How to Cook
DK Books, June, 2001.
Hardcover, 496 pages.
ISBN: 0789471868
In these days of stressed-out working moms and
high tech burnout, it's no wonder that dinner for the
average child usually ends up being a McDonald's Happy Meal.
In fact, we've become so rushed as a society that some
think that the home cook is about to go the way of the
dinosaur. But British chef Delia Smith asserts that it
really doesn't take that much time to prepare a healthful
and delicious home made meal, and her latest book
backs up her proposition quite firmly. How to Cook
is a combination of two separate volumes originally
published in the UK. In Book One she starts with the
basics, giving detailed explanations of the staples of
all cooking: eggs, flour, potatoes, rice and pasta.
Book Two continues with the preparation of
fish, meat, poultry, fruit,
vegetables, cheeses and chocolate.
As always, part of Delia Smith's charm (other than the fact that she is a fantastic chef) lies in her winning personality and ability to relate to her readers. In Chapter 12 "Fish Without Fear" she writes, "Why is it that people are afraid of fish?….I feel my task here is to reassure those of you who are afraid and try to provide a sort of simple introduction to the whole subject of cooking fish, which will hopefully persuade you to try." And try you will, after you see some of Miki Duisterhof's incredible photographs of Roasted Butterflied Shrimp in Garlic Butter and Roasted Salmon Fillets with a Crusted Pecorino and Pesto Topping. And if fish really isn't your thing, you can always dive into Mini Boefs en Croute, Broiled Chicken Kebabs with Gremolata or Toasted Goat Cheese with Blackened Sherry-Vinegar Onions, followed by Melting Chocolate Puddings or A Very Chocolatey Mousse.
The ingredients are listed down the left side of each page for easy reading, and are listed in both American and British measurements. The directions are easy to follow, and Delia peppers the recipes with funny and useful tips and anecdotes. This is an absolutely fantastic cookbook for both novices and advanced cooks alike. Its emphasis on fresh foods, tasty flavors and easy preparation will make it a much-used reference in the kitchen. Highly recommended.
How to Cook is available for purchase on Amazon.com
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This review was published in the August, 2001 of The Internet Writing Journal.
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