Beyond Gumbo

作者:Harris, Jessica B.

页数:400

出版时间:2003-2

价格:$ 27.00

isbn号码:9780684870625

具体描述

For most Americans, Creole cooking is permanently and exclusively linked to the city of New Orleans. But Creole food is more than the deep, rich flavors of Louisiana gumbo. In reality, its range encompasses foods spread across the Atlantic rim. From Haiti to Brazil to Barbados, Creole cooking is the original fusion food, where African and European and Caribbean cuisine came together in the Americas. In Beyond Gumbo, culinary historian and critically acclaimed cookbook author Jessica B. Harris has brought together 150 of these vibrant recipes from across the Americas, accompanied by cultural and historical anecdotes and illustrated with beautiful antique postcards. Creole cuisine incorporates many elements, including composed rice dishes, abundant hot sauces, dumplings and fritters, and the abundant use of fresh vegetables and local seafood. In Creole cuisine you might find vanilla borrowed from the Mexican Aztecs combined with rice grown using African methods and cooked using European techniques to produce a rice pudding that is uniquely Creole. Harris uses ingredients available in most grocery stores and by mail order that will allow any home cook to re-create favorite dishes from numerous countries. From Puerto Rico's tangy lechon asado to Charleston's Red Rice, from Jamaica, New York, to Jamaica, West Indies, Harris discovers the secrets of this true fusion cuisine. Mouthwatering recipes such as Corn Stew from Costa Rica, Aztec Corn Soup from Mexico, Scallop Cebiche from Peru, Baxter's Road Fried Chicken from Barbados, Roast Leg of Pork from Puerto Rico, Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Pineapple from the United States, and six different gumbo recipes will lead you to the kitchen again and again. Sweets and confections are an essential part of Creole cooking, and Harris includes delectable dessert recipes such as Lemon-Pecan Pound Cake from the United States, Three-Milk Flan from Costa Rica, Rice Fritters from New Orleans, and Rum Sauce from Barbados. To complete the fusion experience, sample drink recipes such as Banana Punch from Barbados and Lemon Verbena Iced Tea from New Orleans. Tastes that are as bright as tropical sunshine are hallmarks of this international cooking of the Creole world. With a comprehensive glossary of ingredients and lists of mail-order sources, Beyond Gumbo will transport you to kitchens throughout the Americas and take you on a culinary journey to the roots of Creole cuisine.

用户评价

It’s not often that a book manages to surprise me anymore, but *Beyond Gumbo* absolutely succeeded. I went into it with a certain set of expectations, and the author proceeded to dismantle them, in the best possible way. The narrative is so unconventional and yet so undeniably effective. It’s a testament to the author’s creativity and daring that they chose to tell the story in this particular manner, and it pays off in spades. The pacing is something else entirely; it’s a slow burn, yes, but one that builds tension and anticipation with a skill I rarely see. You’re constantly wondering where it’s all heading, and the journey itself is so rich and rewarding. The characters are a particular highlight – they’re not perfect, not by a long shot, and that’s precisely why they’re so compelling. You see their flaws, their mistakes, and you understand them. The author’s prose is incredibly evocative, conjuring images and emotions with a spareness that’s incredibly powerful. It’s a book that trusts its reader, that allows for interpretation and personal connection. I finished it feeling both satisfied and a little bit melancholic that it was over, but that’s the mark of a truly great story.

Wow, this book, *Beyond Gumbo*, just completely blew me away. I picked it up on a whim, honestly, more out of curiosity about the title than any deep anticipation, and it’s become one of those rare reads that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page. The author has this incredible knack for painting vivid pictures with their words, making you feel like you’re right there in the thick of it, experiencing every nuance alongside the characters. It’s not just about the plot, which is compelling enough in its own right, but the *way* it’s told. There’s a richness and depth to the prose that’s incredibly sophisticated, yet it never feels overly dense or inaccessible. I found myself rereading passages just to savor the language, to try and unravel the subtle layers of meaning. The characters are so remarkably drawn, flawed and relatable in all the best ways. You become invested in their journeys, their triumphs, and their heartbreaks. It’s a testament to the author’s skill that they can create such a believable and immersive world. I honestly couldn’t put it down. The pacing is masterfully handled, building momentum without ever feeling rushed, and the emotional resonance is just… profound. It’s the kind of book that sparks conversations, that makes you think differently about things you might have taken for granted. Truly a standout experience.

My experience with *Beyond Gumbo* was nothing short of transformative. From the opening lines, I knew I was in for something special. The author possesses a unique voice that is both commanding and captivating. They manage to weave together intricate details and broad strokes with such masterful precision, creating a tapestry of a story that is both intricate and expansive. I was particularly struck by the way the author handled the exploration of [specific thematic element, implied but not revealed] – it was done with such nuance and intelligence, prompting a great deal of reflection on my part. The characters aren't just actors in a plot; they feel like living, breathing individuals, each with their own complex motivations and inner lives. Their interactions are sharp, believable, and often quite poignant. The atmosphere the author creates is palpable, drawing you into the setting and making it as much a character as the people within it. It’s a book that doesn’t shy away from difficult truths, but it also offers moments of profound beauty and hope. I found myself completely absorbed, losing track of time as I delved deeper into this meticulously crafted world. It’s a truly remarkable piece of work.

I’m struggling to articulate just how much *Beyond Gumbo* resonated with me. It’s a book that operates on so many different levels, offering something new with each re-read. The author’s ability to craft such intricate and interconnected plotlines is astonishing. Everything feels deliberate, every detail serves a purpose, and when those purposes become clear, it’s incredibly satisfying. The character development is nothing short of spectacular. I felt a genuine connection to these individuals, rooting for them, empathizing with their struggles, and celebrating their small victories. There’s a raw honesty to their portrayal that is both refreshing and deeply affecting. The way the story explores [another implied thematic element] is particularly noteworthy, handled with a sensitivity and intelligence that’s rare. It’s a book that sparks introspection and encourages a deeper understanding of the human condition. The author’s command of language is simply superb; there are moments of breathtaking beauty and profound insight woven throughout the narrative. It’s a challenging read, certainly, but the rewards are immense. This is a book that will stay with you, that will make you think, and that you’ll want to discuss with others.

Honestly, I’m still trying to process *Beyond Gumbo*. It’s a book that demands your attention, that pulls you in and doesn't let go. The narrative structure is something I haven't encountered often, and it's used to such brilliant effect here. It keeps you on your toes, constantly re-evaluating what you thought you knew, and that’s incredibly exciting for a reader. The themes explored are complex and thought-provoking, handled with a delicate touch that avoids being preachy. Instead, the author trusts the reader to engage with the material, to draw their own conclusions, and that’s a rare gift. I particularly appreciated the subtle way in which the story unfolds, with revelations that feel earned and impactful, rather than forced. The emotional arc of the central figures is incredibly powerful, and I found myself deeply moved by their struggles and their moments of resilience. It’s a story that’s both deeply personal and universally resonant, touching on aspects of the human experience that are both challenging and beautiful. I’m already thinking about a second read-through, because I’m convinced there are even more layers to uncover. This is definitely a book that will stay with me for a long time.