The Williams-Sonoma Collection: Fish

Rating:
Summary: Excellent basic fish cookbook
Review: I took the Williams-Sonoma "Fish" cookbook out from my local library and was fairly impressed with it. I have a number of seafood cookbooks in my personal collection, but there are several things I really like about this book. First off, though the book is not large, it covers all the essential seafood recipes, such as gravlax, bouillabaisse, chowder, paella, crabcakes, boiled lobster, fish and chips, sole in lemon-butter sauce, etc. Rest assured, the book contains at least one good recipe for every major type of fish or shellfish, so it is a good basic reference to have. Every recipe features a photo of the completed dish on the opposite page, often featuring a very nice presentation. Most importantly, and something that is lacking in far too many cookbooks: the recipes are laid out on the page in a very clear and organized fashion. A list of the ingredients is on the left, the recipe instructions are in the middle, and a small photo with notes is on the right. There are also helpful hints and serving tips at the bottom of the page. This makes it very easy to size up the recipes and take them on. Also included at the back of the book are tips on selecting and cleaning fish, advice on different cooking methods, and a glossary covering attributes of different fish species. Whether you're a beginner cook or an experienced amateur such as myself, this book will improve your knowledge and technique of fish cookery.