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THE CHICKEN SOUP BOOK

Name: THE CHICKEN SOUP BOOK
Author: Janet Hazen
ISBN: 0-8118-0461-5

OLD AND NEW RECIPES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

by Janet Hazen ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 1, 1994

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As the author notes, chicken soup makes an appearance in the cuisine of virtually every country in the world as a cure for everything from colds to political unrest. In this flavorful collection, Hazen (Hot, Hotter, Hottest, not reviewed, etc.) separates recipes into six geographical regions: North, Central, and South America; Asia and the South Pacific; Africa and the Caribbean; India and the Middle East; the Mediterranean; and Northern Europe, Russia, and the Adriatic. This approach highlights the ways in which the unique spices and herbs of various ethnic cooking styles can turn a few basic ingredients into dramatically different dishes—including, of course, the famous ``Jewish penicillin'' version with matzo balls. Hazen explains the basics of purchasing, storing, and cooking chicken; urges the use of free-range poultry; gives hints about cutting the meat (slightly freezing uncooked chicken makes it easier to dice); offers suggestions about what to do with chicken fat; and provides guidelines for both strong and light stock. The recipes themselves are inventive, savory, and often hearty enough to make a meal when accompanied by bread and salad. Hazen's presentations and explanations are so straightforward that even dishes with long ingredient lists, like the fiery Indonesian Yellow Curry Chicken Soup, go smoothly, while the many sparer combinations, like the surprisingly light Filipino Chicken and Asparagus Soup with Ham, are just as rewarding. Lilla Rogers's impressionistic color drawings add a visually appealing touch to this perfectly balanced endeavor. As easy and delicious as a long-simmered stock.

Pub Date: Nov. 1, 1994

ISBN: 0-8118-0461-5

Page Count: 144

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1994

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

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NUTCRACKER

by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996

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This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)

Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996

ISBN: 0-15-100227-4

Page Count: 136

Publisher: Harcourt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER
by E.T.A. Hoffmann & illustrated by Julie Paschkis

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TO THE ONE I LOVE THE BEST

EPISODES FROM THE LIFE OF LADY MENDL (ELSIE DE WOLFE)

by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955

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An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.