Back to the Table: The Reunion of Food and Family
From Art Smith comes a unique cookbook with more than 150 recipes to strengthen bonds between loved ones.
Throughout history, humans have sat down together at the table to break bread. The simple ritual of the shared meal reunites us with our families and brings balance to our lives. There are many types of families--in using the word family, Art means to include anyone whom we have sought or chosen to be an important part of our lives. Unfortunately, in today's fast-paced world, the symbolic role of the table has been threatened. In many households, family members all eat separately, according to their own schedules, on the run, or in front of the TV. With this important cookbook, Art Smith wants to bring us back to the table--and back to each other.
Art provides readers with mouth-watering recipes that represent the very best of home cooking, including Roasted Tomato and Cheddar Cornbread, to-die-for Sweet Potato-Pecan Waffles, hearty Seafood Gumbo, Grilled Shrimp on Arugula with Lemon Vinaigrette, and Spiced Pork Loin with Vidalia Onion Sauce, to name just a few. There is also a rich assortment of vegetable main courses--like Art's fabulous Italian Vegetable Casserole. Traditional dishes include the best-ever Buttermilk Fried Chicken and a Roast Turkey with Pan Gravy that's not just for Thanksgiving!
Then there are the celebration cakes, perfect pies, and little sweets. From French Chocolate Almond Pie to Pear and Cranberry Cobbler, from Coconut Cake with Fluffy Icing to Triple-Layer German Chocolate Cake, from Pecan Divinity to Gumdrop Cookies, Back to the Table is filled with delicious treats for any occasion.
Art's life's work has involved cooking for families all over the world. These experiences have taught him that families are essentially the same, regardless of international boundaries or cultural differences. We all want the best for each other and want to take care of the ones we love. And what better way is there to care for our loved ones than at the table?
He also discusses how to set the table in a way that gives reverence to the food and the guests; how various cultures give blessings before a meal; how different kinds of foods and dishes can contribute to an atmosphere of family unity; and so much more! Back to the Table is illustrated throughout with stunning photos of the food and of people sharing their tables, and their lives. He has cooked professionally for the families of celebrities and heads-of-state for over 20 years. Back to the Table is a book to use daily and to treasure for a lifetime.
MY REVIEW: In "Back to the Table: The Reunion of Food and Family", ChefArt Smith offers not just a cookbook, but a "food memoir". Truly wonderful recipes and photography combine with his narrative of food and family memories throughout his lifetime. The kitchen is the heart of the home. Food connects all generations and lifestyles. We all have to eat, and we should all eat this well. Those who love to cook--and those who cook with love--will enjoy discovering scrumptious recipes such as: "Seeded Cheddar Cheese Straws"; "Garden Refrigerator Pickles"; "Farm Apple Butter"; "Buttermilk Fried Chicken"; "Pear and Cranberry Cobbler"; "Roast Turkey with Pan Gravy"; "Gumdrop Cookies"; "Sunday Dinner Pot Roast"; "Chocolate Pecan Pie"; "Spring Vegetable Lasagna"; "Sweet Potato Pecan Waffles"; and "Zucchini and Tomato Frittata". As the author says: "The table has always served as a symbol of congregation, the place where we celebrate our loved ones through the generations-old tradition of sharing a meal."
CHEF ART SMITH
Art Smith grew up in the small farming town of Jasper, in the Panhandle of Florida. While attending Florida State University, he completed two prestigious internships with The Greenbrier resort and was selected for the Walt Disney Magic Kingdom College Program. At the age of twenty-four, he was hired by Governor Bob Graham, now a U.S. Senator, and his wife Adele as executive chef of the Florida Governor's Mansion.
Art next traveled extensively through Europe and Africa as a family chef aboard several transatlantic motor yachts. Upon his return to the States, he took a position as chef on the American European Express Train. This led him to Chicago, where he began a career as a teacher at Williams-Sonoma and later as a private chef for the families of various celebrities.
He was previously the personal chef to Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham and a contributing editor toO magazine.
http://www.chefartsmith.net/chef_art_homepage/index.htm
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