The Cook's Essential Kitchen Dictionary: A Complete Culinary Resource

by Jacques L. Rolland

Overview

A fascinating blend of food history, etymology, anecdotes, origins and culture.

Often, in the middle of preparing a recipe, an unfamiliar term pops up seemingly out of nowhere. Not recognizing a word and its meaning can diminish the pleasure of preparing a dish.

This comprehensive reference is completely revised with its thousands of definitions and a wealth of historical background for cooking concepts and word usage. Each entry from the previous edition has been reviewed, vetted and edited to reflect today's culinary landscape. Ideal for any home cook or for anyone who simply loves reading about or eating food, this is an outstanding treat.

Each food and beverage definition is listed alphabetically for easy access. British and North American cooking terms are included as well as many foreign language terms found in French, Italian and Spanish.

For example, "cuisine bourgeoise" is common usage in French cookbooks, but what does it mean? Actually it's a sophisticated type of home cooking that includes some of the rich sauces and complex techniques of traditional French haute cuisine, that are simplified for the everyday kitchen.

Or perhaps you have a love of words and are intrigued by their historical background and linguistic origins. So whether you're looking for an entertaining read or the answer to a specific culinary question, this delightful book offers a unique vantage point from which to expand the knowledge of food and your appreciation of cooking for any home chef, making the adventure of cooking all the more enjoyable.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780778804949
Publisher:	Rose, Robert Incorporated
Publication date:	09/11/2014
Edition description:	Second Edition
Pages:	416
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Jacques L. Rolland has a degree in culinary art and hotel management and is a certified sommelier. His appreciation and knowledge of food has been honed from the many cultures he has experienced. He is also the author of The Food Encyclopedia.

Introduction

Introduction

"Tell me what you eat and I will tell you what you are."
Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin
The Physiology of Taste (La Physiologie du Goût), 1825

Although all animals eat, only humans discuss and write about this most basic need. Our survival and ability to thrive depend upon the nutrients food provides, and what we eat, not to mention how it is prepared, appreciated and remembered, is as deep and complex as any work of art. To learn about ourselves as consumers of food is to be in touch with the deepest aspects of our humanity.

Ever since Eve ate the apple in the Garden of Eden, our taste buds have influenced the course of world events. "The fate of nations depends upon the way they eat," concluded the French gourmand and epicurian Brillat-Savarin. Thoughts about the way we eat permeate culture, from literature, religion, philosophy and anthropology to science and medicine. In fact, food is such a fundamental part of our lives, we're likely to take it for granted, which would be a terrible mistake. The journey from our ancestors' discovery of fire to the fine art of gastronomy is the story of the human race, an eventful romp, loaded with lively anecdotes and startling information. Often it makes great bedtime reading.

Whether you're looking for an entertaining read or the answer to a specific culinary question, The Cook's Essential Kitchen Dictionary offers a unique vantage point from which to expand your knowledge of food and your appreciation of cooking. Food words, such as the names of fruits and vegetables, recipe titles and cooking techniques or terminology, rarely come aboutby chance. Insight into their historical origins is not only interesting -- it makes the adventure of cooking all the more enjoyable.

You likely recognize restaurant as a place to eat. But do you know its fascinating history? For the answer, turn to page 319.

Based on many years of research from a wide range of sources and containing more than 4,000 definitions of key food and beverage terms, as well as a wealth of historical background, this treasury of food lore is much more than an excellent resource. It's a book to browse through, one that will take both the interested amateur and the professional cook on a delightful journey through the world of food.

Editorial Reviews

[review of previous edition:] A great resource for anyone who appreciates food, cooking, or linguistics.

Arlington Advocate - Anne-Marie Seltzer