you may not have heard of. This was an amazing year for books and many very good books run the risk of being overlooked. Because of that we've put together a short list of books we loved that aren't getting as much buzz as other, more well known authors. Along those lines we tried to pick books that we haven't mentioned here yet.
Encyclopedia of Pasta, by Oretta Zanini De Vita and translated by Maureen B. Fant is a wonderful, comprehensive book that has more information and inspiration than you ever thought you could find in pasta. It has history, mythology and practical knowledge, everything you need in a great book.
A World of Cake by Krystina Castella is an odyssey spanning the globe, chronicling the world of cake. I confess that I bought the book for the Kasutera Cake recipe, a Japanese sponge cake that I've been chasing for years. Once the book arrived I was completely seduced by it's wide array of stories and recipes. As a lifelong cake lover it provided a surprising number of completely new and unique recipes that I can't wait to try out, in one form or another. Another fascinating read for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Secrets of the Red Lantern by Pauline Nguyen is a book we discovered it this year and felt compelled to share. This is both book and cookbook, for those who like to armchair travel it will take you to another time and place, from Vietnam to Australia, with a family who's life seems defined by food, both good and bad. The recipes are a welcome counterpoint to the stories and give you the tools ncessary to feed the hunger that builds as you read the book.
Asian Dumplings, Mastering Gyoza, Spring Rolls, Samosas and More by Andrea Nguyen, the title and tag line basically say it all. This book is a must for anyone who loves these rich, delicae morsels. It is broken up into categories like thin skins, rich pastries, and translucent wheat and tapioca starches. Nguyen covers every aspect of dumpling making from flour to cooking method. There are photographs and line drawings to illustrate the techniques and recipes are clearly written and easy to follow.
Please feel free to chime in with your recommendations. We're always looking for new inspirations!
