Customer Reviews: Read 2 more reviews...
 Outstanding - comprehensive, practical, beautifully printed. March 6, 2008
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I bought this book after reading a review in one of the Sunday papers. It is a gem. It presents the authentic face of modern Spanish cooking and it's influences, as well as a comprehensive selection of older classics. In addition, in this English edition, it takes time to explain terms and techniques that you might not be familiar with.
It makes a great present in that not only is it beautifully written, but also features some great illustrations.
Above all, it contains recipes that are "do - able". Think not of Roux/Ramsey/Blanc, but more Delia Smith and above all Nigel Slater.
Overall, a superb introduction to Spanish cooking presented in a stylish way, which I cannot find fault with.
Spanish Cooking To The Highest Order March 3, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
When travelling to Spain over the years, I have gained a wide range of tastes for Spanish food. Well I thought I had till I came across this gem of a book.
As the sticker on the front of the book says, this is the bible of Spanish cooking in every sense. The different recipes in here could keep you going for years. Having tried a few of them already, I know that this book has definitely converted me to cook Spanish style food whenever I now go out there. The recipes all work brilliantly; the book is beautifully put together.
The book also includes foods from all the different Spanish regions
This book is up there with the best, and anything Spanish you care to cook, you are sure to find it in here. It's a big robust book, with wonderful pictures and illustrations, and is sure to bring many years of enjoyment. I couldn't recommend this book highly enough it's just Magnifico!
The best Spanish cookbook EVER, 5 stars +! February 13, 2008
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
You will not be dissapointed with this book. Every meal I have cooked was delicious (must have been 10 different ones so far). It is excellent for both advanced and inexperienced cooks. The soup section is amazing. Simple paella (No. 210) is really, very simple and tasty.
I would recommend it as a gift for anyone.
 Disappointed February 11, 2008
3 out of 9 found this review helpful
I was looking forward to receiving this book after not investing in new cook books for some time. I am so disappointed!
Although it is a very large well presented book, it seems to be the Spanish version of Delia Smith's work, more suited to Spanish beginners. I saw nothing to excite me and get me into the kitchen. The recipes are too bland and there are too many foreign dishes represented. I was hoping for lots of authentic Spanish dishes and more sense of culture. I collect unusual and ethnic cookery books, but this let me down as no other has.
I would have returned this book, but it came shrink wrapped. I believe Amazon will not accept items with it removed, and it would also be expensive to post because of the size and weight of it. I suppose I will just have to sell it on at a loss.
 Jampacked with ideas! November 26, 2007
8 out of 9 found this review helpful
Make room! What first impressed me about this book is the sheer number of recipes packed into this tome. Unlike the offerings from the celebrity chefs, half the book is not wasted upon 'lifestyle photography' with the chef licking their fingers or staging a dinner party. Instead, the recipes come thick and fast - 72 tapas in the first 50 pages alone - with straightforward instructions, simple ingredients and only the occasional illustration.
My first quibble with the book is that many of the recipes seem bland, with few suggestions for extra seasoning. The mustard and cream was delicious with chicken and rice, but only after I used three times the mustard and added turmeric and chili powder.
Most recipes serve six which is perfect for large gatherings, so this will help me with many dinner parties to come. Otherwise ingredients and cooking times need reduced if just for a couple diners. However, your presentation skills will be tested because the simplicity of the recipes mean they often lack plate appeal, judging by many of the photos.
Also, there are times that complex procedures aren't fully explained or when special implements are not described adequately. Want to make churros? Essentially all the book says is that you'll need a churrera - something to look out for on my next trip to Spain, I suppose?
Like the British, I am sure the Spanish love foreign flavours, but I wasn't sure why space was spent on things like chicken curry, tiramisu and vichyssoise.
Finally, not all the recipes are unique. Sometimes one basic recipe is 'spun off' with up to 5 or 6 variations. Still, ninety dozen recipes (about 3 different meals every day for a year) is enough to keep any chef busy in the kitchen, so it may be awhile before I get around to Phaidon's Italian companion, The Silver Spoon!
|
