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10 books for culture-craving home cooks

Bring international flair to your kitchen -- and your cooking -- with the best books for culinary globe-trotting.

By Natalie Bahadur

6. Chinatown: Sweet, Sour, Spicy, Salty
(Whitecap Books, 2005)
When you think of Chinese food, you may ponder tasty chicken balls, flavourful fried rice and chow mein. But there's so much more to savour. As the name of this book suggests, Chinese cuisine is an exotic mixture of sweet, sour, spicy and salty flavours -- each a delight to the palate. Combining fresh produce and an intoxicating assortment of herbs, the recipes in this cookbook are sure to become family favourites.
Recipes to try: Seared Kingfish with Orange and Chilli Oil, Beef and Black Bean Casserole, Steamed Eggplant with Vinegar and Garlic

7. India's Vegetarian Cooking: A Regional Guide
(Kyle Cathie Limited, 2006)
You'll salivate as you thumb through the pages of this vibrant and colourful cookbook. Compiled by Monisha Bharadwaj, an award-winning author and food writer, this cookbook serves up cultural delicacies from the northern, eastern, southern and western regions of India. In the book's introduction, you'll find a short history of vegetarianism in India, plus you'll learn about the essentials of Indian vegetarian cooking.
Recipes to try: Cauliflower and Potatoes in Spices, Bamboo Shoots in Coconut Milk, Stewed Apricots with Cream

8. The Australian Women's Weekly Cooking Class Greek: Step-by-Step to Perfect Results
(ACP Books, 2005)
Garlic, lemons, olive oil, herbs and spices -- these are just some of the appetizing ingredients commonly used in Greek cuisine. There's a full-page photo of each dish in this book, plus step-by-step photo instructions to make preparation a snap. Every recipe is tested three times by the Australian Women's Weekly test kitchen to ensure the best results.
Recipes to try: Greek Sausages in Tomato Sauce, Pork and Quince Casserole, Cold Lentil Salad

9. The Australian Women's Weekly Cooking Class Middle Eastern: Step-by-Step to Perfect Results
(ACP Books, 2005)
Middle Eastern cuisine is a mélange of flavours and ingredients from Lebanon, Morocco and Turkey, to name a few. While each of these countries enjoys delicious and distinctive fare unique to their region, this cookbook presents a wonderful cross-section, bringing together the best of each. Using tangy ingredients like coriander, saffron and vanilla beans, you're sure to find a recipe that satisfies both your sweet tooth and your savoury tooth!
Recipes to try: Figs in Honey and Port Wine, Spicy Tomato Coriander Prawns, Minted Veal with Baby Squash

10. Biba's Taste of Italy: Recipes from the Homes, Trattorie and Restaurants of Emilia-Romagna
(HarperCollins, 2001)
This cookbook features hundreds of delectable recipes, but it also provides a historic perspective on the influences other cultures have played on the now-popular foods of Emilia-Romagna, a region in northern Italy. Foods such as prosciutto di Parma, Modena's aged balsamic vinegar and mortadella are only a few that have made their way into many North American kitchens. Take a look through this wonderful collection of recipes and find out how you can create delectable, authentic dishes the next time you feel like a little Italian.
Recipes to try: Lasagne, Italo's Pasta and Bean Soup, Spaghettini with White Clam Sauce

Do you have more cookbook suggestions? Share them with other readers in our forums!

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1. From Vietnam to Jamaica
2. 5 more great cookbooks, from China to Italy
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