Food and travel -- they're two of life's greatest pleasures. But often, we're too busy to plan exotic vacations, which means we find ourselves daydreaming about the places we would go, the things we would do and yes, the food we would eat -- if only we could! If travel doesn't fit into your plans, you can still enjoy the flavourful fare of some of the world's finest cuisines, all in your own kitchen. These fabulous cookbooks dish up easy recipes for tasty meals you can make at home.
1. Feast of Flavours from the Vietnamese Kitchen
(Green Frog Publishing, 2005)
According to the introduction of this cookbook, the key to delicious Vietnamese dishes lies in obtaining "the freshest possible ingredients because many, especially vegetables, are eaten raw or lightly cooked." Common cooking techniques include boiling, stewing, steaming and stir-frying, which means that the ingredients maintain their flavour while still being prepared healthily.
Recipes to try: Vietnamese Beef Stew, Steamed Fish with Fermented Soy Beans, Pumpkin Soup with Coconut Milk
2. The Food of France: A Journey for Food Lovers
(Whitecap Books, 2005)
If the thought of freshly baked croissants and Camembert that melts in your mouth makes your taste buds tingle, this is the cookbook for you. Exploring the world of French delicacies, this gorgeous cookbook serves up recipes that will make you feel like you're sitting in a Parisian café. Not only does this book offer a wealth of gastronomic pleasures, it's also a resource rich with description and information on the history of various French foods. Plus, a glossary of French food and cooking at the back of the book ensures you're well educated before you begin your foray into French fare.
Recipes to try: Steak au Poivre, Baked Trout with Fennel and Capers, Vegetable Terrine with Herb Sauce
3. The Food of Thailand: A Journey for Food Lovers
(Whitecap Books, 2003)
In recent years, Thai cuisine has exploded in popularity in many of the world's urban centres. It's no surprise! Thai food is fresh, healthy and full of intriguing flavours. Take, for example, the perfect union of chicken and papaya, or the subtly splendid combination of pumpkin with chili and basil. These interesting pairings make Thai cuisine a truly marvellous culinary adventure and you'll find all of this and so much more in this delightful cookbook.
Recipes to try: Sliced Steak with Hot and Sour Sauce, Jungle Curry with Prawns, Stir-Fried Broccoli with Oyster Sauce
4. Sicily: A Way of Life in 50 Recipes
(Green Frog Publishing, 2003)
Italian cuisine is so much more than pizza and spaghetti with meatballs. This wonderfully photographed cookbook is full of facts about Italy's history, culture and lifestyle and seamlessly weaves each recipe into its informative narrative. For example, you'll not only find a recipe for mouthwatering pasta tossed in fresh olive oil, but you'll also discover the secrets of olive oil tasting and learn how to choose one that's of the highest quality.
Recipes to try: Sicilian Squid, Veal Escalopes with Marsala, Stuffed Rice Balls
5. The Real Taste of Jamaica
(Warwick Publishing, 2000)
You may be unfamiliar with many of the terms and ingredients referred to in this cookbook, but peruse the "A-Z of Jamaican Cuisine" glossary at the front of the book and you'll get a crash course on everything you need to know before you delve in with both hands! Many of the recipes feature a "Cook's Tip" and there are more helpful hints located at the back of the book to help you get your recipe just right the first time.
Recipes to try: Chicken Salad in Pineapple Shells, Jamaican Pepperpot Soup, Sweet Potato Pudding
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