Book Review Summary: All Around the World Cookbook

Introduction

"All Around the World Cookbook" by Sheila Lukins is a culinary journey that takes readers on a global adventure through 33 countries, exploring diverse cuisines, ingredients, and flavors. With over 5 million copies in print, Lukins, the renowned cook and food writer behind the Silver Palate Cookbooks and The New Basics Cookbook, presents a new kind of American cookbook that reinterprets the world's best food in 450 original recipes. This article will provide an introduction to the book, analyze common opinions from readers, and summarize the reasons for both recommending and not recommending this cookbook.

About Sheila Lukins

Sheila Lukins, the author of "All Around the World Cookbook," was an American cook and food writer who made a significant impact on American cuisine. Lukins co-authored the popular Silver Palate Cookbooks and The New Basics Cookbook with Julee Rosso, introducing many Americans to southern and eastern European cooking techniques and ingredients. She was also the co-founder and owner of the Silver Palate gourmet shop in New York City and served as the food editor and columnist for PARADE. Lukins' expertise and passion for food shine through in her cookbooks, making her a beloved figure in the culinary world.

Analysis of Views

1. Wide Range of Recipes: Readers appreciate the extensive collection of recipes from around the world in "All Around the World Cookbook." The book covers a variety of cuisines, including Asian, European, Middle Eastern, African, and Latin American dishes. This diversity allows readers to explore different flavors and techniques, making it a valuable resource for those interested in expanding their culinary horizons.
2. Easy to Read and Use: Many readers find the book easy to navigate and understand. The recipes are well-organized and clearly written, making it simple for cooks of all levels to follow along. Additionally, readers appreciate the inclusion of useful information such as wine pairings, spice profiles, and ingredient substitutions, which makes it easier to adapt recipes to local ingredients or personal preferences.
3. Travelogues and Cultural Insights: The book's travelogues and cultural insights add depth and context to the recipes. Readers enjoy learning about the history, geography, economics, religion, and traditions that influenced each country's cuisine. These stories not only enrich the recipe experience but also provide a glimpse into the cultural richness of various regions around the world.
4. High Quality Recipes: Many readers rave about the quality of the recipes in "All Around the World Cookbook." The dishes are well-crafted, delicious, and often quite impressive. From Moroccan tea loaves to Mexican frijoles negros, readers have found success with a wide range of recipes and have incorporated them into their everyday cooking.
5. Cross-Pollination of Recipes: While the book is organized into different types of recipes (appetizers, main courses, desserts, etc.), there is a lot of cross-pollination between them. Readers appreciate this approach as it encourages experimentation and creativity in the kitchen, allowing them to mix and match ingredients and techniques from different cuisines.

Reasons for Recommendation

1. Exploration of Global Cuisine: "All Around the World Cookbook" offers a comprehensive exploration of global cuisine, making it a valuable resource for those interested in expanding their culinary knowledge. The book provides a wide range of recipes from various countries, allowing readers to discover new flavors and techniques from around the world.
2. High Quality Recipes: The book is filled with well-crafted recipes that are both delicious and easy to follow. Readers appreciate the attention to detail and the inclusion of tips and facts that enhance their cooking experience. The recipes are versatile enough to be adapted to local ingredients or personal preferences, making them practical for home cooks.
3. Cultural Insights: The book not only presents mouthwatering recipes but also provides cultural insights into each country's cuisine. Readers enjoy learning about the history, geography, economics, religion, and traditions that influence each region's culinary heritage. This added depth enriches their understanding of global cuisine and adds a layer of cultural appreciation to their cooking experience.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

1. Inadequate Recipe Index: Some readers find the recipe index inadequate or difficult to navigate. They feel that certain recipes should have been listed in specific sections or subheadings for easier accessibility. While this issue may be subjective, it can be frustrating for those who rely heavily on recipe indexes when cooking from a book.
2. Limited Representation of Countries: A few readers feel that "All Around the World Cookbook" focuses on only a few countries or regions, leaving out many other important culinary destinations around the world. They would have appreciated a more comprehensive representation of various countries and their unique cuisines. However, it's worth noting that this book is still a valuable resource for those seeking recipes from specific regions or countries that are featured in the book.

Conclusion

"All Around the World Cookbook" by Sheila Lukins is a culinary journey that takes readers on a global adventure through 33 countries, exploring diverse cuisines, ingredients, and flavors. With its extensive collection of recipes from around the world, well-organized layout, cultural insights, and high-quality dishes, this book has garnered praise from many readers who appreciate its value as a resource for expanding their culinary horizons. While some readers have expressed concerns about the inadequate recipe index or limited representation of certain countries, "All Around the World Cookbook" remains a recommended read for those interested in exploring global cuisine and discovering new flavors from around the world.