Queezle_Sister's Reviews
Cookbook Reviews
The Savory Way
By Deborah Madison
Bantam - 1990
This is a wonderful vegetarian cookbook that has a broad range of recipes that, in my experience, seem to work well. It has a well laid out table of contents (an important attribute in my opinion), with sections on quick bites (including sandwiches), spreads, salads, soups & stews, pasta, stovetop vegetables, baked & roasted vegetables, grilled vegetables, rice & potatoes & beans, morning foods (for day & night), Finishing touches, desserts, and sweetmeats. I've tested recipes from several sections, and in each case, I found innovative ingredient combinations, or a fresh take on an old standby, that always led to an outstanding dish.
Some cookbooks do not hold up well over time, but this cookbook (published 20 years ago) still seems fresh today. Some might find the look a bit dated, as there are no colored pictures, or even drawings. However there are lovely 2-color prints (that look like blockprints) for each chapter and at the bottom of each page. I think its quite elegant.
The stated goal for this cookbook was to write something useful for the home cook - that is - something that does not require the equipment available to a fancy restaurant. While mostly not plain food, these recipes were straight forward, and not too labor intensive.
Each recipe has an interesting forward, not too long, with interesting anecdotes. There is advice on cooking techniques, and on ways to vary each recipe.
Having challenged myself to use all my cookbooks by testing at least 3 recipes, I am having trouble tearing myself away from this one. I'm in love with this cookbook, its a gem and has many, many more great sounding recipes to try.