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Powell's Staff:
Five Book Friday: In Memoriam
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Every year, the booksellers at Powell’s submit their Top Fives: their five favorite books that were released in 2023. It’s a list that, when put together, shows just how varied and interesting the book tastes of Powell’s booksellers are. I highly recommend digging into the recommendations — we would never lead you astray — but today...
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Brontez Purnell:
Powell’s Q&A: Brontez Purnell, author of ‘Ten Bridges I’ve Burnt’
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Rachael P.:
Starter Pack: Where to Begin with Ursula K. Le Guin
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Customer Comments
Crazy4Cookbooks has commented on (13) products
A Gongs Table Vegan Recipes from a Taiwanese Home a Chez Jorge Cookbook
by
George Lee
Crazy4Cookbooks
, May 10, 2024
This is a niche cookbook, and somewhat advanced for the average home cook. The recipes are Vegan, and steeped in Taiwanese culture. So if this fits your general culinary style, the book will be a treasured addition to your collection. Many of the ingredients in the recipes would have to be acquired in urban markets or online; they are not typically available in small-town USA. I did enjoy one of the book's recipes for a tomato and cauliflower dish, which was delicious and different from anything I can compare it to. I will retain this recipe for the future, and certainly make it again. I also picked up useful tips for stir-frying vegetables. Even though the majority of the recipes are not dishes I can see myself making, I enjoyed the many photographs in this book; they really drew me in and seemed authentic and not staged. I never tire of reading how grandparents and other family influence the way we cook in adulthood, and this book is a compelling tribute to that fact, even if the recipes were not a perfect fit for me personally. Ten Speed Press provided me with a free copy of this book. I enjoyed the opportunity to read it, and the opinions I have expressed are my own.
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Tiffy Cooks
by
Tiffy Chen
Crazy4Cookbooks
, April 02, 2024
I have no familiarity with Taiwanese cuisine, and I was not familiar with this author. I was therefore delighted when I was able to produce pan-fried bao pork buns like an expert, just from the instructions in this book! I also tried her scallion beef stir-fry, pork chops, Taiwanese fried rice and regular basmati rice, all with excellent results. Home cooks are the best to learn from, and the secrets shared from these family recipes, the cooking hints, the overview of pantry necessities, and the subtle differences in this style of Asian cooking make this a nice addition for the home cook’s library. There is a section on freezer friendly goods, as well as gluten-free and vegetarian options. Ten Speed Press provided me with an advance copy of this book; however the opinions and experiences are my own. I have and will recommend this book for those wanting to expand their Asian cooking skills.
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Farm Table
by
Julius Roberts
Crazy4Cookbooks
, February 19, 2024
This is one of those rare books that are a complete delight to read, even if you never try a recipe. The photography is stunning, and the prose is inspiring as the author shares his journey from a city chef to a country farmer. You feel like you have been transported to his property as he describes all the beauty, the work, the mistakes and the satisfaction of a farm to table lifestyle, all the while encouraging us to nurture the connection and understanding of where our food actually comes from. The recipes are laid out seasonally, and are well explained. I tried both the focaccia bread and the cavatelli and was pleased with the results. There are many more I plan to try as the year unfolds, including the refreshing sounding Cucumber Mint Lemonade come summer. Ten Speed Press provided me with a free copy of this book; the opinions are my own. In addition to this being a useful cookbook, it is a beautiful armchair read and will be enjoyed by cooks and dreamers alike, inspiring the reader to savor the best of the current season, while enthusiastically anticipating all the seasons ahead.
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Kung Food
by
Jon Kung
Crazy4Cookbooks
, December 02, 2023
This book derives from the age old story of immigrants and their food adapting to new locales and intermarriages over time. The story and recipes are enhanced by the modern creativity of the chef. The notion of Third Culture food introduced by the author is an interesting one, and much information is provided for those interested in a deep dive into modern Chinese American food. I personally enjoyed many of the condiments presented in the book. The milk tea and milk on toast are new favorites that come together in a snap. The Hong Kong Corn Soup is different and delicious, even with canned corn, and the Ginger Scallion Noodles will come together easily even on a weeknight. The challenge of this book for those who don't live in a well-supplied urban area, or those unwilling to mail order ingredients, may be in fact hunting down the ingredients. There are many recipes I would want to try in this book, but the ingredients aren't those I easily have access to. I enjoyed reading the book, the stories, and the pictures, and I would recommend the book to those having an interest in emerging Chinese American Cuisine. Clarkson Potter provided me with a free copy of this book; the opinions are my own.
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Make It Japanese
by
Rie McClenny, Sanae Lemoine
Crazy4Cookbooks
, November 05, 2023
I have little experience with Japanese cuisine other than enjoying the occasional teppan restaurant, and I certainly have no experience cooking Japanese. The meals I’ve produced from this book have been delicious and varied, and are a credit to the excellent and thorough instruction provided. Rie’s shortcut for the Tonkatsu is something I’ll now apply to any cutlets in my future. Her cheat for fresh yakisoba noodles works beautifully, and is especially appreciated living in a rural area where some ingredients can be hard to acquire. The Japanese beef and potato stew (Nikujaga) was a surprising combination, and perfect comfort food; and the Scallion Lemon Oil will elevate any plain, pan-seared weeknight fish into something memorable here on out. The book is also a touching memorial to Rie’s mother’s influence, and a lesson in how your path often finds you. This is a smart book that has made me a smarter cook, and I have enjoyed cooking from it. Clarkson Potter provided me with a free copy of this book; the opinions are my own and based on my personal experience cooking from this book.
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Simply Home: (2-In-1) Stylish and Beautiful Ideas for Every Room / Peaceful and Orderly Ideas for Every Room
by
Melissa Michaels
Crazy4Cookbooks
, October 08, 2023
This book is a two-fer; half of the book offers tips to make your home more beautiful, and half deals with tips to manage all the "stuff" we need in our homes. Unlike others in this genre, it is not laden with complex design theory. Rather, it is a digest that offers bite-sized suggestions that encourage you to use what you already have, and backs the suggestions up with photographs in different settings in real, lived-in rooms - not showroom settings. Melissa's tips help you flush out YOUR unique style, as she reminds you that what is important is what looks and feels good to YOU and your family. The organization section is packed with tips that will help you achieve the presentable home you desire, while reminding you that "perfection" is never the goal. Focusing on natural elements in the home, for example, can honor the season while freeing you from the need to find storage for items used only a few months of the year; natural elements can be treated as yard waste when no longer needed. Her "Fast 5 Minutes" will reveal how much tidying can be accomplished when you view a space with fresh eyes and perspective. Throughout the book, Melissa reminds us to not get so focused on the destination that we forget to enjoy the journey. Our homes are not a "project" with a firm beginning and end. Rather, the use and enjoyment of our homes is more a "process" that will evolve and change over time, just like our lives. This book will help you make the most of your home.
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Simply Symon Suppers
by
Michael Symon, Douglas Trattner
Crazy4Cookbooks
, September 25, 2023
This book provides a modern spin on seasonal eating, with Symon’s keen insight on how the seasons impact and inspire what and how we want to eat. The recipes are presented as complete meals, so even if you don’t want to duplicate them exactly, a great template is offered for a well-rounded meal. The recipes are elevated, but unpretentious, and Symon’s Midwest roots shine through in their heartiness. There is a nice mix of easier weeknight fare, such as the American Goulash and the Pork Chops with Onion Gravy; but there are also plenty of “company” and rainy weekend recipes, such as the Chicken Paprikash with homemade Spaetzle. All were clearly presented with delicious results. Additionally, there are plenty of special holiday and dessert recipes included, and the Batch Cocktail chapter is not something typically included in cookbooks, but they really help to make an occasion special. The Grid in the back is also very helpful for those accommodating dietary allergies and restrictions. Clarkson Potter provided me with a free copy of this book; the opinions are my own. This cookbook provides a great variety of modern and classic recipes that can be used at any point throughout the year.
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Trejo's Cantina: Cocktails, Snacks & Amazing Non-Alcoholic Drinks from the Heart of Hollywood
by
Danny Trejo
Crazy4Cookbooks
, July 05, 2023
If someone is looking for a signature drink, this book offers many options. But it also addresses the needs of those wanting a "grown-up," yet festive nonalcoholic beverage.But the book also offers some really solid recipes for the rest of a meal that are not overly complicated, and deliver big flavors with an obvious Mexican slant. The marinade for the Arrachera Steak really packs a punch with simple ingredients available at any grocery store. The proportions in the Pico are perfect, and the recipe has a tiny variation from the norm that makes quite a difference in the finished product. The Party Beans are a revelation, in that no one would ever guess canned beans are used, and they taste virtually indistinguishable from their long-simmered cousin. And finally, the recipe for the Elote Salsa...so good I repeatedly serve it as a side salad. All the party and make-ahead suggestions are invaluable, as are the suggestions for new uses for common pantry ingredients. In addition to the core of this book as a collection of recipes, it is one of the most uplifting and community building books I have read in a long time. I am thankful Clarkson Potter provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my objective and unbiased review. All opinions are my own, and based solely on my experiences using this book. I enjoyed reading it and am happy to add it to my permanent collection.
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Flavor+Us: Cooking for Everyone
by
Rahanna Bisseret Martinez
Crazy4Cookbooks
, May 29, 2023
This is a very thoughtful book, showcasing a next generation perspective which not only honors heritage, but respects each and every ingredient for the unique value it holds. Rahanna's curiosity in the kitchen shines through in her recipes, as does her interesting background and multi-dimensional thinking. She isn't afraid to combine new flavor profiles, and provides acceptable shortcuts when the dish won't be compromised. My absolute favorite of her recipes lean toward her Mexican heritage: her recipe and method for her beans is alone worth owning the book! And her ribeye tostadas were outstanding! The fresh herb garnish really highlighted the richness of the steak, and the rosemary added a surprising backnote to the flavor of the steak. And best of all, with her clear instructions and cooking method, you can serve 2-4 people (depending on your sides) with a single steak! Again, responsible, next-generation thinking. Her method for a tossed salad frees you from mixing up a portion of dressing you are obligated to finish salad after salad, and is adaptable to all sorts of dressing ingredients just as we are approaching peak Farmers Market season. This book is all about flavor, authenticity, and locally and/or responsibly sourced ingredients prepared with simple and achievable techniques in the home kitchen. Ten Speed Press provided me with a free copy of this book to cook from, but the opinions and experiences are my own.
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Cooks Book The Essential Nigel Slater A Cookbook
by
Nigel Slater
Crazy4Cookbooks
, March 19, 2023
I’m almost embarrassed to admit I had never heard of Nigel Slater prior to this book! But his self-description of being a cook who writes, and a writer who cooks had me interested from the first line. The fact that he is a home cook, versus a “chef” was an added bonus. I related to his commitment to constantly rework and improve tried and true methods and therefore decided to dive into the volume’s 500 pages. The book was as enjoyable to read, as it was to cook from! The directions were clear; the recipes themselves were quite a comprehensive collection (10 pages alone devoted to roasting a chicken!), and perhaps most important - the prose actually inspired me to cook! The book is actually quite a love story to preparing a meal at home, and the recipes I tried were quite delicious. I would never have considered mustard to be an ingredient in a pasta dish, but it worked well in the recipe on page 257. And not even presented as a formal recipe, is a gem of an asian leaning chicken thigh recipe included in a narrative on page 197. The brownies, the focaccia, both excellent. The list of recipes I still want to try is long. Ten Speed Press provided me with a free copy of this book, however the opinions and experiences I have had cooking from this book are my own. I really enjoyed this book. It makes you want to get in your kitchen and cook! Not much more you can say for a cookbook than that!
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Justice of the Pies Sweet & Savory Pies Quiches & Tarts plus Inspirational Stories from Exceptional People A Baking Book
by
Maya Camille Broussard
Crazy4Cookbooks
, October 23, 2022
Enjoyed this book. The chapter on various pie crusts is very detailed and instructional, and I had good success with both the all-butter crust and the gluten-free crust. The book offers many recipes beyond just sweet pies, expanding what you think of as pie. The Chicago-inspired Italian Beef Pot Pie was delicious and we are looking forward to trying the Bacon Pecan Pie for Thanksgiving. The book also includes many features on social justice heroes, making it more than just a cookbook. The book has year-round appeal for meals morning, noon and night. I received an advance copy of this book from Clarkson Potter in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
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Mediterranean Dish 120 Bold & Healthy Recipes Youll Make on Repeat A Mediterranean Cookbook
by
Suzy Karadsheh
Crazy4Cookbooks
, September 30, 2022
This book was an interesting and uplifting introduction to a facet of Mediterranean cuisine that I don’t often think of when I think Mediterranean: namely Egyptian fare. The book contains the beautiful photography that the publisher is known for, which is helpful to know what the finished dish should look like. It also provides a very thorough overview of ingredients common to a Mediterranean kitchen. A QR code provides an option to acquire certain recommended ingredients if you can’t find them locally. For me, a lot of the recipes contained more steps than I would pursue unless I was making a special occasion dish, and I am still trying to decide if I like the flavor profiles of a lot of these recipes. Sumac, coriander and cinnamon are seen often, and those are not typical ingredients in my regular repertoire. But I have made the garlic-chickpea soup several times with ingredients I typically keep in my pantry, and have enjoyed how the spices come together brightened by the hit of fresh lemon. I would recommend this book for those who know they have an affection for this type of cuisine, and I thank Clarkson Potter for the gift of this cookbook in exchange for my unbiased review. The book has expanded my repertoire, and would also be a good choice for others wanting to do the same.
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Dinner in One: Exceptional and Easy One-Pan Meals: A Cookbook
by
Melissa Clark
Crazy4Cookbooks
, September 09, 2022
This cookbook has recipes for everyone and anyone, and gives you many options for the vessel in which to cook your one-dish meal. Every recipe I’ve made has been easy, delicious, quick, and with minimal clean-up. The recipes are streamlined for the home cook in a typical kitchen, and most are speedy enough to get dinner on the table in a reasonable amount of time after work. The author crafts her recipes so they are clear and understandable for even a novice cook. Almost all the recipes include variations, so you can substitute with ingredients you have on hand; stretch a recipe for health or economy, or adapt to special dietary needs. The very first recipe in the book is a sheet pan chicken dish which produced the most luscious, lemony, potatoes to accompany the chicken. The skillet scampi recipe is another hit, complemented by the clever use of orzo in this tasty meal in one. We could not stop eating the green beans that accompanied the crispy chicken thighs. I received a free copy of this book from Clarkson Potter in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. It has been a pleasure to cook from it, and it is a wonderful collection to kickstart and inspire the fall cooking season!
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