In order for vegetarian cookbooks to be great I believe they need to have seven very important ingredients...
1. Large colorful photos of the finished recipes - I don't know about you but one of my favorite past times is laying around on the sofa or a deck chair and flicking through vegetarian cookbooks and magazines looking at photos and getting inspired to cook one that looks great.
2. Measurements in cups and spoons as opposed to weights - nothing frustrates me more than going to cook a recipe and having to weigh 10g of this and 100g of that. I find it so much easier when recipes say 1 cup of flour or 1/2 cup of Tahini or a handful of broccoli.
3. Small ingredients lists - I love cooking and I do enjoy cooking elaborate recipes but most of the time I want recipes that can be cooked with the least amount of time and fuss. I love vegetarian cookbooks that have recipes with ingredient lists of no more than 10 ingredients, preferably with just 6, and quick and easy steps in the cookery method.
4. Breakfast, lunch/dinner and sweets - I'm not into entree, starters, mains and desert type vegetarian cookbooks. I'm about being practical, we eat breakfast lunch and dinner every day and most of us have a sweet tooth so I like vegetarian cookbooks that have a table of contents categorized into breakfast, lunch/dinner (most vegetarian meals can be either lunch or dinner) and sweets.
5. I also like reading short notes about where the author found the inspiration for the dish. I think it personalizes the cookbook and makes a very interesting read.
6. A good index - Recipes need to be listed by more than just the name of the dish. French Fries need to be listed under "F" for French Fries as well as "P" for potatoes. By listing recipes under their name and the main vegetable makes it easy to search for something to make with the fresh seasonal produce you just picked from the garden or purchased from the local farmers market. It also helps at the end of the week when you are wondering how to use up the left over vegetables in the fridge.
7. I also like vegetarian cookbooks that are categorized into seasons. After all, that is the way nature intended us to eat. Fresh seasonal produce is the healthiest and most environmental way to eat.
Jumat, 29 September 2017
Selasa, 12 September 2017
Mozzarella Cheese - No Real Italian Pizza Should Be Without It
This Italian cheese has long been associated with the pizza as a topping that is as essential as tomatoes. However, it was never an ingredient for traditional pizza as made in the Greek colony of Naples centuries ago, and it's history is not a relatively long one. In fact it has been mentioned by name in cookbooks from the 16th century.
The name mozzarella comes from Southern Italy, and from the words "mozzare" which literally means to "cut off", and "mozza" which means "cut" and describes the method by which mozzarella is made. It is not actually one particular kind of cheese but applies to several kinds of Italian cheese made by spinning and cutting it. Made from either cows' milk or buffalo milk, fresh mozzarella does not keep any longer than 24 hours. Of course we know that we can buy it today with a variety of stabilisers in it to last, refrigerated, for many days.
During production, as the old nursery rhyme reminds us, curds and heated whey are mixed in large sterilised containers. This thick mixture is then subject to stretching and kneading, almost like bread dough, to produce a uniform and delicate consistency. The cheese maker will keep doing this until a smooth, almost shiny, paste is achieved. The final part of production involves forming the mozzarella cheese into ball shapes or sometimes into a plait. Whilst we are more used to a rubbery consistency with our shop-bought mozzarella, made from pasteurised cows' milk, when cooked on the pizza, the Italians would not tolerate this, preferring instead a much softer consistency.
As with many dishes originating from a particular place and culture, there is a proper way for doing things. Using fresh made mozzarella in Italian cooking is the only acceptable method in Italy, although for our fast food chains and for the sake of speed and ease we will no doubt continue to have rubbery mozzarella on our takeaway pizzas!
The name mozzarella comes from Southern Italy, and from the words "mozzare" which literally means to "cut off", and "mozza" which means "cut" and describes the method by which mozzarella is made. It is not actually one particular kind of cheese but applies to several kinds of Italian cheese made by spinning and cutting it. Made from either cows' milk or buffalo milk, fresh mozzarella does not keep any longer than 24 hours. Of course we know that we can buy it today with a variety of stabilisers in it to last, refrigerated, for many days.
During production, as the old nursery rhyme reminds us, curds and heated whey are mixed in large sterilised containers. This thick mixture is then subject to stretching and kneading, almost like bread dough, to produce a uniform and delicate consistency. The cheese maker will keep doing this until a smooth, almost shiny, paste is achieved. The final part of production involves forming the mozzarella cheese into ball shapes or sometimes into a plait. Whilst we are more used to a rubbery consistency with our shop-bought mozzarella, made from pasteurised cows' milk, when cooked on the pizza, the Italians would not tolerate this, preferring instead a much softer consistency.
As with many dishes originating from a particular place and culture, there is a proper way for doing things. Using fresh made mozzarella in Italian cooking is the only acceptable method in Italy, although for our fast food chains and for the sake of speed and ease we will no doubt continue to have rubbery mozzarella on our takeaway pizzas!
Kamis, 31 Agustus 2017
Benefits of Gourmet Health Foods Cookery
"Who needs health foods?" This flippant attitude is often made by those who are addicted to artificial foods and are loath to part with their tasty desserts and rich foods.
Many do not realize that health foods are not only beneficial to the entire body, but much tastier and even juicier than the so-called "fluff" foods. To awaken the public to the wonderful world of gourmet health foods that nourish and revitalize the body at the same time. Here are a few examples of how imagination and knowledge of what foods are good or bad for you can improve your diet and your health:
How to enrich your bloodstream: Raisins and apricots (sundried and unbleached) are chock full of iron which helps enrich your blood. Sprinkle raisins in an omelet and serve piping hot for a real breakfast pickup. Tired blood, anyone?
a) Stop salting yourself to an early grave:
Salt, pepper, ketchup, and mustard are condiment that destroys internal tissues. Health foods use herbs and spices that add a delectable seasoning to a simple meal and turn it into an artistic cuisine creation. Try sprinkling rosemary and tarragon on a poultry dish. Try a combination of chervil, thyme, and savory in a bowl of soup. A trick of just a spoon of lemon juice to bring out the flavor of the herbs in blending.
b) You can live high on fat:
Have yourself a gourmet feast with fat. That's right - fat brings out the best flavor of meats, fish, poultry, and some egg dishes. But your were told that fat builds up cholesterol, the stick substance that clings to the walls of the arteries and predispose to arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. That refers to animal fats. Gourmet health cookery uses vegetable oils and vegetable source fats that impart a mouth-watering goodness to the recipe being concocted.
c) Raw foods supercharge your insides:
Raw fruits and raw vegetables are taste thrills you will always remember. Just sink your teeth into a raw peach. The sweet, natural syrup is brimming with enzymes that are needed to digest all foods in your system. Slice up a pineapple (avoid canned slices which are packed in sugary syrups) and inhale the tangy, tart perfume of Nature! Raw pineapple slices are appetite thrills you will always seek. The same is true of a raw tomato. Juicy good, it's like a drink from the ancient gods. Raw fruits and vegetables are not only luscious but nourishing, and they are chock full of a generous supply of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.
d) How to look better eating natural foods:
Sharp spices and sweets often show up in the form of acne, skin blemishes, and blotches. Your body is trying to get rid of these artificial additives in prepared or commercialized foods. Often, an allergy is traced to artificial foods. Select natural and organic foods, prepare them in the organic method as described in this cookbook and reap the rewards of healthy insides and healthy outsides, too!
Many do not realize that health foods are not only beneficial to the entire body, but much tastier and even juicier than the so-called "fluff" foods. To awaken the public to the wonderful world of gourmet health foods that nourish and revitalize the body at the same time. Here are a few examples of how imagination and knowledge of what foods are good or bad for you can improve your diet and your health:
How to enrich your bloodstream: Raisins and apricots (sundried and unbleached) are chock full of iron which helps enrich your blood. Sprinkle raisins in an omelet and serve piping hot for a real breakfast pickup. Tired blood, anyone?
a) Stop salting yourself to an early grave:
Salt, pepper, ketchup, and mustard are condiment that destroys internal tissues. Health foods use herbs and spices that add a delectable seasoning to a simple meal and turn it into an artistic cuisine creation. Try sprinkling rosemary and tarragon on a poultry dish. Try a combination of chervil, thyme, and savory in a bowl of soup. A trick of just a spoon of lemon juice to bring out the flavor of the herbs in blending.
b) You can live high on fat:
Have yourself a gourmet feast with fat. That's right - fat brings out the best flavor of meats, fish, poultry, and some egg dishes. But your were told that fat builds up cholesterol, the stick substance that clings to the walls of the arteries and predispose to arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. That refers to animal fats. Gourmet health cookery uses vegetable oils and vegetable source fats that impart a mouth-watering goodness to the recipe being concocted.
c) Raw foods supercharge your insides:
Raw fruits and raw vegetables are taste thrills you will always remember. Just sink your teeth into a raw peach. The sweet, natural syrup is brimming with enzymes that are needed to digest all foods in your system. Slice up a pineapple (avoid canned slices which are packed in sugary syrups) and inhale the tangy, tart perfume of Nature! Raw pineapple slices are appetite thrills you will always seek. The same is true of a raw tomato. Juicy good, it's like a drink from the ancient gods. Raw fruits and vegetables are not only luscious but nourishing, and they are chock full of a generous supply of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.
d) How to look better eating natural foods:
Sharp spices and sweets often show up in the form of acne, skin blemishes, and blotches. Your body is trying to get rid of these artificial additives in prepared or commercialized foods. Often, an allergy is traced to artificial foods. Select natural and organic foods, prepare them in the organic method as described in this cookbook and reap the rewards of healthy insides and healthy outsides, too!
Selasa, 15 Agustus 2017
Treasure of Recipes - Cook Books & Culinary Guides
A cook book is a guide for all those people out there who want to try out their hands at cooking. Cook books not only help the beginners but they also come in handy for all those people who are adept at the art of cooking. The cook books provide information about not only the procedure but also highlight the techniques and the ingredients which are to be used during the preparation of the dish. There are a number of cookbooks which are available in the market.
Some of the renowned chefs have also entered into the field of writing cookery books. They have brought out innovative changes in the art of cooking and have made these recipes accessible to the popular culture. Celebrities are responsible for creating a wave of change, be it in the field of fashion or for that matter cuisine. The celebrity chefs motivate people to take a new direction for food preparation. Thousands of dishes are being introduced each year by these famous personalities and if any one of them suits our taste preference and choice, becomes a hit. All these books written by the renowned chefs mainly feature the recipes that they have already shown on their television shows.
There is a growing trend among the celebrity chefs to turn into authors and come out with different kinds of cook books. Many of these recipe books are single subject ones as in they focus on any one aspect of cooking. This may be a particular style of cooking, some appliances related culinary tips or a regional and ethnic dish. One subject books give an in depth information about the subject. Some of the well known books by celebrity chefs which can be referred are the Martha Stewart Cookbook by Martha Stewart, Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home by Julia Child & Pepin Jacques, The Wolfgang Puck CookBook: Recipes from Spago and also Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child.
Many of the restaurants are owned by chefs who also like to bring out new creations and are willing to share the recipes of the same. This also gives them an opportunity to promote their restaurants as well as the special delicacies developed by them. Restaurant cookbooks serve as a valuable promotional tool as well as a means of earning additional revenue. Some of the prominent restaurants focus on one particular theme and the cook book is also fairly designed on this layout. There are some restaurants which offer only vegetarian food and going by the current trend of people opting for a healthy vegetarian diet, there are some wonderful books which feature these recipes. Chicago Diner: Vegetarian Cookbook by Chef Jo A Kaucher is one such book which has been brought out by Chicago Diner Restaurant and offers the best of their vegetarian dishes.
Some of the renowned chefs have also entered into the field of writing cookery books. They have brought out innovative changes in the art of cooking and have made these recipes accessible to the popular culture. Celebrities are responsible for creating a wave of change, be it in the field of fashion or for that matter cuisine. The celebrity chefs motivate people to take a new direction for food preparation. Thousands of dishes are being introduced each year by these famous personalities and if any one of them suits our taste preference and choice, becomes a hit. All these books written by the renowned chefs mainly feature the recipes that they have already shown on their television shows.
There is a growing trend among the celebrity chefs to turn into authors and come out with different kinds of cook books. Many of these recipe books are single subject ones as in they focus on any one aspect of cooking. This may be a particular style of cooking, some appliances related culinary tips or a regional and ethnic dish. One subject books give an in depth information about the subject. Some of the well known books by celebrity chefs which can be referred are the Martha Stewart Cookbook by Martha Stewart, Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home by Julia Child & Pepin Jacques, The Wolfgang Puck CookBook: Recipes from Spago and also Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child.
Many of the restaurants are owned by chefs who also like to bring out new creations and are willing to share the recipes of the same. This also gives them an opportunity to promote their restaurants as well as the special delicacies developed by them. Restaurant cookbooks serve as a valuable promotional tool as well as a means of earning additional revenue. Some of the prominent restaurants focus on one particular theme and the cook book is also fairly designed on this layout. There are some restaurants which offer only vegetarian food and going by the current trend of people opting for a healthy vegetarian diet, there are some wonderful books which feature these recipes. Chicago Diner: Vegetarian Cookbook by Chef Jo A Kaucher is one such book which has been brought out by Chicago Diner Restaurant and offers the best of their vegetarian dishes.
Rabu, 26 Juli 2017
Some of the Best Cooking Books That Need to Be in Your Kitchen
Having just graduated from university, cooking books have a firm place on my kitchen shelf. From disastrous attempts at making barely edible dishes, my time as a student has exposed me to many cooking books. Here are the top ten of the best cooking books that are invaluable to any wannabe Masterchefs out there.
Ready... Steady... Cook!
10. Delia's Complete Cookery Course by Delia Smith
This mammoth cookery book whips in at number 10. Delia Smith is very much the David Beckham of the cooking world - an institution. Her Complete Cookery Course does exactly what it says on the tin. It provides wannabe chefs with a full, comprehensive guide to creating the best dishes. With fundamental must know recipes like apple pie and yorkshire puddings, Delia shows she is one of the masters. With mouth-watering pictures acting as a rough guide this book is a god send for beginner chefs. No doubt a staple on your mother's shelf, this book is perfect as a starting point in the basics of pastry making, cake baking and roast making. A genuine triumph in the cookery book world.
9. The New Curry Bible by Pat Chapman
Chapman's bible does not follow the conventional rules of cookery books, but is a diamond in the rough for curry fanatics out there and the reason it has made this best cooking books list. The New Curry Bible does not simply show you the recipes but teaches you the history of curry making. It is not a book to be bought for people who want a quick fix curry. If you are one of those people I suggest you save yourself time and money and just buy a ready meal. However, if you are interested in the exquisite nature of curries, then this book teaches you all you need to know. Like any specialist cook book, it is a little disheartening at first to encounter all of the strange herbs and spices that you know you don't own, but the rewards from having knowledge of these is irreplaceable. Although it may take you a while to get to grips with the fine art of balancing the spices, you will most certainly become famous amongst friends and family for the talent you will take from this beautiful book.
8. Rick Stein's Taste of the Sea: 150 Fabulous Recipes for Every Occasion
As a massive lover of seafood, this book has literally been my magna carta. Rick Stein takes you on a journey around the coast and teaches you to really appreciate fish in all its scaly glory. From skinning methods to filleting, this book teaches you how to prepare and cook fish to perfection. Stein writes in a clear and simple fashion and it is impossible to resist his infectious passion. With a variety of dishes that cater for absolutely every occasion, this book is a must have for beginners and experienced fish mongers alike. The instructions are not condescending or set in stone, and leave freedom for experimentation. A truly great book by a truly great chef and teacher.
7. Simple Chinese Cooking by Kylie Kwong
Following the theme of specialist cooking books, Simple Chinese Cooking is an absolute must have for anyone wanting to start a love affair with chinese cooking. Filled with beautiful photography, this book coaches you through each dish with clear and crisp step-by-step instructions. Usually when faced with a specific cook book, there seems a never-ending list of ingredients that appear to exist in outer space, but this book has essentials that can be bought and found easily in local grocery stores. Not only is this book a great guide, but it is also incredibly exciting as each week you can watch yourself develop and gain confidence with once seemingly difficult dishes. From steamed cod to sweet and sour pork, Kwong's recipes will have you burning all your chinese takeaway menus from the get go.
6. Jamie's 30 Minute Meals by Jamie Oliver
There can be no such thing as a best cooking books list without Mr Oliver, of course. One of the things I love most about almost all of Jamie Oliver's cook books are their beautiful and impeccable presentation. They are not endless pages of lines and lines of writing but are instead filled with bright, colourful and delectable pictures, as well as no- nonsense recipes. In his 30 Minute Meals Jaime shows you that once and for all cooking does not have to be a stressful and laborious affair. Jamie's 30 Minute Meals is amazing for working people for whom time is money, and of course students who wish to spend minimum amount of time cooking and maximum amount of time... studying. Not only is it wonderfully organised with a designated section for starters, mains and desserts, but there are numerous vegetarian recipes scattered inside, making this book literally for every type of chef.
5. The Best Recipes in the World by Mark Bittman
After his debut cook book How to Cook Everything became an international sensation, Bittman is back to teach you it is easier than you thought to cook recipes from all around the world. With no unnecessary embellishments Bittman gently leads you on a culinary round the world trip that will leave your taste buds in a state of euphoria. The best aspect of Mark Bittman's The Best Recipes In The World whilst you may never get round to cooking everything inside, the dishes you do make will leave you feeling inspired to take dishes you already cook and turn them on their head. Although it can be overwhelming to face so many recipes in one book, I urge you to add this to your collection. It is timeless and will only help to increase your knowledge of food.
4. Gordon Ramsay's Secrets by Gordon Ramsay
In this incredible and not too badly priced book, Gordon Ramsay lets you in on a few secrets that have made him the world-renowned chef that we have all come to love. With a huge collection of recipes from poultry to fish and desserts to soups, this cookbook lets you in on inside info that will have friends and family thinking you are a bona-fide kitchen guru. The recipes are simple and effective and Ramsay has even added flourishes of his own, such as useful tips on presenting dishes. If you really have a passion for cooking or would love to learn more, this is the book that teaches you not just to cook but how to become a chef. These tips help to make cooking a truly enjoyable experience and will boost your confidence to be adventurous not only in cooking but also in eating as well.
3. The Complete Book of Sushi by Hideo Dekura
As a self-confessed sushi addict this book is incredible - the pages are almost edible. It combines the modern with the traditional and allows you to get to grips with this difficult Japanese style of cooking. Although not to everyone's taste, this book teaches you the secrets behind making that difficult sticky rice and how to present your sushi in wonderful ways. The most interesting thing about Dekura's book is they way it advances from simple to expert. This allows you to move gradually at your own pace and also sets little targets within the book. Whilst there are other books on the market such as Yo Sushi's, it is Dekura's book that really stands out of the crowd. With gorgeous photography it inspires with a mere flick of the page, and unlike its contemporaries has clear and simple instructions. A must have for any sushi fan and it also makes a great present.
2. Wahaca - Mexican Food At Home by Thomasina Miers
This book comes in at number two of this best cooking books top ten and is a must have for any frequent Wahaca customer. It was only recently published and plunges you straight into the vibrant and tasty world of Mexican street food. One thing that did surprise me was the breakfast section, and I have to admit I have been thoroughly converted to a mexican way of eating in the morning. Full of beautiful pictures and written in an accessible and friendly way, this book does exactly what the title states and brings Mexican food straight into your kitchen. Miers has clearly done the research required for such an exquisite book, and the information about mexican chillies is invaluable. An excellent book for cooking meals for friends and a great equivalent to BBQ parties.
1.Jaime does... by Jaime Oliver
In at number one is Jaime does. In this book Jaime travels through foodie hotspots such as Spain, France and Morocco in order to find innovative recipes. The book is beautifully presented (like all of Jaime's books) and has wonderful pictures of his travels alongside the amazing pictures of his food. Each country has an introductory paragraph that explains the culture and food he came into contact with, and then in very simple language and an ever friendly tone, Jaime guides you through a range of dishes. From light bites such as patatas bravas to the more complex dishes like the steak tartare, Jaime's tone never condescends you as the amateur chef. This book not only provides great enjoyment as a teaching tool but is also nice to flip through every now and again to behold the location shots of his food journey. Overall a very deserving winner of this Best Cooking Books list. Absolutely delicious!
This is by no means the only ten cook books I think you should own. There are many other brilliant cookbooks out there for beginners such as The Student Cookbook by Sophie Grigson. This is superb for amateur chefs who simply do not have the time to cook elaborate meals every day and are after recipes for both real cooking and convenience cooking. Then for more adventurous chefs who are willing to getinventive and scientific in the kitchen, there is Heston Bluementhal's brilliant book The Fat Duck Cookbook, which combines vivid illustrations and wacky recipes for a truly great cooking experience. Overall, the ten books that compose this best cooking books list all offer friendly, easy to follow guidance which enables you to not only enjoy them as books, but also enjoy them as learning tools that will one day make you the king of the kitchen.
Ready... Steady... Cook!
10. Delia's Complete Cookery Course by Delia Smith
This mammoth cookery book whips in at number 10. Delia Smith is very much the David Beckham of the cooking world - an institution. Her Complete Cookery Course does exactly what it says on the tin. It provides wannabe chefs with a full, comprehensive guide to creating the best dishes. With fundamental must know recipes like apple pie and yorkshire puddings, Delia shows she is one of the masters. With mouth-watering pictures acting as a rough guide this book is a god send for beginner chefs. No doubt a staple on your mother's shelf, this book is perfect as a starting point in the basics of pastry making, cake baking and roast making. A genuine triumph in the cookery book world.
9. The New Curry Bible by Pat Chapman
Chapman's bible does not follow the conventional rules of cookery books, but is a diamond in the rough for curry fanatics out there and the reason it has made this best cooking books list. The New Curry Bible does not simply show you the recipes but teaches you the history of curry making. It is not a book to be bought for people who want a quick fix curry. If you are one of those people I suggest you save yourself time and money and just buy a ready meal. However, if you are interested in the exquisite nature of curries, then this book teaches you all you need to know. Like any specialist cook book, it is a little disheartening at first to encounter all of the strange herbs and spices that you know you don't own, but the rewards from having knowledge of these is irreplaceable. Although it may take you a while to get to grips with the fine art of balancing the spices, you will most certainly become famous amongst friends and family for the talent you will take from this beautiful book.
8. Rick Stein's Taste of the Sea: 150 Fabulous Recipes for Every Occasion
As a massive lover of seafood, this book has literally been my magna carta. Rick Stein takes you on a journey around the coast and teaches you to really appreciate fish in all its scaly glory. From skinning methods to filleting, this book teaches you how to prepare and cook fish to perfection. Stein writes in a clear and simple fashion and it is impossible to resist his infectious passion. With a variety of dishes that cater for absolutely every occasion, this book is a must have for beginners and experienced fish mongers alike. The instructions are not condescending or set in stone, and leave freedom for experimentation. A truly great book by a truly great chef and teacher.
7. Simple Chinese Cooking by Kylie Kwong
Following the theme of specialist cooking books, Simple Chinese Cooking is an absolute must have for anyone wanting to start a love affair with chinese cooking. Filled with beautiful photography, this book coaches you through each dish with clear and crisp step-by-step instructions. Usually when faced with a specific cook book, there seems a never-ending list of ingredients that appear to exist in outer space, but this book has essentials that can be bought and found easily in local grocery stores. Not only is this book a great guide, but it is also incredibly exciting as each week you can watch yourself develop and gain confidence with once seemingly difficult dishes. From steamed cod to sweet and sour pork, Kwong's recipes will have you burning all your chinese takeaway menus from the get go.
6. Jamie's 30 Minute Meals by Jamie Oliver
There can be no such thing as a best cooking books list without Mr Oliver, of course. One of the things I love most about almost all of Jamie Oliver's cook books are their beautiful and impeccable presentation. They are not endless pages of lines and lines of writing but are instead filled with bright, colourful and delectable pictures, as well as no- nonsense recipes. In his 30 Minute Meals Jaime shows you that once and for all cooking does not have to be a stressful and laborious affair. Jamie's 30 Minute Meals is amazing for working people for whom time is money, and of course students who wish to spend minimum amount of time cooking and maximum amount of time... studying. Not only is it wonderfully organised with a designated section for starters, mains and desserts, but there are numerous vegetarian recipes scattered inside, making this book literally for every type of chef.
5. The Best Recipes in the World by Mark Bittman
After his debut cook book How to Cook Everything became an international sensation, Bittman is back to teach you it is easier than you thought to cook recipes from all around the world. With no unnecessary embellishments Bittman gently leads you on a culinary round the world trip that will leave your taste buds in a state of euphoria. The best aspect of Mark Bittman's The Best Recipes In The World whilst you may never get round to cooking everything inside, the dishes you do make will leave you feeling inspired to take dishes you already cook and turn them on their head. Although it can be overwhelming to face so many recipes in one book, I urge you to add this to your collection. It is timeless and will only help to increase your knowledge of food.
4. Gordon Ramsay's Secrets by Gordon Ramsay
In this incredible and not too badly priced book, Gordon Ramsay lets you in on a few secrets that have made him the world-renowned chef that we have all come to love. With a huge collection of recipes from poultry to fish and desserts to soups, this cookbook lets you in on inside info that will have friends and family thinking you are a bona-fide kitchen guru. The recipes are simple and effective and Ramsay has even added flourishes of his own, such as useful tips on presenting dishes. If you really have a passion for cooking or would love to learn more, this is the book that teaches you not just to cook but how to become a chef. These tips help to make cooking a truly enjoyable experience and will boost your confidence to be adventurous not only in cooking but also in eating as well.
3. The Complete Book of Sushi by Hideo Dekura
As a self-confessed sushi addict this book is incredible - the pages are almost edible. It combines the modern with the traditional and allows you to get to grips with this difficult Japanese style of cooking. Although not to everyone's taste, this book teaches you the secrets behind making that difficult sticky rice and how to present your sushi in wonderful ways. The most interesting thing about Dekura's book is they way it advances from simple to expert. This allows you to move gradually at your own pace and also sets little targets within the book. Whilst there are other books on the market such as Yo Sushi's, it is Dekura's book that really stands out of the crowd. With gorgeous photography it inspires with a mere flick of the page, and unlike its contemporaries has clear and simple instructions. A must have for any sushi fan and it also makes a great present.
2. Wahaca - Mexican Food At Home by Thomasina Miers
This book comes in at number two of this best cooking books top ten and is a must have for any frequent Wahaca customer. It was only recently published and plunges you straight into the vibrant and tasty world of Mexican street food. One thing that did surprise me was the breakfast section, and I have to admit I have been thoroughly converted to a mexican way of eating in the morning. Full of beautiful pictures and written in an accessible and friendly way, this book does exactly what the title states and brings Mexican food straight into your kitchen. Miers has clearly done the research required for such an exquisite book, and the information about mexican chillies is invaluable. An excellent book for cooking meals for friends and a great equivalent to BBQ parties.
1.Jaime does... by Jaime Oliver
In at number one is Jaime does. In this book Jaime travels through foodie hotspots such as Spain, France and Morocco in order to find innovative recipes. The book is beautifully presented (like all of Jaime's books) and has wonderful pictures of his travels alongside the amazing pictures of his food. Each country has an introductory paragraph that explains the culture and food he came into contact with, and then in very simple language and an ever friendly tone, Jaime guides you through a range of dishes. From light bites such as patatas bravas to the more complex dishes like the steak tartare, Jaime's tone never condescends you as the amateur chef. This book not only provides great enjoyment as a teaching tool but is also nice to flip through every now and again to behold the location shots of his food journey. Overall a very deserving winner of this Best Cooking Books list. Absolutely delicious!
This is by no means the only ten cook books I think you should own. There are many other brilliant cookbooks out there for beginners such as The Student Cookbook by Sophie Grigson. This is superb for amateur chefs who simply do not have the time to cook elaborate meals every day and are after recipes for both real cooking and convenience cooking. Then for more adventurous chefs who are willing to getinventive and scientific in the kitchen, there is Heston Bluementhal's brilliant book The Fat Duck Cookbook, which combines vivid illustrations and wacky recipes for a truly great cooking experience. Overall, the ten books that compose this best cooking books list all offer friendly, easy to follow guidance which enables you to not only enjoy them as books, but also enjoy them as learning tools that will one day make you the king of the kitchen.
Minggu, 09 Juli 2017
Learning the Essentials of Gourmet Cooking
To many, learning the art of gourmet cooking might appear to be an impossible dream. But no matter what your present cooking skills are, this simply isn't the reality. There are numerous gourmet cooking techniques that you can practice to enhance your everyday cookery skills.
One path to developing these skills is to sign on for a gourmet cooking class. The downside is that many of these courses can be quite costly, and you might not have the time in your schedule to make it to all the classes.
With gourmet cooking classes not an alternative for many, what are some other means of studying gourmet cooking techniques that you can integrate into day-to-day meal preparation?
Luckily, there are several things you'll be able to do that can facilitate learning gourmet cooking skills that you can easily use every day.
First off, you must plan this in a practical way. Gourmet cooking does not necessarily imply costly, out of the ordinary, or uncommon ingredients. Gourmet cooking actually entails employing the freshest ingredients of the finest quality.
An easy way to go about gourmet cooking is to examine the basic spices you use. For instance, a gourmet chef would never cook with garlic powder, bottled garlic, or any other type of garlic that wasn't freshly chopped. As well, a gourmet chef would never use dehydrated or bottled herbs. Only fresh herbs from the produce department of the supermarket would be considered.
Some ingredients in their freshest format will be more expensive than their processed counterparts. But you'll soon recognize that the cost difference isn't unreasonable, and it's still a good deal less expensive than dining at a restaurant. When you get used to gourmet cooking, you'll lose your desire to eat out. You will be capable of making scrumptious meals in your own kitchen. This way, you'll have even more chances to hone your cooking skills.
The fastest and simplest way to add gourmet cooking into your everyday meal preparation is to enhance the quality of the ingredients that you're using. Then you'll want to learn how to cook the ingredients properly.
The easiest way to do this is to browse through cookbooks, where you'll be able to study the basic principles and learn at your own rate. Your library will have numerous cookbooks that you can explore.
Your cookbook should deal with the basics, including what type of knife you should use for various tasks, how to prepare chicken stock, and the process for clarifying butter. These are all fundamental cooking techniques that can often seem unattainable because they are considered to be gourmet.
One path to developing these skills is to sign on for a gourmet cooking class. The downside is that many of these courses can be quite costly, and you might not have the time in your schedule to make it to all the classes.
With gourmet cooking classes not an alternative for many, what are some other means of studying gourmet cooking techniques that you can integrate into day-to-day meal preparation?
Luckily, there are several things you'll be able to do that can facilitate learning gourmet cooking skills that you can easily use every day.
First off, you must plan this in a practical way. Gourmet cooking does not necessarily imply costly, out of the ordinary, or uncommon ingredients. Gourmet cooking actually entails employing the freshest ingredients of the finest quality.
An easy way to go about gourmet cooking is to examine the basic spices you use. For instance, a gourmet chef would never cook with garlic powder, bottled garlic, or any other type of garlic that wasn't freshly chopped. As well, a gourmet chef would never use dehydrated or bottled herbs. Only fresh herbs from the produce department of the supermarket would be considered.
Some ingredients in their freshest format will be more expensive than their processed counterparts. But you'll soon recognize that the cost difference isn't unreasonable, and it's still a good deal less expensive than dining at a restaurant. When you get used to gourmet cooking, you'll lose your desire to eat out. You will be capable of making scrumptious meals in your own kitchen. This way, you'll have even more chances to hone your cooking skills.
The fastest and simplest way to add gourmet cooking into your everyday meal preparation is to enhance the quality of the ingredients that you're using. Then you'll want to learn how to cook the ingredients properly.
The easiest way to do this is to browse through cookbooks, where you'll be able to study the basic principles and learn at your own rate. Your library will have numerous cookbooks that you can explore.
Your cookbook should deal with the basics, including what type of knife you should use for various tasks, how to prepare chicken stock, and the process for clarifying butter. These are all fundamental cooking techniques that can often seem unattainable because they are considered to be gourmet.
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