Book Description
The Wisdom of the Chinese Kitchen, with its 150
recipes culled from a lifetime of family meals and culinary
instruction, is much more than a cookbook. It is a daughter's
tribute -- a collection of personal memories of the
philosophy and superstitions behind culinary traditions that
have been passed down through her Cantonese family, in which
each ingredient has its own singular importance, the
preparation of a meal is part of the joy of life, and the
proper creation of a dish can have a favorable influence on
health and good fortune. Each chapter begins with its own
engaging story, offering insight into the Chinese beliefs
that surround life-enhancing and spiritually calming meals.
In addition, personal family photographs illustrate these
stories and capture the spirit of China before the
Revolution, when Young's family lived in Canton, Shanghai,
and Hong Kong.
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.
