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Customer Review
Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2013
To be honest, after reading some of the negative reviews, I was a bit apprehensive about getting this book.
This book should be read as a narrative. It's not a traditional 'cookbook' with lists of ingredients measured to the smallest fraction, or a rigid series of steps to be followed. I'm an old woman, and this is exactly how I learned to cook from my grandmothers and great-grandmothers - except Katz takes the basic fermentation that I was taught to a whole new level.
Sandor's knowledge is a gift to us, and it should be received as such. He is sharing what he has learned - it's as simple as that. I, for one, am grateful for his wisdom.
The recipes are clear (although you might have to refer back to another place in the book - thus my suggestion to read it as a narrative), and the few that I've tried have turned out well. The book is packed with information and it is as if he is standing right beside you, encouraging you. I found absolutely nothing offensive about any of the content, but then again, I'm too old and value the time I have left far too much to spend it looking for reasons to judge people.
For those who need exact, linear directions in this most ancient of food preparation methods that existed long before modern measuring tools and equipment, this probably isn't the book for you at this point in your life. Maybe when you gain a little more cooking experience, or the patience necessary to prepare food this way, the time will be right to try it.
For the rest of you, this book is truly a gift and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
This book should be read as a narrative. It's not a traditional 'cookbook' with lists of ingredients measured to the smallest fraction, or a rigid series of steps to be followed. I'm an old woman, and this is exactly how I learned to cook from my grandmothers and great-grandmothers - except Katz takes the basic fermentation that I was taught to a whole new level.
Sandor's knowledge is a gift to us, and it should be received as such. He is sharing what he has learned - it's as simple as that. I, for one, am grateful for his wisdom.
The recipes are clear (although you might have to refer back to another place in the book - thus my suggestion to read it as a narrative), and the few that I've tried have turned out well. The book is packed with information and it is as if he is standing right beside you, encouraging you. I found absolutely nothing offensive about any of the content, but then again, I'm too old and value the time I have left far too much to spend it looking for reasons to judge people.
For those who need exact, linear directions in this most ancient of food preparation methods that existed long before modern measuring tools and equipment, this probably isn't the book for you at this point in your life. Maybe when you gain a little more cooking experience, or the patience necessary to prepare food this way, the time will be right to try it.
For the rest of you, this book is truly a gift and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
