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[Book Review] The Taste Book
By Miguel Fuentes
I've been looking forward to getting a copy of Sam Germaine's new cookbook, The Taste Book (Simon & Schuster, $32.95), because I enjoy his weekly TV show on the ; Food Network. However, when I got my hands on the cookbook, I found myself a bit I disappointed.
I admit that this book has great cooking ideas. Yet, unless you are 100% “diabetes- proof” for your entire life, have never heard of such a thing as a food allergy, or believe that vegetarians are bad people, this book may not be right for you. It is obvious that the author is not aware of the importance of eating well and eating healthily because most recipes introduced in this book are far from healthy. If you have high blood pressure or weight problems, your doctor would probably not be too I happy to see you cooking with this cookbook.
Another thing is that some of the recipes are too technical and advanced for the average person to follow. Some ingredients have to be specially ordered online because they are quite hard to find in regular stores. Also, these recipes contain a lot of sugar and carbohydrates, which many people try to avoid or are at least cutting back on these days.
By leafing through the first few pages, you will begin to think that many recipes are not fit for people trying to lose a few pounds and improve their health. While the marvelous pictures will make your mouth water, its recipes are likely to be an obstacle for you to keep your New Year's resolution of losing a few pounds.
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Dear Editor,
I read the review of my recent book in your magazine. First of all, I thank you for your compliment on the photographs, which I took myself. However, I must say that I was disappointed with Mr. Fuentes' criticism. He mentions that my book is “far from healthy” and not good for people trying to eat right. If he had carefully read my introduction instead of just leafing through a few pages of the book, he would have understood that I am targeting readers who like to eat food based on taste. As a cook, I believe that my job is to provide a delectable range of options, rather than forcing people to follow a healthy lifestyle, especially when many so-called “healthy” cookbooks are of a very low standard and reek of commercialism.
I have confidence that my book will help readers enjoy cooking more. And I do hope that your future articles will exhibit a broader vision. As mentioned in my book, it is not for people with special dietary needs. It simply tries to tell readers that they can experience joy and pleasure through the culinary arts. Several readers who are “home cooks” have already sent me letters saying that they find my book very helpful and motivating. I am sure that they are aware of the importance of eating well, and still find my recipes practical and “not too threatening” to their health.
Sincerely,
Sam Germaine