Reference Books - Page 12

Oz Clarke's Grapes and Wines: The definitive guide to the world's great grapes and the wines they make

Oz Clarke, Margaret Rand

Amazon Price: $16.50 List Price: $25.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Harvest Books Amazon Marketplace: 30 new & used starting at $5.19

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Spirits
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Wine -> Wine & Winemaking
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Reference

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

More problems than advantages 3 out of 5 stars.
5 of 9 people found this review helpful.

Oz Clarke's Grapes & Wine takes a different tact than other large definitive coffee table-style wine books like Hugh Johnson and Janice Robinson's World Atlas of Wine, Sotheby's Wine Encyclopedia, and Peter Forrestal's The Global Encyclopedia of Wine. Those books (and, indeed, Mr. Clarke's own New Encyclopedia of Wine) are organized based on countries and regions, while this book is organized by major grape varieties, which are arranged in alphabetical order.

As such (and despite what the title says), that makes this more of a guide to grapes than to wine. And that offers some advantages for a lover of, say, Chardonnay, who with this book can read and learn about they way the grape is used in California, France, and New Zealand, without having book markers protruding from three different chapters. The style of organization also allows for the history of a certain grape to be traced even when it crosses national borders, as is the case for every significant variety grown in the U.S. and many classic varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Nior, and Shiraz that have made names for themselves far from where they were originally cultivated.

But I believe the grape-oriented organization ultimately presents more problems than advantages.

From a purely logistical standpoint, it can be confusing because many grapes are known by different names in different places: what the Americans, Australians, and South Africans call Shiraz, the French call Syrah; what the French call Pinot Nior the Italians call Pinto Nero; and what people in one part of Tuscany call Sangiovese is referred to as Brunello, Prugnolo, and Morelino in other parts of the same region. Mr. Clarke solves this by listing the grape by its best-known name and making references to the others in the text (Shiraz and Syrah are listed in hyphenated form), but it might still be confusing to someone who became familiar with a grape by one of its lesser-known appellations.

Also, for a novice, it's not clear what grapes are tied to what kinds of wine in regions that don't reflect the variety on the label. So while the book does explain that red Burgundies are made from Pinot Nior and white Burgundies from Chardonnay, that Barolo and Barbaresco are both crafted from Nebbiolo, and that Chianti comes mostly from Sangiovese, the reader must first know these things before delving into the appropriate chapter.

But the most serious problem, I think, is that organizing chapters by variety presents a false choice: a light and crisp Chardonnay grown in New Zealand, for example, has more in common with the Sauvignon Blanc grown down the street than it does with a powerful and buttery Chardonnay from California. And what about regions known for blending varieties? In Bordeaux most wines are mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (Lafite Rothschild, Haut-Brion), but some very significant wines (Le Pin, Petrus) are made predominantly from Merlot.

That said, the book is packed with compelling writing and important and interesting information, and the photography is very strong (even if photos are for the most part a little small for my taste). This book, the last of three editions, was published only three years ago. Afterwards, editors divided the contents into two books: the aforementioned New Encyclopedia of Wine and Mr. Clarke's famous Encyclopedia of Grapes -- both of which I ought to be more familiar with. But after familiarizing myself with the high-level of Mr. Clarke's knowledge and his strong writing and at the same time being somewhat stymied by the way the book is organized, I can't imagine that the decision to divide these riches into two books wasn't a wise one.

Editorial Review:

First published in hardcover as Oz Clarke’s Encyclopedia of Grapes, Oz Clarke’s Grapes and Wines is newly revised and updated to provide the most current information on an even wider array of grapes. Oz covers chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, and fifteen other "classic" grapes in depth, and includes features on tradition and innovation, methods used in the vineyard and the winery, and different wine styles around the world. He also provides vivid descriptions of more than three hundred grape varieties organized in his renowned A-to-Z format, as well as a glossary of technical terms and a wine decoder that lists which grapes go into which wines.

This authoritative volume by one of the world’s great wine writers is all you need to distinguish among grape varieties— the wines they create and the flavors they contribute—and to make an informed choice on selecting the most satisfying wines.

Extending the Table: A World Community Cookbook

Joetta Handrich Schlabach

Amazon Price: $11.19 List Price: $13.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Herald Press Amazon Marketplace: 23 new & used starting at $8.57

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Culinary Arts & Techniques
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Reference

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 22 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Extending the Table calls itself "a world community cookbook," but it is far more than that. Yes, there are recipes here from all over the globe: Sesame Spinach Salad from Korea, Hunter's Stew from Poland, and Watermelon Jan from Botswana. There are myriad rice dishes, lots of recipes featuring beans and lentils, and an array of delicious beverages--from Philippine Punch to a Ginger Cooler from the Ivory Coast. But what makes this cookbook so special is its social conscience: following the lead of Doris Janzen Longacre, author of the More-with-Less Cookbook, Extending the Table invites readers to reduce their own levels of consumption and share resources with others around the world. Even more, it encourages us to learn from the global community. In addition to the recipes, there are stories about both individuals and whole cultures, explanations of the importance of certain types of food in different lands, and the rituals that surround particular meals. Extending the Table is the work of the Mennonite Central Committee, and many of the contributors are missionaries whose faith in the values of humility, community, and respect for others imbues the pages of this thought-provoking book. Extending the Table is truly food for the body and soul!

The Wine Maker's Answer Book (Answer Book (Storey))

Alison Crowe

Amazon Price: $10.17 List Price: $14.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Storey Publishing, LLC Amazon Marketplace: 48 new & used starting at $8.50

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Spirits
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Wine -> Wine & Winemaking
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Reference

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Home winemaking is an appealing hobby for a new generation of wine lovers lured by the promise of a great payoff — small batches of handmade wine. It’s the perfect opportunity to experiment with flavors, have fun playing with chemistry, and share a few tasty bottles with friends and family. But safely fermenting, bottling, and aging wine is a demanding process requiring special equipment, impeccable sanitation, an understanding of chemical reactions, and the patience to see the aging process through to the end. No matter how experienced the home winemaker, unforeseen questions develop with every batch of new wine.

When a winemaker has problems with leaky corks or finds an oily film on top of his fermenting wine, what’s the simplest, quickest way to get an answer? The Wine Maker’s Answer Book is a 24/7 helpline with advice on hundreds of winemaking dilemmas. From the basic curiosity of the novice (What equipment will I need to get started?) to the finer points of fermentation (What is the impact of malolactic fermentation on acidity?), every step of the process is covered in detail.

Author Alison Crowe uses a friendly question-and-answer format to explain the mysteries of turning grape juice into wine, whether the reader is beginning with fresh grapes or a home winemaking kit. To the straightforward requests for information, she offers detailed descriptions of procedures and equipment. For stickier real-life problems, she first carefully assesses the possible causes and then gives expert advice on fixing the trouble.

Covering the entire range of situations a winemaker is likely to face, this handy, at-a-glance reference will make every batch of wine taste better.

The Grilling Encyclopedia: An A-to-Z Compendium of How to Grill Almost Anything

Amazon Price: $10.88 List Price: $16.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Atlantic Monthly Press Amazon Marketplace: 25 new & used starting at $5.00

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Outdoor Cooking -> Barbecuing & Grilling
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Reference
Subjects -> Reference -> Encyclopedias -> Cooking

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Well done! (get it?) 5 out of 5 stars.
34 of 34 people found this review helpful.

This is the best grill reference out there. It's concise, accurate, and comprehensive. Includes recipes for excellent dry rubs, marinades, and side dishes. More than a reference, it's easy and fun to read. I've used this book for the past four years as a guide to grill everything from steaks and burgers to corn-on-the-cob, bananas, pizza - even Thanksgiving dinner!

Best Yet 5 out of 5 stars.
16 of 16 people found this review helpful.

This is the best grilling book I've run across. The helpful tips and detail descriptions really make it a must for anyone that is just starting to grill.

An excellent reference on techniques and ingredients 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

From a weekend barbecue warrior:

This is really an excellent reference for ingredients, tips and techniques on grilling and barbecuing. Very practical and useful since the information is well organized, with cross-references to related topics, recipes, equipment and ingredients.

But be aware, this reference includes a few recipes, but it isn't a complete collection of recipes, if that is what you are looking for, you might want to try "The Barbecue Bible" or "The Gas Grilling Gourmet".

And as I always say: always enjoy the experience of barbecuing and grilling at home, with or without this book. With your own recipes or with borrowed recipes. Just enjoy the moment and have a lot of fun with family and friends around the grill.

Editorial Review:

With the understandable exceptions of I, N, U, and X, this is a comprehensive A-to-Z compendium of how to grill almost anything. Sinnes goes from Abalone to Zucchini with welcome clarity and great gastronomic expertise, then lards his instructions with great stories and a delicate wit, such that you start out looking for a dinner recipe but get lost reading eggplant lore.

Cucina Simpatica: Robust Trattoria Cooking From Al Forno

Johanne Killeen

Amazon Price: $32.50 List Price: $32.50 Usually ships in 24 hours By: William Morrow Cookbooks Amazon Marketplace: 44 new & used starting at $6.25

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Baking
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Reference
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Regional & International -> European -> Italian

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Cucina Simpatica brings to home cooks the luscious, lusty food of Al Forno, the acclaimed restaurant in Providence, Rhode Island. Since opening Al Forno in 1980, owners-chefs Johanne Killeen and George Germon have won a loyal following, rave reviews, and many awards for their superb food.

The recipes reflect their down-to-earth style of hearty yet simple trattoria and Italian home cooking. Included are detailed instructions for making their renowned grilled pizza. While Cucina Simpatica is organized by courses—from starters, soups, salads, bruschetta, crostinis, and polenta to pizzas, pastas, grills, roasts, braises, vegetables, and desserts—the authors urge readers to be flexible and make their own choices. A grilled pizza accompanied by a small salad may suffice for dinner. Pasta can be served in small portions as a first course or in larger amounts as the focus of the meal. A platter of roasted vegetables makes a fine meatless meal.

Cucina Simpatica inspires home cooks to prepare the rustic, robust Italian-style food from one of America's finest restaurants.

The Well-Fed Backpacker

June Fleming

Amazon Price: $11.16 List Price: $13.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Vintage Amazon Marketplace: 65 new & used starting at $2.16

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Science, Nature & How It Works -> Health -> Diet & Nutrition
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Baking
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Outdoor Cooking -> Camping & Hiking

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

The Hungry Backpacker 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This is a must have book for the backpacker. It is full of great recipes and cooking hints. I would recommend this to anyone packing thier own food.

Well-fed 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Of all the sources of backpacking recipies that I have found, this is by far the best. Not only are most of the recipies reasonable, easy and tasty, but her many suggestions regarding saving money and easy planning are terrific.

If your pack carries 60+lbs... 3 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

The ideas in this book are pretty good, though I wouldn't necessarily consider this a book for 'backpackers' - more likely for those who are car camping, and who don't mind some extra weight.

Great recipes, great food! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I've used recipes from this book many times over years of canoe-camping. I've never been disappointed. Many have the notations "A hit!" and "VG!!" and "Delicious!" beside them. Friends always ask for the recipes.

Editorial Review:

A vastly expanded edition. Offers a long list of food sources, new material on drying techniques and many more winter meals to provide heat and sustenance on an icy hike. Haute hiking menus for spring, summer, fall, and winter.

Baby & Toddler Meals For Dummies (For Dummies (Cooking))

Dawn Simmons, Curt Simmons, Sallie Warren

Amazon Price: $13.59 List Price: $19.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: For Dummies Amazon Marketplace: 52 new & used starting at $5.79

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Reference
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Self-Help
Subjects -> Parenting & Families -> Family Health

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

A wonderful guide for parents 5 out of 5 stars.
6 of 7 people found this review helpful.

After making the decision to make home made baby food for my son I wanted to try to find a book that would cover a range of important topics. Some of the important topics that our pediatrician said to look for were food allergies, when to introduce food at the right stage and also food preparation and storage. I also was hoping to find a few recipes that werent too time consuming and covered the baics from purees to simple started solids and this book has it all.
The book has a wonderful index so you dont have to read it in order if you dont want to, you can bop from subject to subject as you find necessary. It is also stocked up with nutritional information such as which vitamins and minerals were most important and what foods contained these.
One of the most important thing for me was knowing when to feed my son which foods and this book has taken the mystery out of it all. The section that starts with what to feed baby first goes in order. For example you want to start by feeding a basic rice cereal and then about a week or so later you can move onto oats or barley. In that section the recipes go in that order so as not to confuse you!
As a concerned mother who wants to do the right thing by making the healthiest, freshest foods for my child I can honestly say that this book makes my life much easier and has helped calm a lot of my worries as to what and when to feed my son. It is also very reassuring that a nutritionist and a RD helped to co-write this book. It is basically a how-to guide for beginners in the world of baby food, with the added bonus of some wonderful easy-to-make recipes.
The only thing I noticed while reading through with a fine tooth comb was that they do say at one point (in the section on what to buy for making baby food) that you can buy berries of any kind. This isnt entirely true as strawberries are an allergenic food for children under the age of one. They do however cover the allergy and risk of offering strawberries to babies under the age of one in the food allergy section and foods to watch out for- so its a little contradictory however the food allergy section comes way before they tell you how and what to make so you hopefully will have read that by the time you get to making the food!
All in all a wonderful book for all parents who want to know about a wide variety of topics concerning home made baby food for babies and toddlers!

Editorial Review:

Includes tips for feeding picky eaters and kids with allergies

Understand your child's nutritional needs and prepare fast, tasty meals

Babies and toddlers need good nutrition to grow and thrive, and this essential, timesaving guide makes it easy to feed your child right. It explains exactly what foods you should introduce at what ages — and shows you how to prepare fresh, home-cooked baby and toddler meals that beat anything you can get from a jar or box.

Discover how to

• Save money and expand your baby-food budget
• Dish up healthy, well-balanced meals
• Introduce new foods at the right time
• Serve foods with high kid-appeal
• Have fun cooking with your child

What's Cooking? A Recipe Organizer

Virginia Reynolds

Amazon Price: $13.59 List Price: $19.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Peter Pauper Press Amazon Marketplace: 20 new & used starting at $5.00

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Reference
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> How-to & Home Improvements -> Household Hints

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Needs some work 3 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This is a cute idea with the 1950s kitschy theme, but it needs some fine tuning. The size is smaller than a photo album which is handy, but that doesn't allow for a lot of room to write recipes.

The photos and quotes are cute. There are sticky pages where you can paste photos or recipe cards. But again, this book is a scaled down version so an elaborate recipe won't fit on one side. The folders seem a little skimpy if you have a lot of recipes from magazines and newspapers, but for me (not a big cook) it works.

They could've left out the pasta section and separated the vegetables from the side dishes. I think there are too many recipes to combine them into one section. Overall, it's a cute original funky theme. But it lacks room for hardcore cooks.

Editorial Review:

Not just any recipe organizer, What's Cooking? features fabulous 50's-inspired photos by Kelly Povo and humorous musings on cooking and food from a handful of pundits.

Includes a wealth of practical elements:

- 8 dividers (Appetizers, Soups & Salads, Vegetables and Side Dishes, Main Courses, Pasta, Breads and Muffins, Desserts, Miscelaneous)

- 8 folders and 8 plastic-covered adhesive pages for storing recipe cards and recipes clipped from newspapers and magazines.

- 9 information pages including US and metric equivalents, emergency substitutions, microwave tips, a glossary of cooking terms, and more.

- Clear plastic page to protect the recipe in use.

- 80 lined recipe pages plus additional pages for recording food websites and favorite restaurants.

- The 3-ring square back binder opens with ease and lies flat. The organizer measures 9-1/2" by 9-1/2".