GreenLiteBites » Book Reviews

Book Review: Notes on Cooking!

roni — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 11:55:20 +0000

I’m heading out on vacation today but first I wanted to share a book with you. I was sent Notes on Cooking: A Short Guide to an Essential Craft to review just before moving a few weeks ago. It’s a cute little hard bound book and I when I looked inside I fell in love with the "notes" format. (It’s really just a long bullet list – more like reading a blog then a book)

I generally don’t have time to read long books. My schedule is just too crazy which is why I normally stick with short stories or books with lots of pictures. :) Well this book was perfect for my adhd reading style. I was able to read a few tips here and there when I had time. Honestly it was a Godsent during this crazy time in my life. It gave me a fast fun outlet when I had a minute or two.

What’s in the book? Well.. notes. Everything from equipment you need while cooking to temperature advice to details about different meats. There are 217 short tips covered overall and after reading them I feel like I know just a bit of what I would have picked up in cooking school or working with a professional. Now I know whey they do certain things in the kitchen and the book taught me some things I was doing wrong.

Overall it’s a fun read and if you simply like to cook it’s worth it. I really enjoyed the book even though it had no pictures (it really didn’t need any) :)

Ok, I’m off for vacation. I’ll be back next week with some ideas.

101 Foods That Could Save Your Life

roni — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:00:41 +0000

A couple of months ago I was lucky enough to travel to Chicago for a Quaker weekend. On of the other guests there was Dave Grotto, author of 101 Foods That Could Save Your Life. First, let me tell you Dave is one awesome guy! He tolerated me and all my questions about food and cooking. I swear I talked his ear off and could have kept him hostage for much longer! He was very gracious and it was a pleasure meeting him.

If you like to eat and are interested in healthy food, where it’s from, why it’s good and how it can help you this book is a must buy. Each food is showcased for a couple of pages. You get a bit of information about where it’s from, its food lore, why you should eat it, tips on storing and preparation, even a recipe. The information is clear and concise without being too wordy or boring. Honestly, the food geek in me loves this kind book. I’d rank it up there with Superfoods, another one I couldn’t put down.

If you get a chance check out Dave’s Blog. He also just launched a new radio show (warning… site plays music). Go Dave! :)

Any other food geek books you’d like to recommend? I’m all ears!

What’s a Cook to do?

roni — Mon, 19 May 2008 03:05:31 +0000

Want to know how to peel an onion? When you should cover a pot? How to thicken gravy? How about when to beat egg whites? Stuff a fish? Crack a coconut?
Even how to fix cracked pie crust? Cut perfect orange wedges? When to use what herbs?

These topics are just a small sampling of the information covered in What’s a Cook to Do?: An Illustrated Guide to 484 Essential Tips, Techniques, and Tricks.

I picked up this book on a whim a few weeks ago and I find myself leafing through it nightly. It’s chock full of quick informative useful nuggets. It’s easy to read and fun to look at. Best of all it’s really cheap! Totally worth the price for the amount of info you get out of it.