You may not have heard of this. It was an amazing year for books, and many very good books run the risk of being overlooked. Because of that, we’ve put together a short list of books we loved that aren’t getting as much buzz as other, more well-known authors. Along those lines, we tried to pick books that we haven’t mentioned here yet.
“Encyclopedia of Pasta” by Oretta Zanini De Vita and translated by Maureen B. Fant is a wonderful, comprehensive book that has more information and inspiration than you ever thought you could find in pasta. It has history, mythology, and practical knowledge—everything you need in a great book.
“A World of Cake” by Krystina Castella is an odyssey spanning the globe, chronicling the world of cake. I confess that I bought the book for the Kasutera Cake recipe, a Japanese sponge cake that I’ve been chasing for years. Once the book arrived, I was completely seduced by its wide array of stories and recipes. As a lifelong cake lover, it provided a surprising number of completely new and unique recipes that I can’t wait to try out, in one form or another. It’s another fascinating read for anyone with a sweet tooth.
“Secrets of the Red Lantern” by Pauline Nguyen is a book we discovered this year and felt compelled to share. This is both a book and cookbook. For those who like to armchair travel, it will take you to another time and place, from Vietnam to Australia, with a family whose life seems defined by food, both good and bad. The recipes are a welcome counterpoint to the stories and give you the tools necessary to feed the hunger that builds as you read the book.
“Asian Dumplings: Mastering Gyoza, Spring Rolls, Samosas and More” by Andrea Nguyen—the title and tagline basically say it all. This book is a must for anyone who loves these rich, delicate morsels. It is broken into categories like thin skins, rich pastries, and translucent wheat and tapioca starches. Nguyen covers every aspect of dumpling making, from flour to cooking method. There are photographs and line drawings to illustrate the techniques, and recipes are clearly written and easy to follow.
Please feel free to chime in with your recommendations. We’re always looking for new inspirations!
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