Who Put the Beef in Wellington?: 50 culinary classics, who invented them, when and why
This tasty, trivia-packed cookbook not only can provide the menu for upcoming holiday parties but also spark conversation when polite chitchat fades to awkward silence. The book’s British pedigree — it’s written by the producer of BBC One’s popular cooking show Saturday Kitchen — ensures the featured dishes capture the flavors (and flavours) from both sides of the pond and beyond. Yes, there’s familiar, formal American fare such as Waldorf Salad and Oysters Rockefeller. But readers can also broaden their palates and nourish their appetites for learning with such continental favorites as Salad Olivier and such Down Under desserts as Lamington. (Kristin Baird RattiniAmerican Way, 11/21/13)Have a trivia-obsessed cook in your life? This playful yet informative read details the history of some of our favorite dishes and drinks. Find out who’s quarreling over inventing Eggs Benedict, who’s responsible for popularizing the Cosmo and many more historical tidbits. Then, once you’ve learned all about the dishes, follow classic interpretations of the recipes. We love that Winter’s book doesn’t read like a textbook and the way each page is dotted with vintage photography and illustrations. (Emily Arno, Our Favorite Gifts for the Serious Home CookRelish, 11/25/13)Get to know the history behind 50 culinary classics in “Who Put the Beef in Wellington?” by James Winter. Dishes like Caesar Salad, Eggs Benedict, Crepes Suzette, and more are deconstructed, taking the reader on a delightful journey through the history of food. Gorgeous photography brings each dish to life—not to mention 50 recipes to help you prepare each classic yourself. (Zester Daily)