Passport: China: The Wisdom of The Chinese Kitchen
The first part, “Mastering the Fundamentals,” provides instruction on the arts of steaming and stir-frying; the preparation of rice, panfried, and braised dishes; the proper selection of produce; and the fine arts of chopping and slicing. Part Two, “The Art of Celebration,” concentrates on the more elaborate, complex, and meaningful dishes — such as Shark’s Fin Soup and West Lake Duck — that are usually made with rare ingredients, and sweets such as Water Chestnut Cake and Sesame Balls. The final part, “Achieving Yin-Yang Harmony,” explores the many Chinese beliefs about the healing properties of ginseng, gingko nuts, soybeans, dong quai, and the many vegetable and fruit soup preparations that balance and nourish the body. The stories and recipes combine to demonstrate the range of Cantonese cooking, from rich flavors and honored combinations to an overall appreciation of health, well-being, and prosperity.
In addition to the recipes, Young provides a complete glossary of dried herbs, spices, and fresh produce, accompanied by identifying photos and tips on where to purchase them. Unique traditional dishes, such as Savory Rice Tamales and Shrimp Dumplings, are also illustrated step by step, making the book easy to use. The central full-color photo section captures details of New Year’s dishes and the Chinese home decorated in celebration, reminding one that these time-honored traditions live on, and the meals and their creation are connections to the past.
I will admit, that many of the ingredients for this book’s recipes are hard to find, but the simpler recipes are easy to make and authentic. If you are looking for a simplistic Chinese cookbook, this probably is not the most ideal. However, it is a really good all around Chinese heritage book that just happens to focus on cooking. I liked the parts that focused on the healing aspects and traditional Chinese beliefs. Young ends her collection on a holistic note; the last section, “Achieving Yin-Yang Harmony,” elaborates the Chinese belief of the yin (cooling) and yang (warming) characteristics of foods as well as their purported remedial and restorative properties.
The author reveals ancient secrets encouraging readers to experience the joy of authentic Chinese cooking.
