I think most people these days are suffering from TMI - too much information. When it comes to cooking, the amount of information out there is overwhelming: cookbooks (hundreds of new ones each year), recipe web sites, cooking shows, slick magazine articles, you tube videos and - yes - food blogs. With all that no wonder so many people say they don't have time to cook. They are too busy reading and watching.
Given all the competition for your attention, I am honored you have taken some of your precious time to visit this humble blog. I don't want to keep you away from the stove any more than absolutely necessary. So here goes - the cookbook recommendation I promised in my last post.
I think Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything is destined to become a classic - some would say it already is. It first came out in 1999 and in 2009 the 10th anniversary edition received a James Beard Award which is a big deal in the food world.
The Washington Post called this book "a more hip Joy of Cooking". And the Jessica's Biscuit cookbook web site called it "a kitchen companion for a new generation of home cooks". I did a little checking and the best price I found was at Amazon.com. The book lists for $35. and on Amazon the hardcover is $19.25. You can get a soft cover of the original 1999 edition for even less. This guy has written a LOT of cookbooks. Try to restrain yourself. Start with just one. http://www.amazon.com/Cook-Everything-Completely-Revised-Anniversary/dp/0764578650/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_1
If you are not quite ready to commit to the book - check out Bittman's weekly column at the New York Times - The Minimalist. If you don't have time to follow it every week - don't worry I will be doing it for you. If I see something really good I will share. For example -- If you click this link you can see recent columns on asparagus pesto and rhubarb crisp. Since those items will be in your CSA boxes soon you can read these recipes and be ready. http://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com/author/mark-bittman/
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Weekend reading: Real Food, Real Facts
1 day ago
Great book recommendation.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the low-down.
Don't forget to check your local library for such books as well. That way you can really check it out before you commit to buying it if you're unsure.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Bittman's "How to Cook Everything Vegetarian" is very good...and a good source for figuring out what to do with all that great stuff coming in the CSA boxes soon!!!
I bought Mark's cookbook about 7 years ago. It is definitely worth the $20 investment. I had to have mine rebound it was so well used!
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