Valentina Harris

1000 Mediterranean Meals by Editors of Chartwell
Every Recipe You Need for the Healthiest Way to Eat

With recipes from many countries and variations on each recipe this book provides many options and wide variety for the basic and more talented cook. I have to say that the recipes I have learned to make in Lebanon are not always the same as the ones in this book (hummus here Is not made with broth) but it was intriguing to see the changes in some old favorites and contemplate how those changes might make a dish I know well taste if changed according to the recipes I read.

The book begins with an introduction that includes what a Mediterranean diet is and why it is considered healthy then goes on to discuss equipment needed. The book’s sections include:
* Antipasti, Meze and Tapas (small dishes
* Soups and Salads
* Breads and Pizzas
* Vegetables and Vegetarian
* Pasta and Rice
* Meat and Poultry
* Fish and Seafood
* Desserts and Fruits
* Comprehensive index

I like the fact that since the recipes use whole foods that are commonly found in the Mediterranean it will make it easier to find the required ingredients and then create most of the recipes easily. Now, to find the book locally…hmm…

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I consider giving it as a gift or buying it myself? I believe I would

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing-Chartwell Books for the ARC – This is my honest review

5 Stars… (meer)

The publication notes for this book say it is spiral bound but in fact it is in a two-ring vinyl binder in the shape of a canning jar. Pages are printed on heavy stock, allowing them to be "removed for easier use in the kitchen or to take shopping for ingredients." The interesting design alone makes it worth having. I would be very interested in seeing other voulmes in this "Recipe Store" series.

Inside, there are about 130 recipes which are simple--simple in the manner of the best food. I found the use of ingredients remarkably sophisticated. I'm not sure you would have found this sort of recipe in very many USA cookbooks in 1984, much less found some of the ingredients in middle America. Perhaps the long-standing belittleing of cookery in England is misplaced.… (meer)