Freelance
OUR FAVORITE COOKBOOKS
‘Pastry: Savory & Sweet’
By Michel Roux (Wiley, $24.95)
Michelin three-star chef Michel Roux shows how easy it is to prepare professional-caliber pastry at home. His comprehensive book covers 10 popular types of dough, step-by-step techniques and kitchen tips that ensure perfect results. Trained in the classic French style and with more than 30 years of experience as a top chef, Roux has compiled what might just become the new authoritative guide to pastry-making. Some of the standout recipes include such international favorites as classic Cornish Pasties, Beef and Cheese Empanadas, and Gougeres Filled with Mushroom Duxelles. The 100 recipes are supplemented with more than 250 full-color photographs illustrating both the techniques and finished dishes.
‘Tacos: The Santa Fe School of Cooking Series’
By Susan Curtis and Daniel Hoyer with R. Allen Smith
(Gibbs-Smith, $12.95)
A taco isn’t necessarily just a taco. For example, by combining olives and almonds, you can create delicious Creamy Chicken and Almond Tacos. The richness of the cream is a perfect balance for the Mediterranean-style filling. Susan Curtis, owner-director of the Santa Fe School of Cooking and Market, has achieved international acclaim for her passion for food. Assisted by Daniel Hoyer, the sous chef at Mark Miller’s Coyote Café, and Chef R. Allen Smith, director of the Stock Pot, an exclusive cooking school in Texas, this exciting new collection is innovative and fun.
‘Cookies!’
By the editors of Good Housekeeping (Hearst Books/Sterling Publishing, $14.95)
Food director Susan Westmoreland serves up 150 recipes culled from the Good Housekeeping collection, all triple-tested for ease, reliability and great taste. The five chapters include Bar Cookies; Drop Cookies; Rolled Cookies; Rolled, Molded & Refrigerator Cookies; and Holiday Cookies. There are tips and techniques that make the recipes almost foolproof. In addition to such tried-and-true classics as Sugar Cookies and Pinwheels, there are dozens of unexpected treats including Lemon Cornmeal Thins, Ricotta-Cheese Cookies, Brandy Snaps and decadent Chocolate Wows. This is a marvelous collection that represents all skill levels with countless recipes that promise to become year-round family favorites. This book is spiral-bound making it even more accessible for easy use in the kitchen.
‘Dinnertime Express’
By the editors of Better Homes and Gardens (Better Homes and Gardens Books, $24.95)
The simple and innovative recipes featured in this collection take 30 minutes or less to prepare and require readily available ingredients. From appetizers to desserts and everything in between, the exciting flavors of these healthful meals are certain to energize the family dinner table night after night. In addition to more than 250 recipes, there are nutritional facts, helpful tips and inspiring full-color photographs.
LARRY COX