Caprial and John's Kitchen Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As the Amazon description accurately says, the majority of this book is a set of 50 entrees with side dishes. Each of them is appealing, with straightforward instructions (though a few annoying spots where you need to turn the page to see what the next step is). The recipes are "homestyle" without being ordinary, such as osso buco braised with mint and tomatoes (mint? in osso bucco? yeah, that could work!) accompanied by green beans with balsamic vinegar. Quite a few recipes are vegetarian, though not enough that I'd be comfortable giving the book to a vegetarian.
Each dinner -- which serves 4 to 6 -- has steps for what one partner can do (sear and braise the veal shanks) while the other one works on another part of the recipe (prep the vegetables for the braising liquid). While this might be helpful to less experienced couples (say, newlyweds, or a couple that's new to the two-cooks-in-the-kitchen dance), I find it more cute than useful.
My only beef with the cookbook is that it has a tendency to use ingredients that cost a bundle, at least if you're outside the Pacific Northwest. Several recipes use chantarelles and other wild mushrooms, for example, which I love but can't afford often. As a result, these recipes may be used more for "special occasions" than for ordinary suppers.
But they'll be used. There's no doubt of that. Ordinarily, when I get a new cookbook I find a half dozen things I'm anxious to try immediately; this time, I have at least twice that many that I'm ready to try.

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In CAPRIAL AND JOHN'S KITCHEN, Caprial's husband, John, joins her in the kitchen, where they prepare a new repertoire of tantalizing appetizers, entrées, and desserts. Presenting nearly 200 delicious recipes designed for preparation by one or two people, CAPRIAL AND JOHN'S KITCHEN is the companion volume to their latest cooking show as well as the name of their dynamic new Portland cooking school. Following the show's collaborative format, the Menu chapter pairs tasty entrées with side dishes and wine suggestions, and features handy sidebars that break down the workload for two cooks. More than 50 irresistible menus include such combos as Port and Soy–Glazed Beef Tenderloin served with Mashed Potatoes, Butternut Squash with Hazelnuts, and Porcini Mushroom Compote. Whether you're a solo cook who appreciates Caprial's easy-to-prepare dishes, or you've talked your spouse into a cooking partnership, you'll find something to satisfy in this cookbook built for two. The companion book to Caprial and John's upcoming television cooking show, Caprial and John's Kitchen, which will be broadcast nationwide. Includes full-color food photography and accent shots of Caprial and John in their Bistro and home kitchens. Recipes include 20 appetizers and soups, 50 menus for entrées with sides, and 20 desserts, as well as a chapter of basics.Reviews"The teasing chemistry between the two is believable without being coy. . . . Judging from this book, the couple has chemistry and charisma to spare." —Publishers Weekly

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