Spain and the World Table »

Over 600 culinary industry leaders participated in the CIA's 2006 "Worlds of Flavor" International Conference and Festival. By transforming the Worlds of Flavor festival into a cookbook, the Culinary Institute of America-one of the best culinary schools in the world-brings the conference's superb culinary talent right into the home kitchen. Spain and the World Table culls recipes from 25 of Spain's and the US's leading chefs, from Manolo de la Osa (proud owner of a Michelin star restaurant in Spain) to Norman van Aken (owner of Norman's in Miami and L.A.). Award-winning cookbook author Martha Rose Schulman joins the CIA in presenting 125 accessible recipes, from Manchego Cheese and Potato Croquettes with Quince Sauce to Escabeche of Halibut with "Salsa" of Marcona of Almonds, Raisins, and Serrano Ham. Visiting chefs' cooking techniques and regional notes appear in features throughout the book. An enthusiastic foreword by Chef José Andrés, one of Spain's exports to America, and Greg Drescher, Director of CIA Greystone, and an introduction describing Spain's culinary history and its modern influence on world cooking round out this must-have book.

Publishers Weekly

In 2006, the Culinary Institute of America gathered chefs from Spain and around the world to attend a conference on Spanish cuisine and its impact on the "world table." This splendid book brings the conference to life with vivid photos and exciting recipes, beautifully written by Shulman (Mediterranean Harvest), covering Spain's regions, the history and importance of different courses and the high-quality ingredients used in Spanish cooking, from wine and sherry to potatoes and rice. The recipes, by chefs from Spain, Japan, Peru and the U.S., are a perfect mix of ultra-traditional Spanish dishes like Tortilla Española and Paella Valenciana, updated classics such as a gorgeous Beet and Cherry Gazpacho, and international dishes inflected with Spanish flair, such as Sushi Paella. Some of the recipes use fairly advanced techniques, and many ingredients are not widely available, though some substitutions are suggested and, along with a glossary, a helpful list of sources is provided. But with Shulman's excellent insights into Spanish products and ways of preparation, even the more difficult recipes feel accessible. (Apr.)

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