THE COMMUNITY TABLE proves that kosher meals need not be cholesterol-filled, repetitious, and unimaginative. Many other cookbooks do that as well, but this one is an exciting, guide that will not only help the new cooks but also add to the experienced cooks’ repertoire. And the book provides inspiration to cooks who may not be Jewish and may not keep kosher.
The book begins with advice about what to look for when shopping for ingredients. The authors recommend using organic, local products whenever possible. It explains the differences between various types of oils and what equipment is recommended to have on hand and describes, in detail, various ways to prepare vegetables.
At the end of the book, the recipes are listed by category (Meat, Dairy, Pareve), there are suggested menus for holidays, a list of which recipes are kosher for Passover, and a metric conversion chart.
Now to the recipes. The first one is for Challah with instructions and pictures for several styles, such as a round Challah with a honey bowl in the center, perfect for Rosh Hashanah. Other bread recipes include Fig and Fennel Bread,, Grilled Rosemary Flatbread. Lemon Scones, and Homemade Pretzels. If you like latkess, there are four variations.
The recipes, collected from many sources, include more traditional fare like Chicken Soup and Roasted Chicken but also Black Bean Cakes with Tomato Salsa, Potato and Zucchini Egg Tart (Feinkochen), Sofrita, Salmon-Halibut Gefilte Fish with Apple Beet Horseradish Relish, Vietnamese Rice-Noodle Soup with Beef, Gougeres, Karpas Salad, Gemelli with Mushroom Bolognese, Thai Grilled Beef Salad, Moroccan Mezze, Red Quinoa and Black Rice Pilaf, and Matzah Brei Sri-Lankan Style.
The book covers all categories, is nicely illustrated and has tips and comments throughout. It’s going to be well-used.
I received this book through Goodreads First Reads ( )