Customer Reviews

California Home Cooking: 400 Recipes that Celebrate the Abundance of Farm and Garden, Orchard and Vineyard, Land and Sea (America Cooks)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I cook alot and I have many cookbooks, but this one has become
my favorite. Of the many recipes I've tried from this book,
all have been successful and required very little tampering
to adjust to my personal taste. My husband and I now make
Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Sauce every week, although in the
winter we saute the shrimp instead of grilling. Other recipes
we've enjoyed include Asian Cucumber Salad, Ginger Beef Stir-Fry,
Lima Beans baked Baked with Jack Cheese and Chiles, and Linguine
with Chevre Herbs and Tomatoes. Next on the list is probably
Roasted Salmon with Thai Chile Sauce. I have no financial
interest in this book, but of you like simple recipes that use
a variety of flavors and fresh ingredients, you should buy this
cookbook. It will keep you busy for a long time trying out all
the different recipes and you'll probably find a few favorites
of your own.

I picked up this cookbook as I left California. It has become my favorite with each recipe a winner with cook and guest. I especially enjoy the emphasis on fresh ingredients and the ethnic food selections that we were accustomed to in the restaurants in the San Francisco North Bay area. Highly recommend.

I have been a fan of Michele Anna Jordan's writing for a long, long time. Her recipes resonate with me as we have similar tastes and cooking styles, but I love this book for much more than the recipes. All throughout the book are little sidebars filled with delicious little tidbits of information about California, both past and present. One may read about the first canned chile produced in Ventura or mid-1800's recipes from Senora Benecia Vallejo, the wife of General Mariano Vallejo. Ms. Jordan has produced a book that is filled with good things to eat, but is also filled with a wealth of information that makes ourcooking and dining experiences even richer.

I'm getting a replacement copy of this cookbook because it is so great that I took it on vacation to a cabin (I wanted to impress my friends with the great recipes)...and forgot it there. I've bought this book for so many friends, and just noticed while visiting relatives last week that it's not on their bookshelf - guess what they're getting for Hanukkah! I looked at two bookstores today and didn't see it and you wouldn't believe the panic I was starting to feel when they didn't have it in stock (no pun intended) - the thought of life without Satan's Lily Soup or the Salmon Chowder (and I don't typically like seafood) and so on was *just* too bleak. I love gourmet cooking, and ocassionally take on challenging cooking projects; what I love about this cookbook is that the recipes go together so quickly, I can get the satisfaction of a big cooking project with a fraction of the effort. The flavors are fresh and the combinations wonderful. Oh, and have I mentioned that this is a great cookbook?

The book is very inspiring and well written. The most important thing, being the recipies, are a must have! I bought it for my mom for her birthday (and my mom has every cook book in the world). I am constantly finding the perfect course or side dish to add for just the right touch. If you like being creative and trying your own hand at modifying recipies you'll be pleasantly surprised. Try adding Lemon to the Artichoke, Chicken and Chive soup - it's SO good.

I fell in love with this cookbook in 1997, when I met Michele Anna Jordan at Johnson & Wales University, where I was attending culinary school. She was there for a book signing, and was the most open, kind and bright chef I had met in a very long time. California Home Cooking not only has inventive recipes, but bits of history tucked in the margins about California's wonderful culinary background. Jordan is quite skilled at utilizing the freshest ingredients while holding true to the state's wealth of cultural influences. This can be used in everyday cooking, or for a dinner party - my husband and I find ourselves returning to it again and again.

Some may see this book as "chatty" but I am enjoying the tidbits of information. I am a native Californian & am finding some good info/history. Lots of recipes that I want to try. If you are interested in recipes - a good book. If you read cookbooks like some of us read novels you may also find it a good read.

I got the book in the mail today and disappointed as the book left out alot of typical California recipes. I lived in California all my life and this is missing some good ol Tri Tip recipes that the centeral coast is known for. Some good recipes but not what I was looking for. Had trouble connecting with these recipes not what I was use to cooking all my life.
This seems to be high end cooking with things I've never heard of. Having said that I am willing to try new things and will try some. It just isn't California typical for me Sorry wouldn't recommend for the one looking for a down to earth California cook book. No pictures either. I'm going to check out a different book. Maybe Best of the Best from California.
This Maybe a good cookbook with the wrong name. I am looking for down to earth California cooking.