Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Cooking school teachers Chung and Samuels offer an alluring array of Korean recipes designed for the Western kitchen. As an added bonus, the authors delve into the history of the cuisine, including the importance of balance in taste and color, medicinal qualities of ingredients, and construction of the typical Korean family meal. They also include a lengthy section introducing the reader to common ingredients of the cuisine. The dishes, some traditional, some modernized for contemporary tastes, are what the authors call a "starter kit": the building blocks essential to Korean cooking. Staples include Kimchi Paste, Soy Scallion Dipping Sauce and a collection of homemade stocks. Because Korean meals often include a minimum of five dishes, recipes are quick and accessible. Some, such as Korean Dumplings, include handy sidebars with instructions on technique. Others, such as Asparagus Salad, Korean Hot Wings, and Stir Fried Beef with Vegetables clearly appeal to the American sense of familiarity, albeit with a Korean flair. For the more adventurous, recipes such as Roasted Corn Tea, Kimchi Soup, and Warm and Spicy Squid Salad are sure to appeal. Complete with full-color photos throughout, this collection offers a welcome and undaunting introduction into Korean cuisine. (Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
Chung, a Korean cooking teacher and author now based in Tokyo, and Samuels, a cooking teacher from Boston who has lived in Japan off and on for years, have written a very appealing introduction to Korean cuisine, both classical and contemporary. Following a brief introduction, they present an illustrated guide to ingredients and a "starter kit" of chile pastes, condiments, and other basics to keep on hand. The recipes, from Seafood and Green Onion Pancakes to Pork Ribs with Fresh Ginger, are clearly written and unintimidating, and most are shown in color photographs (including step by steps of techniques). Korean food is becoming increasingly popular here, and there are relatively few books on the topic. For most collections. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
