5 comments about Savoring Spain & Portugal: Recipes and Reflections on Iberian Cooking (Savoring ...).

1. This cookbook contains by far the most wonderful recipes (and beautiful photos to match!) of Iberian cooking. I've prepared many of the recipes (not just one like a fellow reviewer) and have found the dishes to be absolutely delectable. I received rave reviews from friends and family. If you love this cuisine, this book is a wonderful investment!



2. Though some of the most interesting food in Western Europe comes from the Iberian peninsula, relatively little is known in the U.S. With a broad mixing of flavors from northern Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, this cuisine is far more diverse in its attitude, ingredients, and textures than its European counterparts. I've tried several of the recipes almost all with good success. The one fatally flawed recipe: seafood fideo, which allowed a miniscule 10 minutes cooking time for raw artichoke hearts. On these your heart really will choke.



3. An absoutely lush publication containing scads of authentic recipes from Portugal and Spain. Photography and lithography are top notch.
   Aside from the great recipes, the book covers much of the regional culture, practices and history of the Iberian Penninsula. Perhaps I am a bit biased since I and my family lived in Portugal and traveled in Spain. I often re-visit the book for nostalgia (saudades) and the wonderful recipes.
   
   Jack Ingvardsen
   Penn Valley, CA



4. This book treats spanish and portuguese cuisine almost interchangeably when both really deserve more distinction from each other (the "iberian penninsula" is a rather broad umbrella for two countries that are quite different). I received this book for christmas and have since prepared several of the recipes for native-portuguese family members. The portugal inclusion feels like an after-thought on many occasions.
   
   Overall points:
   
   - every other page jumps to a different region in either Spain or Portugal and is labeled by that region. For people new to spanish/portuguese cooking this may not be very helpful. The recipes could be organized more clearly and logically.
   
   - a book on portuguese cooking with no pasteis de nata? This is a PT staple up there with balinhos de bacalhau. Again, an afterthought.
   
   - some of the portuguese history is off. The native PT family got a good laugh from reading it. I don't recall the things they said were wrong, but then again I'm not the editor for the book.
   
   - on an up note, the piri piri sauce recipe to mimic the the one found at Bonjardein in Lisbon is actually pretty decent.
   
   At the end of the day, look elsewhere for a book dedicated to portuguese cuisine if that's what you are interested in (I'm unable to recommend an alternative as I'm fortunate enough to get mine straight from family). This book seems to gloss over Portugal, but I'm not surprised as the author is from california.



5. I've made six dishes from this book so far...although all of them were good, they weren't eye-popping-holy-moly-this-is-good :D...well except for the caldo verde.
   I guess it just depends on your taste....it would be better if a person native to Spain and Portugal tasted these to give a proper review.
   There was just one flaw with the recipe for potatoes with cilantro...the butter burned before the potatoes got sauteed properly and there was an unpleasant smell(and smoke!) lingering in the apartment for a while...
   The rest of the dishes I tried were garlicky fried mushrooms(yum!...especially if you use trumpet royale), sizzling shrimp with garlic(try it with pasta along with the garlicky fried mushrooms!), chickpeas and spinach soup(heartening!), caldo verde or green soup(so refreshing and smoky from the sausage!), batter fried green beans(very elegant to present) and potatoes with cilantro(ok...tastewise).

1 comments about The Food & Cooking of Portugal (The Food & Cooking of).

1. And her family and friends love the magnificant Portuguese dishes she creates with help from this book. The photographs are also splendid.

3 comments about Spanish Table, The: Traditional Recipes and Wine Pairings from Spain and Portugal.

1. I was looking to host a Spanish dinner party and used this cookbook for most of my recipes. Overall, the book gave me some great ideas for tapas, paella, and sangria. However, several of the recipes did not offer much specificity but rather general guidelines ("Use a lot of oil"). I guess the point the authors were trying to make is that there are not always hard and fast guidelines for certain ingredients, but ultimately it's a cookbook! When people have not made these recipes before, specifics are necessary.
   
   Some of the recipes are better than others - the artichoke/manchego spread was terrible, but the sephardic migas were a huge hit. My guests also loved the traditional paella valenciana.
   
   Overall, the cookbook was helpful and the discussions at the beginning of each chapter were extremely informative. I would not recommend if you have never cooked spanish food before.



2. Native Spanish cuisine from the Iberian peninsula is one of long tradition and distinction. In "The Spanish Table: Traditional Recipes And Wine Pairings From Spain And Portugal", author Steve Winston draws upon his many years of travel throughout the Iberian countryside and seashore communities to compile a 222-page compendium of truly outstanding recipes that perfectly showcase the versatility, breath, and variety of Spanish and Portuguese fare for any and all dining occasions. Of special note are the wine-pairing suggestions, recommendations, and commentaries. With recipes ranging from The Spanish Table's Classic Paella; Azorean Beef Stew; Amy's Chorizo Bread Pudding; and Tortilla Espanola; to Blackberry-Saffron Sorbet; Artichoke Heart and Manchego Cheese Spread; and Chocolate Port Wine Cake, "The Spanish Table" is a highly recommended, 'kitchen cook friendly', and seminal addition to any personal, professional, family, or community library ethnic cookbook collection!



3. This is an American pretending to know how to make Spanish tapas or Iberian food in general. Btw: I'm from Barcelona - There's not originality on his recipes, looks like the recipes were copied or borrow from somewhere else - I could safely say that his recipes are taking from other public available sources. Yes, looks good, but these recipes are available anywhere on the net. Don't buy it, just Google "Paella Valenciana" or "Tapas Recipes", "Portuguese Country Recipes", etc. That being said, the book looks good, the directions are Ok, I think there're better books up there. Try one of Penelope Casas books E.g.: La Cocina de Mama or The Foods and Wines of Spain...

No comments about Williams-Sonoma New Healthy Kitchen: Main Dishes: Colorful Recipes for Health & Well-Being.

No comments about Portuguese Cooking: The Authentic and Robust Cuisine of Portugal.

2 comments about Cuisines of Portuguese Encounters.

1. The entire Portuguese-speaking world is embraced under one cover in an unusual cookbook which covers Portugal and its colonies alike. From Brazil and Cape Verde to Goa and Portugal, chapters survey different regions in addition to offering recipes unique to that region. The blend of culinary history and recipe is outstanding, making for an excellent pick for any library strong in international cuisines and history.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



2. A most interesting combination of Portuguese Colonial History and the recipes that history brought to Portugal.

5 comments about Flavors of Portugal.

1. i enjoyed this book. it's so difficult to get a book that has both languages. it was fun and i was able to brush up not only on my portuguese, but have recipes that i was brought up on. thanks for the opportunity. the vendor made quick contact notifying me that they had recieved my order and promptly shipped it. much appreciated for the great service. Thank you!



2. THIS BOOK IS VERY AUTHENTIC AND TRUE TO THE PORTUGUESE TRADITIONS. I AM PORTUGUESE, AND ALMOST EVERY RECIPE IN HERE WAS MADE BY MY MOTHER. I AM SO GLAD TO HAVE THIS BOOK, AS I DID NOT ASK MY MOM FOR HER RECIPES. NOW I HAVE THEM! THE PICTURES OF PORTUGAL ARE GREAT TOO! HIGHLY RECOMMEDN THIS BOOK!



3. If you are looking for portuguese recipes that are true to the heritage this is definitely it. The recipes are easy to make and delicious. The pictures in the book are great. I love how it is in both english and in portuguese. I would recommend this book to anyone!



4. I really enjoyed this book because it is written in two languages for those that speak both languages Portuguese and English and the receipes are very typical. The books are actually in great condition. thanks



5. I've always been somewhat afraid of the kitchen. Well, that, and sometimes just very bored by it. I originally bought this book because I found it for a great price, and especially when I realized that it was in Portuguese as well. Then one day, I felt like making some of the recipes (cooking--a very novel concept for me!) and really enjoyed doing so.
   
   During my year as an exchange student in Portugal, I came across most of these meals but didn't always know what they were called. This cookbook is very easy to use, and there's a great range of recipes. Of course, that's the "important" part for a cookbook, but I also love the great photographs of Portugal that the author herself took.
   
   It's a very enjoyable and practical cookbook with some excellent flavors. I'm so glad Ms. Gomes decided to share the recipes with all of us :)

5 comments about Food of Portugal.

1. I've had this cookbook for years and it's one of my favourites. I've not been to Portugal, but I've lived in Hong Kong for 20 years and frequently visit Macau for genuine Portuguese food (perhaps Ms Anderson could a Macanese dish or two in an update). The recipes are varied and they work. Nicely written book with tons of good info about the country and its fascinating cuisine.



2. I gave my daughter-in-law and her sister copies of this book. They are Portuguese but live in Australia. They say it's excellent; the ingredients are reasonably easily obtainable; the book brings back wonderful memories of home cooking when they lived in Portugal; and they can now shares those memories with their Australian families. I'm fortunate to enjoy some of their cooking. Recommended.



3. this book is a must have for anyone wanting to get a taste of portugal from their own kitchen this book is full of geniune recipes verified by my portugesse work collegues as exact to the way they make them in portugal



4. When reading the description and reviews on this book, I thought it was going to be fantastic. It has some great recipes, but not what I expected. My mother-in-law is from the Azores and it does not have any of the traditional recipes that her or any of her friends/family grew up with. I guess my expections were not met because it doesn't have those "warm" home cooked meals I was expecting. I actually found a lack of chicken/beef recipes that my other cookbook has an abundance of. Over-all it is a great book for those interested in a cookbook with a sampling of Portuguese food and plenty of seafood recipes.



5. Easy to read and make these recipes. Delicious food, you'll love the taste of Portugal and will want to go there to experience it

5 comments about Portuguese Homestyle Cooking.

1. Love Love Love this cookbook. It really represents homestyle Portuguese cooking. Which is second to none.



2. Purchased 1 copy for myself and gave 2 as gifts. Love the recipes and the way the author explains the history of the people, and the food. My friends loved receiving this book as a gift. Highly recommend.



3. This book shows pictures and clearly explains what the food is (and its in portuguese too). Makes a great gift and has all of the traditional portuguese dishes, clearly ordered in simple sections.



4. Wonderful book for the armchair cuisine traveler! I love cookbooks with a "you are there" feel, and this one has it for sure. But with a twist: You are "there" in the Portuguese community in the U.S. It's an immigrant story, as well as an origins one, told with resounding authenticity by Ms. Ortins, who really was and is there, in the heart of it. Fascinating stuff.
   
   And the recipes, oh, the recipes. Having a great local library, I read a lot of cookbooks for pleasure, but seldom pick up more than one or two recipes to try out. This book, though, is a Must Have and I foresee many years of pleasure from having it as a kitchen partner.
   
   Right now, I am reading the book word for word as I record it at Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, and I virtually drool as I read. Every page, no kidding. After I finished a chapter on stews the other evening, I had to stop on the way home to assuage my hunger for some real homestyle cooking (the titular key to the book's charms). There's no Portuguese restaurant here in Phoenix, or even reasonably priced Spanish, so . . . I ended up at a Hong Kong restaurant in our Chinese market. Not even close, but enough (oxtail stew) to hold me until next session, when I tackle the sausage chapter, with its photo feature of backyard-smokehouse sausage making. Guess I'd better stock up on chourico beforehand so I don't have to wander the restaurants again.
   
   Bottom line, this gorgeous book is no runway-model coffee table tome, sleek and pretty but with no lasting attraction. It's hearty and handsome, the one you want to settle down with for a long-term relationship. It certainly has a permanent home with me.



5. I have been looking for an authentic portuguese,not brazilian, cookbook for years in english. I started researching and found this wonderful book. I would get the hardcover because they have really good pictures of Obidios and history. They show you how to make homemade sausages, cheese, and bread. It's like having your grandmother teaching you. This book is also a really good read, especially about history. My mother who was born and grew up there read the book and decided to buy her own copy. This way she won't have to call Portugal everytime she needs a reciepe. Enjoy this wonderful book!!!

5 comments about The New Portuguese Table: Exciting Flavors from Europe's Western Coast.

1. Having lived in Brazil for five years and one of several who think that Brazilian food is the best in the world, I was eager to find a cook book that would bring together the cuisine from Brazil's homeland. I was very pleased to find this cook book that adds a modern take to the standard Portuguese fare.
   
   The New Portuguese Table cookbook is excellent. It is written from a point of view of a son of a Portuguese couple that was born in the US and returned to Portugal to find emerging newer versions of the standard Portuguese cuisine. It covers not only the food, but wine of this fine country (and its islands) blended with the cultural settings. The soups are excellent and am looking forward to trying all the meat/seafood dishes included herein.
   
   This is a keeper!!



2. I purchased four books for Christmas gifts,including one for myself. Interesting enough, the book was on some of my intended receivers' wish list. The book is a very well done approach at Portuguese recipes, using either the traditional or more modern ingredients available in the U.S.. The photographs are excellent, as are descriptions. I was particularly interested in the recipes from S. Miguel, Azores, since I am from there. I was not disappointed.
   When I received the book, I could not put it down. David's descriptions are on the mark and his experiences with the locals, typical.
   There are several mistakes in the descriptions and spelling, that I am sure will be corrected on subsequent printings.
   As a result of reliving some of my culinary childhood tastes and smells, my wife and I, as well as several friends, are now considering doing a culinary tour of Portugal.
   The New Portuguese Table, is certain to become a reference for Portuguese cuisine. Congratulations on a job well done. And now, I am going to make some Pasteis de Nata.



3. remember folks, this gentleman calls his book 'New Portuguese......'
   I found the book a rip off and I wonder how many natives are eating this form of the cuisine.....how do you say yuppie in Portuguese?



4. Leite and Correia have captured the ambiance of a visit to Portugal, where food is the centerpiece for communal gatherings. The pictures, the stories, and the food help bring back memories of my visits to the Azores. On my first 6 week visit there when i was 20, i came back 15 pounds heavier than when i left. But with a smile from ear to ear!



5. GREAT BOOK, CLEAR AND EASY INSTRUCTIONS.
   I HAVE TRIED FOUR RECIPES AND IT IS VERY AUTHENTIC PORTUGUESE FLAVOR.
   I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE WHO LIKES TO TRY DIFFERENT FLAVORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD