Every Grain of Rice – Fuschia Dunlop
My thoughts on this book…
For a long time I was after a “go to” Chinese cookbook. I have always liked cooking Chinese food, as well as eating it, but always find the ones recommended where “older” books like Ken Hom’s range or standard generic ones. Whilst nothing against these, many of the recipes were the usual basic ones, and I wanted to try some different styles of more modern Chinese cookery, which still had its heart in the traditional styles.
On searching suggestions I came across Fuchsia Dunlop and especially this volume – Every Grain of Rice. Using the internet for what it is good at I did some research on reviews and content and plumped for it.
This is now definitely one of my “Go to” books and have cooked many well received and enjoyable recipes from it. Since I have also invested in others of her books, but this is still my favourite.
The things I like……
This book is as it tag line suggests “Simple Chinese Home Cooking” and this is what I like about it the most.
None of the recipes are particularly complicated, but all I have tried, and there are several, I have found extremely tasty and well received. Likewise it is not a book you need to go out and but lots of specialist ingredients for – a fear for many people when starting a new book or cuisine. Whilst I am a bit of an addict of collecting ingredients (as well as cook books) this one needed seldom few – Chinkiang Vinegar and Shaoxing Wine are used but these are relatively easy to get these days in a supermarket – the only ingredient I had to order was Sichuan pepper as it is restricted in some areas
I also like the fact every recipe has a piece of narrative against it giving some background to either the recipe itself, or a personal connection from the author to the recipe itself. As a “reader” of cookbooks as well as just a recipe source this I particularly like
In addition I also like the photography in this book. Whilst not every recipe has a photograph, something I know some people do not like, the majority do and those present are actually “real looking” finished dishes. Sometimes I feel that some books can be over arty and pictures are perfection – this books images make you feel you can achieve the finished dishes and look like yours do for more often.
The things I don’t…..
For once I genuinely find this piece hard to write, as I have little to complain about this book and it one of my mainstays and regular books to cook from.
If I was being over picky then whilst the glossary is good I wuld like some suggestions of where to purchase items from in the ever in line world, or recommendations of good suppliers. Whether this is not possible as an international volume and market I do not know, but I always find sourcing new ingredients for novices a hard thing.
The Menu ideas section, whilst a good idea is also a little disappointing. The concept of planning a banquet style meal is great – but the it appears (whether or not it is) as a quick aside in what is the hardest part for people – planning what goes together.
As I say – one of my favourite books so apologies if this appears harsh and petty!
A couple of my favourite recipes…..
Here are a couple of my favourites from this book and my take on them!
Follow the links to get to the recipes themselves
The book and others by Fuchsia itself can be found here on her website – www.fuchsiadunlop.com/books/
Or here, on Amazon in the UK – www.amazon.co.uk/Every-Grain-Rice-Chinese-Cooking/dp/140880252X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1EATLLMA731Z5&dchild=1&keywords=every+grain+of+rice&qid=1584454407&sprefix=every+gr%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-1