Not your average cookbooks

Now that it's winter, food is on my mind more than ever. Not that I ever need an excuse, but those cold temperatures ensure my stomach is always growling and discontent. Hunting down some new recipes was probably not the smartest idea, as now confused people are taking shelter in doorways, wondering where the thunderous rumbling is coming from. I decided to check out what new and recent cookbooks we've bought at Auckland Libraries, and found some delicious and unusual offerings (and that doesn't include The Game of Thrones cookbook or The Hunger Games cookbook...Groosling? They're not serious.)

 

Whatever you do, don't read this list at work. 

 

Cowgirl Chef: Texas Cooking with a French Accent

 

Here's something a little different. I imagine it will polarise opinion somewhat - some of you will love the combination of Southwest flavours and French cuisine, and others will regard it as the worst massacre since Coldplay covered the Beastie Boys. Bon appetit, y'all. Here's the blurb: 

 

Moving to Paris was the best bad decision that Texan Ellise Pierce ever made. Wooed to the city by a Frenchman, she soon found herself with just 100 euros in her bank account. So she launched a last-ditch effort to stay in the City of Light: she started her own catering business and began teaching other American expats how to re-create flavours from home. Using French ingredients and techniques from both sides of the Atlantic, she did more than found a culinary company; she created a unique style of cooking that's part Texas, part French, and all Cowgirl.

 

Recipes include:

Cornbread Madeleines
Jalapeno Pimento Cheese Tartines
Cauliflower Galettes with Chipotle Creme Fraiche
Green Chile-Goat Cheese Smashed Potatoes
Peanut Butter-Chocolate Souffles


The Medieval Cookbook

The popular cookbook from 1986 is now being reprinted, with lovely colour illustrations of life in medieval times. This book will be a great history lesson for kids, or a chance to throw a fun themed party for adults. There are 50 recipes here, drawn from all tiers of society. You can eat like a peasant, or go all out and scoff like a lord.

There's also a section on herbs and medicines for those with an interest. If you've ever wondered what on earth frumenty is, and how to cook a great Christmas pie, this is the book for you. Also check out Cooking and Dining in Medieval England and The Shakespeare Cookbook.



What Chefs Feed Their Kids: Recipes and Techniques for Cultivating a Love of Good Food

If you want to wean the kids off macaroni cheese and fish fingers, this could be a good start. The author has asked 20 top chefs who are also parents what they do to get their kids eating right. The book includes strategies such as taking your children to fresh food markets, and helping with the cooking. There are 75 recipes from all across the world, from nori chips to curried chickpeas and risotto with pumpkin, ginger and sage, with a focus on healthy meals.

Interestingly, the recipes are divided into sections for different ages. Portion sizes and different textures are explained so parents can diagnose why their child might not be eating properly. Reviews on Amazon are positive, with many saying the book is definitely not just for kids! 


Never Cook Sober Cookbook: From Soused Scrambled Eggs to Kahlua Fudge Brownies -100 (Fool)proof Recipes

If you cook these recipes for your children, you will have several government departments calling on you. All these meals require is a bit of skill and a well-stocked liquor cabinet. Just a friendly warning - please don't sample the recipes too often while cooking. Some of the creations are:

Bottoms-Up Mudslide Smoothie
Tipsy Tequila Lime Chicken Tacos
Sassy Salmon in Champagne Sauce
Play-It-Again Gin Scallops
Half-Seas over Lime Rum Shrimp Kebabs
Mixology Cupcakes
Zonked Kahlua Fudge Brownies


Herbivoracious: a Flavor Revolution with 150 Vibrant and Original Vegetarian Recipes

Based on the popular blog of the same name by Michael Natkin, the advertising says it's meant to be vegetarian food with a bit of flavour - could be good. Mains include Caribbean Lentil-Stuffed Flatbread, Sicilian Spaghetti with Pan-Roasted Cauliflower and Sichuan Dry-Fried Green Beans and Tofu. Soups, salads, sauces and condiments, sides, appetizers and small plates, desserts, and breakfasts round out the recipes. Gluten-free and vegan recipes are clearly indicated.

Natkin also makes room for a section on how to add flavour to vegetarian sauces and seasonings, and get the right balance of protein and other nutritional necessities.


Norwegian Cakes and Cookies

You've heard of Danishes, now try Norwegians. These recipes by a top Norwegian pastry chef sound both mouth-watering and decadent, perfect for cold days. Whoopie pies? Whoop-de-do. Try Fyrstekake (layers of rich butter pastry with a marzipan filling), Kokosboller (chocolate-coconut truffles), and Tilslørte bondepiker (sweet fruit compote with whipped cream). You don't have to be able to pronounce them to enjoy them. The publishing guff sounds hopeful for those of us with less than expert skill - "Sætre also includes a chapter on essential basics such as pie and tart crusts, vanilla custard, and dark chocolate glaze, with useful tips for beginning and expert bakers alike".

The macaron is so over. 


The Meat Fix: How a Lifetime of Healthy Eating Nearly Killed Me!

Yes, not a cookbook, but I couldn't resist. The author says that after 26 years as a vegetarian, suffering terrible Irritable Bowel Syndrome and a gut that was virtually in self-destruct mode, he decided to give eating meat a go. Within 48 hours, he claims, he was cured. This book turns the healthy-eating movement on its head, and is bound to be controversial with vegetarians. After his health improved, journalist Nicholson went away and investigated exactly why. In plain and often hilarious terms, this is his conclusion. Are processed foods really as bad for you as they say? Is soy really the villain of modern times?

Have a read for yourself!