To continue our monthly series of book lists, the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library would like to recommend the following titles about food. Some of these books have recipes, but you’ll also find out how food has influenced history, cultures, and health as well as what goes on in a restaurant kitchen. If food is one of your passions, you should listen to the “Kitchen Corner” show on the Evergreen Radio Reading Service. It’s broadcast every Monday night from 10 to 11. You can download or listen to some previous episodes of the “Kitchen Corner” on the ERRS website at http://www.wtbbl.org/errsaudio.aspx (scroll down toward the bottom of the page).
May 2010—Food: It’s hard to imagine life without it.
Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy: The Harvard Medical School Guide to Healthy Eating by Walter C. Willett.
Harvard Medical School professor challenges the USDA food pyramid while explaining his and other scientists' research on the long-term effects of diet on health. Whole grains, healthy oils, fruits, vegetables, good sources of protein, and a multivitamin are among his recommendations. Stresses weight control and exercise. Includes recipes. Long book. 2001. Cassette Book RC 67688. Digital Book 67688.
The Family Style Soul Food Diabetes Cookbook by Roniece A. Weaver.
Guide to adapting soul food--cuisine originated by slaves in the South--for diabetics. Explains ways to improve the nutritional content of popular African American dishes and create heart-healthy substitutions. Provides recipes for favorites such as grits, crawfish etoufee, and bread pudding. Offers shopping tips and ideas for church-group meals. 2006. Cassette Book 67323. Digital Book 67323.
Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly by Anthony Bourdain
An executive chef, who recognized his passion for food as a nine-year-old on a family trip to France, discusses his love affair with cooking. He also describes the less glamorous side, where heavy drinking, drugs, sex, and crime among the cooks go hand-in-hand with pots and pans. Strong language. Bestseller. 2000. Cassette Book RC 50845. Large Print Book 17400.
Nathaniel's Nutmeg; Or, the True and Incredible Adventures of the Spice Trader Who Changed the Course of History by Giles Milton.
An account of how the importance of nutmeg in sixteenth-century Europe led to Nathaniel Courthope's 1616 sea adventure to retain the Spice Island of Run for the British against the Dutch. Chronicles England's eventual exchange of Run and its lucrative nutmeg trade in return for Holland's island of Manhattan in 1667. 1999. Cassette Book 50638.
Paula Deen Celebrates! Best Dishes and Best Wishes for the Best Times of Your Life by Paula Deen.
Host of the Food Network's Paula's Home Cooking presents recipes for celebrating an entire year of holidays and special occasions, including New Year's Day, Valentine's Day, Elvis's birthday, Mardi Gras, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Many of the holidays and individual recipes include Paula's reminiscences and her "Pearls of Wisdom." 2006. Cassette Book 64012.
Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky.
Author of "Cod" (RC 45502) explores the worldwide influence of the oldest and best preservative vital to animal and human survival. Discusses salt's impact on civilizations when it was a scarce and expensive commodity and its many uses beyond the culinary in the modern world. 2002. Cassette Book 55857. Large Print Book 19025.
Serve the People: A Stir-Fried Journey through China by Jen Lin-Liu.
Lin-Liu, a Chinese American journalist living in China, describes attending cooking school in 2005 but being unable to find employment as a chef. She relates working in a noodle stall, dining in posh restaurants as a food critic, and eventually opening her own school. Includes recipes. 2008. Digital Book 68475.
Strong Women Eat Well: Nutritional Strategies For A Healthy Body and Mind by Miriam E. Nelson.
Discusses nutrition and its scientific basis -- including the national guidelines presented in the Food Guide Pyramid. Promotes consumption of water, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Explains how to read labels on packaged foods. Contains fifty healthy and easy-to-prepare recipes. Companion to "Strong Women, Strong Bones". 2001. Braille Book 13862. Cassette Book 53052.
You Can Eat That! Awesome Food for Kids with Diabetes by Robyn Webb.
Nutritionist Webb discusses diabetes management for children and provides kid-friendly recipes for smoothies, packed lunches, snacks, sweets, soups, and main entrees designed to meet a diabetic's requirements. Includes food suggestions for parties and holidays. 2007. Cassette Book 66342. Digital Book 66342.
Yum-o! The Family Cookbook by Rachael Ray.
Food Network host Ray suggests ways to make eating healthfully easier, more affordable, and fun for families. Offers recipes designed to encourage children to help prepare meals. Provides ideas for breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and dinners, including rollover suppers that make use of leftovers. 2008. Cassette Book 66865. Digital Book 66865.