by Ilaria Gozzini Giacosa (1992)
Modern Italians still refer to an elaborate dinner as "a meal worthy of Lucullus," commemorating a Roman general famous more for culinary prowess than any apparent military skill. And our images of ancient Rome usually do include one of an outrageous feast of camel and flamingoes and nightingales' tongues. But, as Ilaria Giacosa reminds us in this fascinating book, Romans did not eat the exotic every day. Here are the real foods of Rome - the rustic and the refined - in more than 200 tested recipes adapted for today's kitchen. Drawing on the writings of Apicius, Cato, Martial, Petronius, Juvenal, and other observers, Giacosa recreates a 2,000-year-old cuisine, from a hearty winter soup of barley and ham to an elegant salad of truffles in an herbed vinaigrette, from appetizers to desserts. Each recipe includes the original (in Latin and translation) and a modern rendering, with substitutions for difficult-to-find ingredients. The repertoire is wide and includes along with more exotic creations solid, satisfying dishes that still grace many Italian tables: a frittata or omelet of young asparagus and sharp Romano cheese; roast chicken with leeks and a garden of green herbs; a salad with peasant bread and cracked olives; and a fresh cheese pie scented with bay and honey. You'll find recipes for breads, porridges, and sauces, including the ever-present garum, which, Giacosa notes, is not very different from the soy and fish sauces of Asia; a guide to preserving fruits and vegetables; seasonal menus for everyday and elegant dining; and a rich social history of Roman eating, drinking, shopping, and entertaining. This is cooking before tomatoes, pasta, oranges, lemons, or even coffee entered the Mediterranean diet. Yet with its intriguing sweet-sour flavor combinations, its lavish use of fresh herbs and fragrant spices, and its base in whole grains and fruits and vegetables, the foods of Rome will be a revelation to serious cooks ready to create new dishes in the spirit of an ancient culture.
Clive Gifford
Find out about food preparation and dining in Roman times, farming, eating out and eating at home, markets, gods and festivals and what foods the Romans brought to Britain. Make some tasty recipes from Roman Times, such as stuffed dates, lamb stew, honey and spinach omelette and Roman burgers. [back cover].
Sarah Ridley
Everyone has memories of the food they ate they had when they were growing up. This book gives young children access to people's memories alongside photographs to help them build up a picture of the past. From family meals to wartime rationing, young children can explore what has changed and what remains the same.
Ajoy Joshi and Alison Roberts
Take a tour of India in your own kitchen and discover one of the world's most varied cuisines! Regional Indian Cooking celebrates the cooking styles and regional specialties of the five main regions in India, each with its own distinctive geography, lifestyle and culture. In keeping with the Indian philosophy of balance and the ancient principles of Ayurveda, author Ajoy Joshi makes it easy for cooks of all abilities to prepare unusual and delicious Indian dishes using only the freshest ingredients and spices that promote health and well-being. This book featuring 120 of the best regional recipes from across India.
Robert Merten
Welcome to the kingdom of the Cookie King! Featuring over 50 recipes with photographs. As a wee child, Robert Merten, the Cookie King, began baking cookies. Over time, his cookie creations became known far and wide as delicious, sweet and savory gifts that he bestowed upon many. For the first time ever, the Cookie King shares his recipe secrets. Whether you prefer new takes on familiar classics, or enjoy trying new flavor combinations, this recipe collection is sure to please. Present your cookies with style as Robert shares his interior design and food styling expertise from fun, vintage displays to elegant settings to heighten cookies to a special course.