Apocalypse Chow: How to Eat Well When the Power Goes Out (Paperback)

by Jon Robertson (Author), Tanja Thorjussen (Illustrator), Barry David Marcus (Photographer), Robin Robertson (Contributor)
Key Phrases: tablespoon dehydrated minced onion, jar roasted red bell peppers, cook until fragrant, Apocalypse Chow, Well-Tempered Pantry, Disaster Supply Kit (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Right now, somewhere in America, a storm has knocked out the electricity. With Apocalypse Chow! Jon Robertson delivers a very practical guide to eating with elegance even when the refrigerator, stove, and microwave are rendered powerless.

With simple tips on how to shop, store, and prepare gourmet food, this book will help anyone who is forced to dine in the dark. Discover how the right nonperishables and a little creative heat can turn into renowned chef Robin Robertson's savory Almost-Instant Black Bean Chili, Pantry Pasta Salad, and Fire-Roasted Blueberry Cobbler, among many others.

Apocalypse Chow! is a valuable resource for anyone who feels (or maybe really is) powerless in the kitchen but still in search of culinary delight.

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

About the Author
Robin Robertson is from the northeast coast of Scotland. He has received a number of honors for his poetry, including the E.M. Forster Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. His third book, Swithering, won the 2006 Forward Prize for Best Collection. He lives and works in London.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Simon Spotlight Entertainment (November 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416908242
• ISBN-13: 978-1416908241
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 6.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #326,255 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

64 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have book- wherever you live, December 6, 2005

By	P. Smith (Northeast) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Having grown up living on the coast of Georgia and Florida, I personally know that hurricanes are a fact of life. And as this hilarious and infinitely useful book points out, the real terror begins after the hurricane, after you eaten the contents of your refrigerator and freezer. Terror arrives in the form of weeks of no electricity, quite possibly no water or phone service, but most of all the terror arrives in the form of beenie weenies, spam, cold Dinty Moore chili- need I say more? A Couple of weeks of this and you start becoming a savage. In addition to approximately 50 recipes that can be put together with staples that don't require a refrigerator and can be cooked over a single butane burner, this book gives really good pointers for staying safe and what to do in all types of disasters. This book is humorous, flows well and gives you all the information you need to ride out the next disaster, whether it be a rolling blackout or a hurricane in fine cuisine style. All recipes are also structured for easy cleanup and minimal preparation. The recipes, while all vegetariian sound a whole lot better than eating Cheetos, salsa and canned meats for what could be just hours or a matter of weeks. An absolutely terrific book and something everyone should have in their home.

54 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative - Fun., December 8, 2005

By	Walter J. Throne "butchie book collector" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I originally bought this book for its clever title and cover, but after reading it, I'm happy to say it contains a lot of useful information and tips - great advice on how to be prepared for a power failure, and even ideas on how to keep busy waiting for the power to come back on. The food lists are comprehensive, but the author encourages readers to modify the lists according to their own needs and food preferences. The many recipes are intended for using after you've eaten all your fresh and frozen foods. They include some fun appetizers, snacks, and desserts that I plan to try even when the power is on. There are also soups, salads and main dishes that are made with grains, pasta, beans, vegetables, and a variety of creative seasonings. Many of these meatless recipes are easily adapted for using canned tuna or canned meats, but I'm not crazy about those products, so it's great to have healthful alternatives that sound delicious. For anyone who has gone without power for more than a couple days, this book can be a big help. It's also fun to read.

52 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every household should have this book!, November 14, 2005

By	Laura F. (Encinitas, CA) - See all my reviews

Living in Southern California's earthquake zone, I have the usual assortment of canned goods in my pantry. Some bottled water. And I think I know where the flashlight is. But after reading Apocalypse Chow, I realize I'm not prepared for an emergency in the way I thought I was. And I certainly don't have enough wine on hand to carry me through!

Apocalypse Chow is a well-organized manual for survival, with step-by-step instructions to assist you in planning for an emergency, whether it be a thunderstorm or blackout that knocks out the power for a day, or an earthquake, hurricane, or blizzard that could put your home out of commission for a week or more. This book is informative and concise - a good read that educates with a sense of humor. Jon Robertson has taken a formidable subject and has actually made it entertaining.

And speaking of entertaining, the "Pantry Cuisine" in this book will have you entertaining the neighbors during that blackout. The meal plans are creative, and the recipes are delicious. I know, because I have already tried several of them, in anticipation of putting together my 5-day Wine Box. (Now, doesn't that make you curious enough to buy this book?) Forget eating those beans out of the can. This book has an assortment of gourmet recipes that can be made in minutes, using a variety of canned goods, pasta, quick-cooking grains, condiments, and an assortment of flavor-makers. And since most are one-pot-meals, clean up is a snap.

This book is a "must-have" for everyone. Wherever you live, you never know when the power will go out, and when it does, you'll be prepared if you've followed the advice in Apocalypse Chow.