birthday cakes, and I have also obtained my "signature" banana bread recipe from it: Sour Cream Banana Bread with Chocolate Glaze. I have made it almost a dozen times, and love to give it away to friends and neighbors, who always rave about it and often request the recipe for themselves. The book includes lots of easy glazes, icings and other toppings which are so quick to prepare and make the products seem so extra-special. Among my other favorites are: Chocolate Pumpkin Pecan Cake, Fresh Apple Sour Cream Cake, Spiced Carrot and Orange Bread, and Danish Apple Strudel.
Easiest and Best is truly easiest and best!!!!!.......1999-01-30
I love baking and have hundreds of cookbooks to prove it. I have all kinds of books that are supposed to "baking bibles" with intricate instructions on how to bake perfect cakes. But since I bought this book, I have barely opened the others. The methods in this book are so simple and the results are so moist and delicious that you almost feel as if you cheated. This is a must have for bakers of all skill levels.
Book Description
Indulge your sweet tooth with eighty of Elizabeth Alston's most beloved and delicious baking recipes. A compilation of her popular Tea Breads and Coffeecakes and Simply Cakes, Best Baking features such delectable delights as Brown Sugar--Brown Butter--Hazelnut Pound Cake, Tennessee Whiskey Cake, Plum-Walnut Kuchen, and Chocolate Orange Crumb Cake, as well as tempting toppings and sauces to accompany these treats. Alston's helpful tips will guide every baker, from the novice to the professional, and make home baking fun and easy. You'll be getting rave reviews in no time! So whether it's for breakfast, afternoon tea, dessert, or a midnight snack, you'll find the perfect recipe in Elizabeth Alston's Best Baking.
Customer Reviews:
Let them eat cake!.......2001-06-06
I have a number of Elizabeth Alston's books, and she is true to form in this one. I would venture to bet she is from England, or at least has an English heritage due to her taste in cakes. You won't find sheet cakes or layer cakes calling for lots of super sweet icing in this book. These cakes are for the purists out there who appreciate the complex flavors and textures of unadulterated cake. Each one is unique and delectible. The point is that the CAKE itself is the star of the show here. I truly enjoy some of her unique flavor combinations and variations in these recipes. (A note about flour: I have found that using cake flour does not give as good a crumb and weight to the pound cakes or the heavier coffee cakes. Not only does it cause the cake to be too "crumbly", but the cake dries out after a day or two. Reserve the cake flour only for recipes that are for light cakes such as Angel Food cakes.)
Another thing I appreciate about this book, and her baking for that matter, is that you can bake more than one batch at a time. In fact, I think the cakes taste better when done that way. With the flavor combinations she has assembled, her suggestion to allow the cake to rest one day before serving or freezing is a good one. This allows all those wonderful flavors to mingle, or as my grandfather used to say, to let the flavors "meditate".
None of her recipes are hard, complicated or time-consuming. In fact, they are pleasingly quick to prepare for baking. When I am not baking a cake, muffins or scones from one of her cookbooks, I am reading them, scouring them for inspiration to be creative. She has taught me a lot about expanding my horizons in this area, for which I am thankful. My husband is thankful as is his coworkers. This morning he took a freshly baked creation to work to share with his department. Shortly after noon I received an abrupt e-mail saying that if I ever wanted to see my husband again I would have to send at least five of those cakes to the office!! The staff must have loved them to want cake ransom for my husband's return. Get the book and watch with pleasure as your loved ones and friends pig out on your creations in a wild food orgy. But be careful...you might find yourself chained to the kitchen with someone holding a gun to your head as you are trying to get YOURSELF out of ransom!
Comprehensive.......2000-12-16
I haven't made all the cakes in this book, but I've made over half of them, and all have worked out well. My primary interest is in the pound cakes and angel food cakes; I've made all of these. In particular, the fresh raspberry and the lemon-vanilla cakes have turned out extremely well. In the pound cakes, I had the best result with the sour cream/chocolate chip and the soaked orange cakes. I've also made almost all the chiffon recipes, with the best reslts with the orange-and-lemon and the chiffon spice cakes.
This book has detailed instructions to accompany the recipes, making it easier for beginners to follow. Too often, smaller books such as this will sacrifice instructions for saving space, and this one doesn't.
My only disappointment is the quality of the book itself. There are no photographs, and the quality of the paper and binding don't bode well for heavy use. I plan to transcribe a few recipes out into the computer and the book won't be used again. The recipes are a good buy for the book's price, though. Just don't expect to hand this volume down to your children!
A must have.......2000-04-20
This book is just great. The recipes are simple, easy to follow, and they taste wonderful. The explanations given are so helpful.
Book Description
Robust, fragrant, and surprisingly versatile, coffee is more than simply the world's favorite beverage, it is hearty and distinctive ingredient in its own right, enhancing the flavors of everything from cakes and cookies to candies, ice creams, and sauces.
In The Best of Coffee, Sandra Gluck has selected the perfect blend of over 40 tantalizing recipes to celebrate coffee's delicious variety. Its rich, full-bodied flavor and complex nuances are showcased in traditional Mud Pie, Mocha Brownies, and Hazelnut- Espresso Biscotti, as well as in exciting new twists on classics such as Coconut Custard, Spiced Madeleines, and Mocha Fudge Sauce. Start your day with Mile-High Pecan Sticky Buns or Coffee and Cream Scones, and satisfy your sweet-tooth with favorites like Espresso Caramels, Coffee-Nut Brittle, and Chocolate-Caramel Truffles. And, of course, you'll find over a dozen of the world's hottest (and coolest) drinks, from Viennese Coffee, Cappuccino, and Turkish Coffee to Iced Mocha and Coffee Ice Cream Soda.
With sumptuous full-color photographs and a glossary containing practical information on brewing, roasts, and grinds, The Best of Coffee is a tribute to the world's most celebrated and sophisticated bean.
Customer Reviews:
The Best of Coffee: A Cookbook.......2000-08-11
Good book for beginner making coffee and know about more coffee. i press 5 star for this title.
Book Description
This book uniquely combines the fascinating history and tradition of tea with an up-to-the-minute guide to the places where it can be sampled at its very best.
Tea is steeped in history, ritual, and tradition. Susan Cohen takes a nostalgic look at the story of the world's most popular drink, covering everything including the tealeaf, the tea dance, customs and habits associated with taking tea, and the paraphernalia that surrounds it. This story is illustrated with beautiful, and often amusing, sketches and photographs that perfectly capture the feeling of pleasure that is associated with tea drinking.
Taking afternoon tea is an exquisite experience, a wonderfully civilized way to pass time with friends while enjoying delicious food and a refreshing cup of tea. This guide looks at over 50 of the best places to take afternoon tea in Britain. There are over 20 suggestions for London, from the opulent splendor of the Lanesborough and the Ritz, to the architectural wonder of the Great Court at the British Museum. There are also recommendations for places in the great historical cities, such as Bath, Oxford, York, Edinburgh, Cambridge, and Windsor and also the beautiful spots of the Lake District, the Cotswolds, Devon, and Cornwall. Whether you want to experience a traditional tea in a Victorian tearoom or a stylish tea with a modern twist at a "designer" hotel, you will find the perfect place in this book.
Refreshing, relaxing, stimulating, warming-there is little to compare with the comfort of a cup of tea.
Product Description
Teas and Chais (Indian spice teas) are becoming increasingly popular and are available in tea and coffee shops as well as on supermarket shelves. The best way, however, to sample the delicate variety and gorgeous fragrance of these teas is by preparing them yourself, and this book shows you how to do just that. With serving suggestions and side dish recipes, with recipes for hot teas, spice teas, iced teas, tea coolers, tea tipplers (teas with alcohol) and syrups: this book will provide you with much more than just a cuppa!
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