Modern Classics (Book 1) (Paperback)

by Donna Hay (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Donna Hay's mission? Even if you're short on time, even if you're new to the kitchen, the award-winning Australian food writer wants you to be a proficient cook. Her Modern Classics, Book 1 aims to be for a new generation of cooks what Fanny Farmer and Irma Rombauer were for their grandmothers--kitchen companion, inspiration, culinary bible.

The difference between today's new cooks and their forebears lies in the globalization of taste. Thus Modern Classics offers detailed instructions on how to build a Thai Beef Salad, whip up a Roasted Vegetable Frittata, deliver to the dinner table the perfect Lemon and Parmesan Risotto, as well as how to master contemporary versions of such Anglo staples as white sauce, brown gravy, roast pork, flaky pastry, and Shepherd's Pie.

In sections on the basics, Hay gives step-by-step directions for making the essentials (stock, mayonnaise, fluffy rice). How-tos guide the chef through preparation of specific dishes (spinach and cheddar soufflé, freeform ratatouille tart, laksa, French onion soup, pad thai). A sampler of recipes from around the world follows, offering variations on the kitchen skills and flavors just introduced. An array of short orders, easy-to-follow recipes for condiments and side dishes to complement the entrees, ends each section.

And here's the sweetest thing: pictures. Full color, artfully shot photos of beautifully prepared dishes show us what our labor will produce. For a generation of visual learners, these tantalizing visions are well worth the space that might have used to list 14 more things to do with turnips. Modern Classics would be the perfect gift; it deserves a spot in the bridal registry or the new graduate's apartment. --Schuyler Ingle and Joyce Thompson

Review
'If you are anything like me... almost always hungry, almost always pressed for time, almost always in the market for a fresh idea and absolutely always put off by the daunting complexity of chefs' recipes -- Donna Hay is for you.' R.W. Apple Jr, food critic, The New York Times 'Donna Hay is my inspiration.' Jamie Oliver 'Hay's are those affordable, big, sexy paperbacks, oozing irresistible things... the photography is equally seductive.' Independent --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Ecco (October 22, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060095245
• ISBN-13: 978-0060095246
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 8.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #51,002 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bound To be A Classic Cookbook, December 19, 2002

By	rodboomboom (Dearborn, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

Her interest in providing a modern classic cookbook, basing it on timeless favorites updated sometimes, and some candidates she puts forward as classic contenders is a winner!

A fan of this "down under" chef, this is her best to date. With sections on soups, salads, veggies, roasts and simmers, rice, pasta and noodles, pies and tarts ... there is just a wealth of heavenly food in here.

A new soup that I just had to try was a knockout: Lentil, lemon and yoghurt. There's also big spreads on just how to create some feature recipes,e.g Laksa, a spicy Singapore soup with shrimp paste and singapore spice is a hot, spicy number many will enjoy.

One presentation of a fav dish of mine is Shank Pies, made with lamb shank in a small ramekin, pot pie style. Great idea! This is a show stopper at the table, and not that hard for many to prepare.

This exceptional collection is in nice to use large format with excellent photography by con poulous. This is a definite candidate for giving and/or putting on your cookbook shelf.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Picture Perfect, April 15, 2003

By A Customer

This is a cookbook that makes your mouth water. It is an ideal gift, and a book to treasure. Many interesting approaches to classic dishes, lots of ideas, and a number of very simple, straight-forward dishes. You'll use this one! It won't sit on the shelf collecting dust.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome!!, May 31, 2004

By	Skye (NY, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This is a fantastic cookbook. My cousin sent it over to me from Sydney, Australia & i love it! I use it all the time - the pad thai is easy & delicious, the three cheese tart was scrumptious and my boyfriend LOVES the egg & bacon tart......yum! She doesn't overuse words making everything confusing, she uses a simple easy to follow text and the pictures make your mouth water. oh i made the french fries this morning for a breakfast treat.....mmmmm!!!!