Spoonfuls of Germany: Culinary Delights of the German Regions in 170 Recipes (Hippocrene Cookbook Library) (Hardcover)

by Nadia Hassani (Author)
Key Phrases: western crossroads, kneading attachment, freshly milled black pepper, Spoonfuls of Germany, Southern Peaks, Eastern Roots (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Spoonfuls of Germany offers an in-depth look at the surprisingly diverse German regional cuisine. Stretching from the shores of the North and Baltic Seas to the Alps, Germany has a large number of distinctive regional dishes that encompass a wide variety of vegetables and fruits, meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products, and much more. The country's position in the heart of Europe, bordering on nine nations, has also greatly influenced German food and cooking. The regional specialties in this book present the full spectrum of German food. Spoonfuls of Germany goes beyond the saurkraut and knackwurst stereotype to unveil the often-overlooked diversity of German cuisine. The 170 regional recipes range from classic dishes such as spaetzle and sauerbraten, to forgotten delicacies like Westphalian pumpernickel pudding. Numerous profiles, anecdotes, and food lore complete the book. Complete with b/w photos and maps.

About the Author
Nadia Hassani immigrated to the United States from her native Germany in 1998. She first landed in New York City, where she established herself as a writer, editor, and translator. Hassani found herself missing the foods of her childhood, which inspired her to write Spoonfuls of Germany. This is her second book, after a travel guide to Tunisia, her father's native country.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 270 pages
• Publisher: Hippocrene Books (September 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0781810574
• ISBN-13: 978-0781810579
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #483,093 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good, basic, authentic recipes., December 1, 2005

By	Esther Schindler (Scottsdale, AZ USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I own just about every German cookbook I can get my hands on, including a couple of them written in German. Spoonfuls of Germany has become among my favorites.

First of all, the 170 recipes really do reflect the cuisine from all over the country. (In the U.S., most of our knowledge of German food is Bavarian; my theory is that it's because most American servicemen were stationed in the southeast.) The author breaks down her regions into northern lights; eastern roots; western crossroads; and southern peaks. This sometimes is a little confusing (where would you look for recipes from the Rhine?), and it means you have to look in four places if you're in search of, say, salads, but it works out okay.

What makes it all worthwhile is that these recipes are _good_. They're simple enough for you to make for a weeknight dinner, too. Plus, they're decidedly German: her recipe for Rote Grütze (red berry pudding) tasted exactly the way I remembered from my travels. These are all very comfortable on an American table, however; her beet salad with horseradish vinaigrette got rave reviews on my Thanksgiving table. No leftovers whatsoever.

While you'll find recipes for all the traditional heavy German dishes, such as saurbraten or stuffed potato dumplings, you'll also learn that a lot of German food is delicate -- you won't always need a nap after lunch. From shrimp soup with white asparagus to sauteed sole with remoulade, you'll find something delicious to try for dinner.

Great book. Recommended.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Showcases the breadth and diversity of German cooking , February 12, 2005

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

There is more to authentic German cuisine than sauerkraut and knackwust! Spoonfuls Of Germany: Culinary Delights Of The German Regions In 170 Recipes, showcases the breadth and diversity of German cooking from the shores of the North and Baltic Seas to the Alps. There are regional recipes for appetizers, main course, side dishes, desserts, sweets, and drinks. Encompassing a wide variety of vegetables, as well as showcasing savory dishes of meat, poultry, seafood, diary products, and more, the regional specialities combine under one cover to present the full spectrum of fine German dining. Of special note is the "Sources for German Mail-Order Food" and a bibliography for further study of authentic German cuisine. From Blueberry Soup with Caramelized Croutons; Bratwurst with Curry Ketchup; Pickled Pumpkin; and Potato Pancakes with Applesauce; to Chicken in Riesling with White Grapes; Pork Roast with Beer Glaze; German Ravioli with Meat or Spinach Filling; and Bavarian Cream with Raspberry Coulis, Spoonfuls Of Germany would make an impressive and welcome addition to any kitchen cookbook collection.

4.0 out of 5 stars German cookbook, June 7, 2007

By	Richard S. Meyer (seattle, wa) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The cookbook has most of the favorite German recipes, but misses many of the best. It is a good start.