Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
How the Civil War is still being fought with matzah balls, 25 Oct 1998
By A Customer
Many times I've heard someone say, "I enjoy just reading cookbooks," and thought that as silly as buying a CD just to watch it spin. Then I got Joan Nathan's Jewish Cooking in America. Sure its got great recipes--many classics you'll recognize as well multitudinous and scrumptious variations--but it is also a history of Jewish culture told through food. Here you can read about the origins of the Manichewitz brand, the vital social importance of vegetable shortening, how to keep Kosher in rural Vermont, and the first matza bakery. This book really is delightful and fascinating to read. It gave me a much deeper appreciation of Jewish ethnic cooking and greater pride of my American Jewish heritage.But don't overlook the cooking. Here you will find recipes for the foods you haven't had since you sat on a phonebook at your grandparents' Seder table. Then after you've had the gefilte fish and cholent your Bubbie made, you can try the equally authentic, traditional recipe of another region. (Did you know there's a difference between Yankee and Southern matzah balls? The former are plain and fluffy, the latter dense and spicy). And then sample Jewish versions of traditional American fare, like Texas chili. And don't overlook the Sephardic dishes and the recipes of our Syrian brethren. All in all, Jewish Cooking in America is a valuable addition to the kitchen and the library.
|
|
|
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
If I had to pack one suitcase for a year, I'd pack this book, 25 Jan 1999
By A Customer
This cookbook is incredible. It not only has recipes I never thought I'd find, it presents a unique history of Jewish food and people in such a way as to bring a warm feeling to anyone of any background reading this book. It is no wonder this cookbook has received cookbook awards. That is its just deserts. In fact, this cookbook transcends its subject area, as well as the category of book. This is a cookbook that deserves a medal for fostering understanding of a people and their heritage. This cookbook was published at a unique time in the history of Jewish Cooking, capturing recipes that otherwise might have been lost to many.
|
|
|
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Brilliant!, 6 Mar 2003
I bought this book last year and it has become absolutely indispensable! The recipes in this book are easy to follow and very tasty. The book is very informative as well. I learned a lot of things I didn't know about where different styles of Jewish cooking came from. I couldn't agree more with the other reviews. This book makes an excellent gift.
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
(5 customer reviews)
