Unplugged Kitchen: A Return to the Simple, Authentic Joys of Cooking

Rating:
Summary: Delicious writing --- my favorite book about food.
Review: Before I begin, let's get one thing straight: I don't cook. I HATE to cook. I grew up dodging my mom's requests for help in the kitchen, reasoning that if I never learned to cook, I'd never be trapped in the domestic drudgery of slaving over a stove for myself or anyone else. Eating disorders, weight wars, and a long ambivalent relationship with food ensued.

This book was one of the best things that happened to me after I started healing myself from these woes. La Place pares down the processes of "cooking" to their essence: choosing, preparing, and enjoying the nourishment we all need to stay alive. She lists simple tools that bring the cook into direct contact with the lovely colors, shapes, smells, and textures of food --- a sharp knife replaces the food processor, for example --- and suggests a basic pantry of ingredients to have on hand for a nearly endless variety of delicious combinations. There are also shopping tips, ideas for reducing waste in the kitchen, wonderful memories of favorite meals, excerpts from classic writings on food, and more.

La Place's writing is inspiring yet down to earth, and the recipes are lovely, wholesome, and extremely simple. This, I suspect, is why this book is out of print --- there's no hype here, no trendy ingredients or complicated gadgets required, and thus, not much to sell. Too bad. It's held a place of honor in my kitchen from the day I got it, and would no doubt add a healthy dose of simplicity to many more.

If you're lucky enough to find a copy, get it.

Rating:
Summary: everyone should read this book!
Review: I am beginning to send copies of this book to friends who want to improve the quality of life in their kitchens. Unfortunately this book was published before its time and should be brought back to the mainstream. Here is the way! This way to healthier eating and living! Follow Viana La Place! I shall never be without a bowl of lemons on my kitchen counter again. Thank you Viana!

Rating:
Summary: Wholesome food, prepared simply
Review: What a refreshing presentation of foods in their healthiest and most delicious forms. This is just plain good reading, never mind great cooking. LaPlace lets the beauty of the foods shine through.