The Art of Simple Food by Alice Waters
This newly-released book, The Art of Simple Food: Notes, Lessons, and Recipes from a Delicious Revolution by Alice Waters, is written with "home cooking" in mind. Ms. Waters provides everyday recipes, essential cooking lessons, kitchen “Rules of Thumb”, and her nine tenets on food:
--Eat locally and sustainably.
--Eat seasonally.
--Shop at farmers’ markets.
--Plant a garden.
--Conserve, compost, and recycle.
--Cook simply, engaging all your senses.
--Cook together.
--Eat together.
--Remember food is precious.
Ms. Waters, "America's Green Goddess", has been hailed as one of the world's best chefs. She has revolutionized the way Americans eat and shop. Ms. Waters is credited with bringing California cuisine to the rest of the country and with introducing the gastronomic world to organics. Chez Panisse, her Berkeley restaurant, is 37 this year. She claims not to have set out to change the way America eats - although she did - but simply to feed her friends. One meal at time, Ms. Waters' new book hopes to help novice cooks to seasoned gourmands learn to cook and to eat better. It is a wonderful read constantly reminding us of how to eat better.
Weekday eating
At first glance this book seems really basic. But, try cooking from it and you'll likely be pleased. It's terrific for weekday meal ideas for family and friends. I made the minestrone (p. 72) last night, from the "starting from scratch" section. It was simple and delicious.
good organization and planning
Planning is not something I always do when cooking. I am often in a rush, but Alice Waters reminds us of how simple everyday cooking and dinner with friends can be if we just put some thought into it. Turn one weekday meal into two or cook days ahead of our guests arriving. Avoid being that frazzled cook. The beef stew is delicious for a weekday meal - add mushrooms and fennel too and serve with rice. my family loved it.
basic principles of eating
this book is worth it just to read her basic principles of eating that we all need to be reminded of again and again.
other alice waters books
i just bought this book and noticed she has many others. does anyone recommend her other books? which books do you like?
alice waters fan
i am so happy you chose this book and can't wait to cook from it (and read it too!)
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what i liked and disliked
Loved the sidebars ("rules of thumb") and the beginning sections on what to cook. The book is simply designed, beautiful and i found myself curling up in a chair and reading more than cooking from the book. The recipes are very basic and about perfecting the way you cook. Somethings I really liked: turnip soup, chard frittata, poached pears, leeks vinaigrette, grapefruit and avocado salad, garlic broth with sage and parsley, and scones. Somethings i did not like (too bland): celery root remoulade, tortilla soup, beef stew and bolognese sauce.