Kevin Dundon's Modern Irish Food
Despite the onslaught of e-books in every category, print cookbooks remain popular, especially when created by an up-and-coming celebrity who just happens to be photogenic, articulate, and the host of a TV series. Dundon, while not a newcomer to the culinary world (Great Family Food, 2009, and Recipes That Work, 2011) needs introducing to U.S. cooks. His credentials are impressive: he has cooked for the Queen and Bono, and he runs a gastropub in Disney Orlando. His enthusiasm bubbles off the page as he shares secrets, tips, and more than 100 recipes from his kitchen. Nonetheless, the dishes do require a good knowledge of foodstuffs and techniques, as they also include a few exotic ingredients (such as samphire or sea asparagus), and most are somewhat time-intensive, even if the pantry is limitless. Who could resist his mum’s meatloaf, his celeriac Waldorf salad, and a trio of chocolate fondues? Those aspiring to dip into the “across the ocean” flavors will find colcannon (potatoes and cabbage), buttermilk scones, and kinky Eton mess more than conquerable. Great color photographs and a smattering of tips help disguise the honest truth: these flavorful recipes are not geared to kitchen novices. --Barbara Jacobs