Friday, February 6, 2009

Old Cookery Books and Ancient Cuisine or Armchair James Beard

Old Cookery Books and Ancient Cuisine

Author: William Carew Hazlitt

Edited by Henry B. Wheatley F.S.A.



See also: Oltre la vendita del valore: Un processo dimostrato per evitare la presa del fornitore

Armchair James Beard

Author: John Ferron

For more than four decades, in dozens of national magazines and newspapers, James Beard offered recipes and advice that collectively are nothing short of encyclopedic. Portions of Beard's articles were harvested for his cookbooks, but much of his writing survived only the month, week, or day in which it appeared in a given publication. This volume brings to light sixty-five articles, including three selections never before published, and is the only collection to draw on the full scope of Beard's magazine journalism and his syndicated column. Together, these pieces cover Beard's broad range of expertise - from advice on the proper way to peel garlic to wise words on the best time to feast on cassoulet. The collected articles become a memoir, granting glimpses of his childhood in Portland, Oregon, family summers by the sea, early catering experiences in New York City, and glory days as America's best-loved gourmand: dining on both sides of the Atlantic, in bistros, in dining cars, and, most satisfying of all, at home. Full of the opinionated master's notions of good food and the good life, The Armchiar James Beard is meant for browsing and meditating on food, rather than for cooking. But it does contain 130 recipes, so it is sure to send readers back to the kitchen to try their hands at the tempting dishes that Beard sets forth in this charming collection.

Library Journal

Lovers of opinionated erudition on food will devour this beautifully selected anthology. Editor Ferrone, having worked with James Beard on books and numerous articles, has applied his longitudinal perspective in collecting and assembling the culinary master's essays on everything from main courses to condiments; dining in restaurants, hospitals, and al fresco; libations and desserts; and broader philosophical concerns on gastronomy. Each chapter has captured Beard's feeling for food, his wicked sense of humor, his consummate excellence as a writer, and even his love of controversy--who else would advocate electric over gas stoves? The 150 recipes cover the globe and honor the palate. Most of all, though, this is the perfect book for those who only have time to read in bits but wants a quick shot of wit along with their culinary fantasies. Highly recommended for all culinary collections.--Wendy Miller, Lexington P.L., KY



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