Besides having some exotic recipes, this book provides history and humor. There is one caution - the author assumes that you're already familiar with the mechanics of cooking (he even says so in his introduction).
You need to have a familiarity with pre-WWII geography and history. He writes about receipts (not recipes; he explains why that term is used in the book) that he got at British colonial outposts in various ex-British holdings. He refers to Ceylon and Indochina, not Sri Lanka and Vietnam. Some of the ingredients he calls for are no longer available like sea turtle. There are also some quaint racial references. You need to keep remembering when the book was written (late 1930's and early 1940's) to keep things in perspective.
Barker does have some hints which he adds as "Words to the Wise" that are really helpful like adding lemon to fish before you cook them, why you should add salt to a liquid when it's almost done rather than when you start the dish and the use of sugar as a flavoring not a sweetener.
My husband thinks the book a great simply because he has a receipt for Baked Alaska.
Barker writes with humor and a love for good food that makes this book a fun read - even for those who don't cook.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club?
Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle Cloud Reader.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Enter your mobile phone or email address
Processing your request...
By pressing "Send link," you agree to Amazon's Conditions of Use.
You consent to receive an automated text message from or on behalf of Amazon about the Kindle App at your mobile number above. Consent is not a condition of any purchase. Message & data rates may apply.
Flip to back
Flip to front
