I have been collecting cookbooks for quite some time now, and there are always some that I peruse through more than others. There is one in particular that is so badly in need of replacement simply because I am constantly using it. It is a cookbook that I swear by, have yet to be disappointed by, and haven’t seen one quite like. While it has been around for awhile, it’s still worth investigating, especially since its renowned author, Sheila Lukins (as in The Silver Palate Cookbook, and who succeeded Julia Childs as PARADE’s food editor in the 80’s), passed away last year.
I’m an international foodie—I love exploring recipes from different continents, but I also like exploring ones that are accessible and easy-to-make. This is why the All Around the World cookbook is the one I would take with me (should I ever be stranded on a desert island). Aside from the great selection of recipes from her travels around the globe, Sheila also includes anecdotes from her experiences in those countries, making it feel like a fabulous travel guide with treats included.
In the middle of the book is a section where she has created international meal menus, from breakfast to dinner, as well as celebration meal ideas and afternoon teas. Each menu includes three or four selections and when appropriate, wine selections. Here’s a taste: Russian Nights (which includes Wild Mushroom Blinchiki with sour cream), A Taj Table (includes Curried Golden Squash Soup), The Andalusian (includes Steak Rollos), Santa Lucia Dinner (includes Osso Bucco with Artichokes and Mint Gremolata)… My personal favourite is the Chilean Tastings offering Empanadas and Avocado Salad with Lemon-Mint Yogurt Dressing as two options.
Another fun element in the book is her Chicken Soup graph, where she looks at how different countries create this classic recipe. In China, it’s filled with garlic, ginger, mushrooms, bean sprouts, snow peas, cilantro, bean curd and noodles. In Scandinavia, it’s a soup with mushrooms, beets, potatoes and red cabbage, spiced with tarragon, dill and chives.
So while there are plenty of new (and wonderful) books on the market, I still treasure this wonderful internationally-themed book that still continues to surprise and inspire me.
What’s your favourite cookbook?
($19.16, available at Chapters and Indigo and www.amazon.ca.)
Comments
Robyn - you made me want to go and buy this cook book. I love the idea of shopping around the globe. I have an amazing cook for a husband, so when we aren’t enjoying his tasty dishes I try to cook simple, healthy meals. My current favourite book is Lucy’s Kitchen by Lucy Waverman. There is a Cuban Pork stirfry with pork, sweet potatoes and black beans that is super easy and full of nutrients and taste!
I also have an eclectic palate and extensive collection of cookbooks, but have not yet come across this one - thanks for the recommendation Robyn!
I currently make all of my 8 month old’s food so the book I’m using the most these days is Cooking for Baby by Lisa Barnes. It has great family friendly recipes in a month by month format and encourages the use of herbs and spices (but no salt) so my little guy isn’t just chowing down on bland mush. My husband and I enjoy eating the food too!
The cookbook set that is a staple in my kitchen is the Best of Bridge series. It was a gift from my mom and there are several recipes that I remember her cooking while I was growing up. My favourites are spaghetti carbonara and raspberry-kiwi pavlova. Yum!
I grew up with the Best of Bridge too!
Post a Comment
Our Commenting Policy
Manners are important to moms. So it won’t surprise you that at SavvyMom Media we try our best to keep the discussion respectful. While we hope you will share your thoughts in the comments, we ask that you keep it clean. Please avoid all profanity, derogatory terms, advertising/spam, and unsubstantiated personal attacks. If you see a comment that you feel is abusive, please .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
We promise not to delete your comments unless they violate these terms, though we sincerely hope we won’t have to make that decision. For more detail on our commenting policy and procedures, please see our complete Community Guidelines