The Cookbook Junkies

ăn: to eat – Review, Recipe and Giveaway

by 215 Comments

It is no secret – I gravitate toward cookbooks that focus on any type of international fare, especially Asian cuisine. Since we’ve moved to Colorado, I am cooking more Asian-inspired dishes because sadly the offerings here leave everything to be desired: it is hard to find good Asian food and when you do it is more pricey than the restaurants in New York which most people would find surprising.

ăn: to eat Recipes and Stories from a Vietnamese Family Kitchen by Helene An, Executive Chef of Crustacean Beverly Hills and Jacqueline An, her daughter, was released this month.  “An” means “to eat” in Vietnamese thus, it is no revelation that the An family has built an award-winning restaurant dynasty.

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This beautiful book shares not only tempting recipes but personal stories of the An family including details sprinkled in of Vietnamese history. Everything one needs to know about ingredients as well as the tools necessary to create the recipes (including how to properly season a wok) is included. Techniques are outlined with details of their favorite ingredients are given before we dive into the actual recipes. The bonus of this title is that An’s vast expertise is reflected on every page of this cookbook.

From the first recipe, Mama’s Beef Phở to the last recipe for Tamarind juice – we are transported to the exotic cuisine of Vietnam. Caramelized Black Cod, Filet Mignon Shaken Beef and Spicy Chicken and Shrimp Ramen in Cognac XO Sauce are standouts in the first chapter alone. Gorgeous full page photos accompany most recipes and inspire us to dust off the wok and jump into creating the dishes.

The chef also delivers recipes from her restaurants (modified for the home kitchen) which fuse Vietnamese, French and California cuisine and dishes for special occasions are included. Recipes from this chapter are show stoppers – French Onion Phở with Beef Ravioli, Grilled Turmeric Calamari and Kobe Beef Meatballs on Sugar Cane.

I want to make everything in this book! I made the Mongolian Fried Chicken along with some chive waffles. The instructions in the book are spot on and the chicken and sauce are fantastic.

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Running Press has graciously allowed me to share a recipe that is on my radar to create very soon – Balsamic Chicken Pot Stickers (can be downloaded at the link). Balsamic Chicken Pot Stickers pg 210

Trust me, you want this title in your collection. Now for the giveaway!

Random Number Generator picked #4 Janis and #178 Elizabeth S. -emails sent to winners. Congratulations.

GIVEAWAY: Thanks to Running Press’ generosity – we have two copies of this book up for grabs. Two winners! To enter this giveaway – leave a comment on this post telling  me which dish sounds best to you from those mentioned above. For a second entry, please share this post on your social media platform being sure to leave a second, separate comment. Come back tomorrow and every day following to leave an additional comment telling me you would like the book.

So, two entries possible the first time and every day following – one entry possible per day.

The giveaway is open to US addresses only. Two random winners will be chosen on May 31st! Good luck.

Running Press provided me with a review copy of this title – but all opinions are my own.

 

 

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Comments

  7. 7

    I would love to try the turmeric grilled calamari PLUS everything in this book. My favorite cuisine!

    Reply
  9. 9

    This looks like an interesting cookbook. I am just starting to enjoy some Asian cuisine.

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  39. 39

    the balsamic chicken potstickers must be delicious with a chaser of tamarind water.

    Reply
  58. 59

    Balsamic Potstickers, for sure! We had oriental chicken pot stickers last night, and we have them too often. I love balsamic sauce, we have to try these. I hope I can find the right mushrooms.

    Reply
  70. 71

    My son Cole and his wife Sena (married in September) are huge fans of Asian food. Cole is the cook in the house and I think he’d tried many of these recipes, but they’d love the potstickers!

    Reply
  75. 76

    I wouldn’t normally gravitate towards this cuisine, but the Mongolian Fried Chicken sounds amazing!!

    Reply
  80. 81

    The fried chicken and chive waffles sound like something I’d happily enjoy! Don’t yet have a Vietnamese cookbook this would be awesome!

    Reply
  82. 83

    Spicy Chicken and Shrimp Ramey in Cognac XO Sauce. Drooling just thinking of it

    Reply
  98. 99

    After perusing the Amazon preview of this book, I’m even more sold on the fact that there is a need to add this to my collection! Family story, History, Recipes and technique all in one tome! It’s certainly calling my name!

    Reply
  111. 112

    They all sound so good but the Spicy Chicken and Shrimp Ramen in Cognac XO Sauce sounds best to me.

    Reply
  144. 145

    The Mongolian Fried Chicken made an appearance in a random dream the other day. I swear I woke up drooling and haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since!

    Reply
  149. 150

    Hands down, Mongolian Fried Chicken sounds amazing. I would maybe serve it over Mac and Cheese. Must stop commenting. Making me hungry.

    Reply
  161. 162

    As a long-time vegetarian, I am always interested in new recipes, particularly those with an Asian influence!

    Reply
  177. 178

    Every recipe mentioned sounds like a recipe I would love to try

    Reply
  197. 198

    I think tomorrow might be the day I snap and feed Dad a TV dinner while I make Mongolian fried chicken. It looks sooooo good.

    Reply
  213. 214

    The Balsamic Chicken Pot Stickers sound amazing. I have already printed the recipe and look forward to trying it soon!

    Reply

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