*I received a copy of this book for review, but was not compensated financially in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based solely on my experiences while reading this book.*
Title: The American Cookbook: A Fresh Take on Classic Recipes
Author: Elena Rosemond-Hoerr and Caroline Bretherton
About the Book
A fresh approach to American fare, The American Cookbook features more than 150 classic recipes with a gourmet twist.
Innovative variations elevate tried-and-true classics like mac and cheese, fried chicken, and apple pie. Modern ingredients spruce up old favorites like meatloaf, chicken soup, and cole slaw. International flavors turn regional cuisine on its head, reflecting the rich culture and history of classic American food.
Perfect for foodies or fans of comfort food looking for interesting alternatives, The American Cookbook uses simple, step- by-step sequences to make cooking classic dishes easy and fun.
My Review
I always think of comfort food when I picture American food. Many of the recipes are the same ones we eat here in Canada! However, there was a few recipes that I had never heard of and want to try.
The American Cookbook has more than 150 recipes as well as 75 variations on classic American recipes. It also features foods from five culinary regions in the USA: Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, Midwest and Pacific Northwest.
Let me walk you through the chapters and share some of what you can expect to find.
- Starters, Soups and Salads: Features Buffalo Chicken Wings, Tortilla Chicken Soup, Fried Chicken Cobb Salad and more.
- Breakfast and Light Bites: Features Buttermilk Pancakes, Huevos Rancheros on Tortilla, Fried Shrimp Po’ Boys and more.
- Mains and Sides: Southern Fried Chicken, Stovetop Brunswick Stew, Boston Baked Beans and more.
- Desserts: Boston Cream Trifle, Peach Cobbler, Apple Dumplings with Vanilla Ice Cream and more.
- Baking, Candy and Preserves: Pumpkin Pie Spice Beignets, Southern Style Cornbread, Refrigerator Pickles and more.
Not all the recipes have an image, but all include a description of the recipe with info about its origin. I also like the tidbits of info featured on many of the recipes. Some of the recipes also include variations and how you can change up the ingredients to create a different flavour.
I liked that the recipes had readily available ingredients and would be food that I would serve to my family. The Desserts section was especially tempting! They all sound so delicious.
I also learned about regional cooking in each tw0-page spread. It showed the foods and flavours specific to the region, background info and some examples of recipes.
I’m looking forward to testing out the recipes this summer and have quite a few of them already bookmarked!
Also find it on Amazon.ca.
Librarian Lavender says
This cookbook sounds really great! I might give it a try as well!
Karen Evans says
Thank You for your review! I might have a look/see at the book myself!! 🙂
Sherry Compton says
More than a cookbook! I like the idea of it featuring background stories and telling about the origin. Brings warmth and history to your cooking. Variations on classics sounds like a great idea with some yummy recipes to try for the Fourth and throughout the year.
kathy downey says
This cookbook sounds like something that i would love to own.
Rita Spratlen says
I love cookbooks even though you can look everything up on the computer these days. I am just a book lover I guess the real ones. Sounds like this is a great addition to your books I bet. Thanks for sharing about it.
Heidi C. says
This looks and sounds like a cookbook that I would make good use of!
Judy C (Judy Cowan) says
Sounds like another great cookbook from DK!