Flavors of Greece [Hardcover]

Rosemary Barron (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1991

Dining in Greece is an activity that stimulates all the senses; the food is colorful, pungent and fragrant, perfumed by the wonderful heady fragrances of fresh herbs and spices, and it is consumed with great gusto.

In Flavors of Greece Rosemary Barron invites us to share these communal pleasures and to accompany her on her exploration of the Greek kitchen via the markets, full of shapes, colors and textures which excite the senses-glossy vegetables and lush juicy fruits, plump nuts, sacks of dried beans and pulses, sea-fresh fish, crumbly white cheeses and barrels of glistening black olives. You will find no haute cuisine in this book but much fine food. There are over 250 recipes; many are simple, based on good, fresh ingredients; many are highly flavored and aromatic; all taste even better when shared with friends.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This richly detailed volume is redolent with the unusual preparations of a cuisine ancient in origin but entirely modern in its palette of tastes. Thoroughly researched and thoughtfully written by Barron, who launched the Kandra Kitchen cooking school, the book will prove both intriguing and practical for modern cooks--and harried menu planners. As the author writes, "Menu planning becomes easier if we bear in mind some of the Greek traditions and customs with dining. The meal itself is a social event, so much of the work is done ahead and, with the exceptions of meze appetizers and salad preparation, relatively little last-minute attention is required." Many recipes--especially vegetable dishes--are perfectly suited to advance preparation. Just as impressive are the author's selection of dishes "inspired," she writes, "by the heady perfumed fragrances that seem to float on the Greek air." These include sea bass with vinegar and rosemary, chicken with walnut and coriander sauce, beet salad with allspice, and saffron rice with mussels. Fresh fruit desserts, custards, "spoon sweets" (to accompany an after-dinner cheese selection) and recipes for a variety of sauces, pickles, jams, preserves and crusty Greek breads round out this tempting and original work. Illustrations not seen by PW. Author tour.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

Flavors abound in these unimposing but often festive recipes from the culture that, if Barron's sources are correct, taught the Italians and French their culinary ABC's. (Macaroni? There is archaeological evidence that the Greeks have made it ``since antiquity.'') Tart, sweet, fragrant, and savory seasonings mix synergistically in various ways to set off an alluring repertoire of appetizers, grilled or spit-roasted fish and meat, fresh vegetables and festive breads, and salads of assertive greens. Then there are those delectable syrupy, fruit-and-nut-filled sweets. Barron, founder of the Kandra Kitchen school of Greek cooking, succeeds in preserving the dishes' distinctive integrity while accommodating her American audience. Her book should make real Greek cooking better known here and enthusiastically embraced by a culture already mad for rustic Italian fare. (Fifty illustrations.) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 494 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow & Co; 1st edition (August 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688070876
• ISBN-13: 978-0688070878
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.4 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,506,289 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Greek recipes, January 17, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Flavors of Greece (Hardcover)

I have visited Greece many times, and have wanted a cookbook that had recipes for the delicious food I have eaten there that would allow me to prepare this great cuisine at home. This is the first cookbook that has met my needs. The recipe for pork souvlaki is outstanding, and I have never had a dish turn out less than wonderful from this book. It needs to be reprinted!!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice Thorough Greek Cookbook, April 30, 2006

By 

Amalfi Coast Girl (Mid-Atlantic, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Flavors of Greece (Paperback)

If you love Mediterranean food this is a great cookbook to add to your library.

The author does a nice job with her overview of Greek cooking ingredients. The glossary of Greek terms is also very useful. The author has included a nice recipe for a fresh cheese that is lovely. Just be warned it is made with half and half so your cardiologist will not approve. I would describe it as Greek Mascarpone.

The book is organized as follows:
The Greek Kitchen
Appetizers
Soups
Light Meals
Fish and Seafood
Chicken and Game
Meats
Vegetables and Salads
Pilafs and Pasta
Bread
Pies, Pastries, Cakes and Cookies
Fruit Desserts, Puddings and Creams, and Candy
Sauces

This book is full of wonderful recipes. I have not made one yet that wasn't a winner and I have made approximately 1/3 of the recipes in the book.

If you are looking for a good Greek cookbook that is fairly comprehensive this is a nice choice.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A comprehensive and readible guide to Greek cuisine., April 10, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Flavors of Greece (Hardcover)

After recently spending 2 months in Greece and thoroughly enjoying the Greek cuisine, I was delighted to find this comprehensive yet readible guide. The author shares insight into the essentials for setting up a Greek kitchen and preparing the recipes in the traditional way along with modern preparation tips. I loved her way of sharing the fellowship and joy of the Greek dining experience. Flavors of Greece made me homesick!