aj12754's Profile

From: Montclair, NJ USA

Joined: November 22nd, 2009

About me: I can't be the only person who starts thinking about what to cook next while I am doing the dishes for the meal I just finished eating ... right?

Favorite cookbook: I flirt with all of them. But I am a sucker for good writing and great pictures.

Favorite recipe: Pretty much any combo of good bread and great cheese.


Latest review:

June 20th, 2020

Slow-Roasted Tomatoes from One Good Dish

A dish that could not be simpler to make, and absolutely delicious. Topped the cooled tomato with a room temperature slice of mozzarella drizzled with EVOO and some ribbons of basil. A real treat. read more >


recipe reviews (696)
book reviews (39)
useful review votes (442)

aj12754's Reviews


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Cookbook Reviews

Cooking from the Heart: 100 Great American Chefs Share Recipes They Cherish

By Michael J. Rosen, Richard Russo (Foreword)
Broadway - 2003

December 9th, 2009

The rating is based on reading the text as I haven't had an opportunity to cook from this book yet (will update review when I do). The recipes look great but it is the accompanying stories by the contributing chefs that charmed me into purchasing this book. That and the fact that the proceeds go to Share Our Strength.

Each recipe is introduced by the contributor, placing the recipe in the context of the chef's life and work. Most talk about the inspiration for the recipe, usually a story about food and family that is a window into how that chef thinks about his/her life's work. A few talk about how they developed the particular recipe they've contributed to the book. In the latter category is Craig Shelton and I can't wait to try his Soupe de Posson. A short professional biography of each chef is also included.