In every cook's kitchen, there is a treasured tool: a workhorse utensil, go-to gadget, or a family heirloom with its own background story and the lofty standing of being a cook's most-prized possession.
These beloved items say as much about the cook as their style of cooking. They tell stories about a cook's past and about the moments that led them to where they are today. For some, it might be a spoon inherited from a grandmother's silver set, which they use to taste every sauce. Or it could be a spaetzle maker picked up during a stage in Germany that's been used during every job since. Whether it's a colander, cake stand, or a grandfather's iron skillet, every chef has a piece in their arsenal that gives a glimpse into their cooking history, their philosophy, and their technique.
In the enlightening kitchen compilation A Colander, Cake Stand, and My Grandfather's Iron Skillet, author Erin Byers Murray collects stories from 37 top chefs about their favorite kitchen utensil. The stories, told in the chef's own words, include the tale of how they came to acquire it, the details that it so essential, and insight into why-and when-they rely on it. Along with each story, the chef provides a recipe utilizing the particular tool or something similar, so that home cooks can try their hand at a professional chef's approach.
Laid out with a minimalist's design and featuring fine-point illustrations of the tools as well as beautiful color photographs of each recipe, A Colander, Cake Stand, and My Grandfather's Iron Skillet reveals the personalities of some of America's best and hardest working chefs, while giving readers a keepsake of recipes to go along with an insider's guide to some of the most treasured - and essential -- kitchen tools in the country.
Featured in A Colander, Cake Stand, and My Grandfather's Iron Skillet are some of today's most respected chefs including, among others, Jody Adams, Chris Kimball, Anne Willan, Andrew Zimmern, Norman Van Aken, Linton Hopkins, Joanne Chang, Slade Rushing, Jeremy Sewall, Ken Oringer, Jonathan Benno, Rob Newton, Chris Shepherd, Steven Satterfield, Virginia Willis, Ford Fry, and Kevin Gillespie.
The chefs: 12 of the 37 were nominated for 2016 James Beard Awards while a majority of the others are icons like Chris Kimball, Jody Adams, Anne Willan, Virginia Willis, and Norman Van Aiken.
Features never-before shared backstories that reveal a history, philosophy, or character of each chef.
Three dozen delicious recipes from today¿s top chefs in one book.
Audience
Chefs and cooking Enthusiasts seeking recipe ideas from today¿s top chefs
Kitchen enthusiasts who love cooking gadgets & equipment.
Culinary and food enthusiasts who enjoy learning more backstories about chefs and their philosophy and techniques.
