The Essential James Beard Cookbook

 

  Title: I love to cook… and eat!

 

You may not have guessed it from my long, lithe figure (although the donkey booty gives some indication) but I love to eat! Being completely self made… read: broke and struggling at points ;) … I had to learn how to cook over time. Often you can find great cook books at second hand book stores. One of my favorite cook book finds over the years is this one.

 

 

James Beard’s culinary career began with the opening of his catering company, Hors d’Oeuvre Inc.  In 1940, he published his first cookbook, Hors d’Oeuvre and Canapés and in 1946, appeared on the NBC cooking show, I Love to Eat .  In the mid 1950s, Beard established the James Beard Cooking School and continued to teach students for the next 30 years. He was a pioneer of promoting the use of fresh, American ingredients in both inventive and familiar dishes.

 

 

The Essential James Beard Cookbook contains over 400 recipes from Beard’s illustrious career.  All recipes are adapted for a modern kitchen and contain ingredients found in most grocery stores.  The book’s introduction thoroughly explains unfamiliar ingredients and convenient substitutes.  All food categories are covered including appetizers and hors d’oeuvres, soups, pastas, meat and game, rice, potatoes, breads, desserts and more.  The book is not recommended for a beginner cook (contains no recipe pictures), but it is a fantastic alternative for those looking for time-honored recipes from a legendary American chef.

 

I often substitute for ingredients that are higher in fat and calorie content to give same/similar taste and feel, yet make for a healthier and leaner dish. More on that in a future post!

 

 

As always, be true to yourself and live life on your own terms, love much, laugh often, eat delicious, nutritious and filling food and look fabulous while doing it all! Love, Blair :)