Girl in the Kitchen: How a Top Chef Cooks, Thinks, Shops, Eats, and Drinks

Stephanie Izard
Chronicle Books (2011)
ISBN 9780811874472
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (10/11)

 

I have to admit, I’m a foodie. When I see a cookbook that’s written by a chef, I own it immediately.  “Girl in the Kitchen” is one of them.

For the purpose of the review we are asked to test three recipes.  The first one I tested was “Artichoke and Strawberry Panzanella.”  I’ve always wanted to taste a panzanella but never made it so this was a good opportunity for me.  I was reluctant before because I didn’t quite see making a salad out of bread.  Well...this was such a pleasant surprise.  The flavors of white wine and garlic, along with fresh basil and lemon, made the salad out of this world.  Of course the strawberries added to the sweetness.  I must say I’m impressed and will certainly make it again.

The second recipe I tested was “Juniper-Grilled Sea Bass Stuffed with Fennel and Onion.”  Sea Bass is my favorite fish and due to the price of it I make sure that if I add anything other than salt and pepper it has to taste good. I had never thought of cooking with juniper berries before; we just eat them as is. I was amazed how good they are combined with fennel, onion, and garlic.  Delicious!!

The third recipe I tested was “Arugula Salad with Watermelon and Feta.”  It was just recently that I tasted feta and watermelon together and was pleasantly surprised at how well the two went together. The sweetness of watermelon, the saltiness of feta, and the pungent flavor of arugula combined well with the dressing of balsamic vinegar and honey. This is a very simple salad, yet the presentation and flavor were out of this world.

There are so many more recipes I want to try from this cookbook and I will.  I like the “tips” scattered throughout “Girl in the Kitchen: How a Top Chef Cooks, Thinks, Shops, Eats, and Drinks” and the photographs of many of the dishes.  It often helps to see what the end result should look like.  The book itself is beautiful and would make a great gift for any “girl in the kitchen.”

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