The California Cook (Paperback)

by Diane Rossen Worthington (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
The author of The Cuisine of California and The Taste of Summer revisits the same territories in this fairly comprehensive, occasionally intriguing collection. Suggesting that the California cook is defined not by geography but by a "sense of adventure about food," Worthington also emphasizes fresh ingredients and "unexpected twists" put in familiar dishes. Thus white chocolate and pistachio nuts recast the Toll House cookie, and lasagne is transformed with roasted vegetables, pesto and bechamel. Influences here are Asian (roast turkey marinated in olive oil, balsamic vinegar and soy sauce), Mexican (grilled chicken, black bean and corn salad with salsa dressing) and Italian (soft polenta with sun-dried tomato pesto). Many offerings blend these approaches (pasta with ancho chili and tomato cream; grilled sea bass with caponata), while others demonstrate a deeper ingenuity: green pea guacamole and West Coast crab cakes with grapefruit sauce. The chapter on salads features grains and poultry as well as assorted greens; "Light Entrees" supplies pasta dishes, risottos and pizzas; the meat selections suggest a revived interest in beef, lamb and veal. Menu selections and wine tips, from Anthony Dias Blue, are included.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal
Worthington is the author of The Cuisine of California (1982), one of the first of many books on California-style cooking. Goat cheeses and ancho chiles are no longer exotic ingredients, but California cuisine, with its emphasis on freshness and willingness to experiment, has been more influential than anyone ever imagined. Worthington's new title features a lively collection of sophisticated recipes, with even more cross-cultural influences than the dishes in her first book and a nod to lighter eating. Many, however, call for long lists of ingredients and are not uncomplicated, making them more suitable for entertaining than for everyday meals. Recommended.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Bantam (August 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553374710
• ISBN-13: 978-0553374711
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,244,941 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The recipes in this cookbook are absolutely fantastic!, August 3, 1998

By A Customer

From salsa to chicken to rack of lamb to corn cakes to lasanga -- these recipes are fantastic. The flavors will remind you of dining out at a gourmet restaurant, although many of the dishes have a laid-back flair. One thing to remember, especially if you are a beginner cook, most of these recipes take some time to put together. If you start at 6, you may be sitting down to eat at 10! The time is well worth it -- you tastebuds, and your dinner companions, will thank you! The author also makes excellent wine suggestions.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great, easy and delicious!, September 14, 1999

By	I. Deakins "DaggerLily" (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have many cookbooks, but this is one of my favorites. Every recipe that I made from this book has turned out well, which is, I think, a sign of a good cookbook. I particularly like the notes at the bottom of the recipe that tell you how far ahead and through what step you can make the dish. This is a big plus when entertaining. All of the dishes that I have made from this book have been crowd pleasers.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A highly recommended gastronomic delight!, April 16, 1999

By	Susan G. Hodge (La Canada, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

What a great cookbook! I use it frequently, particularly for the roast chicken (my family's personal favorite), shrimp salsa, the marinades and salad dressings, the chocolate truffle brownies, and an UNBELIEVABLY sinful chocolate cake! The format is attractive, the recipes are easy to follow, and the results have been uniformly consistent. If you enjoy flavorful, creative cuisine, this is for you!