The Deluxe Food Lover’s Companion

By Sharon Tyler Herbst and Ron Herbst
Barron’s Educational Series, $29.99, 794 pages

The Deluxe Food Lover’s Companion is a complete education in food and a must for any cook’s toolkit. It’s an encyclopedia of food, a cooking guidebook, and a kitchen instructional wrapped into one neat, pretty book.

The layout provides an alphabetical description of everything from abalone to zwieback. Each definition includes instructions to help you gauge the ripeness of a fruit or the texture of a stir-fry. Sprinkled throughout are tips on everything from storing spices to techniques that ease the best flavor from kidneys. You’ll find directions on “frosting basics,” “eggplant basics,” and a host of instructional facts to help you become a better cook. For instance, “Don’t add sugar or flavorings (to whipping cream)… until the cream forms soft peaks. You’ll get more volume that way” (page 141).

This ultra-helpful book includes detailed glossaries on a number of foods, such as apple and squash varieties. Expanded glossaries also cover cheese, sauces, spice, and even kitchen tools. In this brilliant section, you’ll never be left guessing when a recipe calls for use of a “cake comb” or “snail plate.”

Aptly called a “Companion,” this book will see you through many years of improved cooking.

Reviewed by Amber K. Stott