TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Eat Their Words

ADVERTISEMENT

By JEFF HOUCK | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 12, 2008

"American Cheeses," by Clark Wolf (Simon & Schuster, $25)

In the cheese universe, the United States lags in reputation behind the great cheesemakers of Europe who have been doing it for, like, a bazillion years. That's changing quickly, though, and Wolf does yeoman's work spotlighting the best regional, artisan and farmhouse cheeses in the country. Some, like Vermont's Cabot Creamery, have been so successful that they've been able to mass produce wonderful cheeses such as aged cheddar through a cooperative while still keeping a very high standard.

"Cool Cuisine," by Laura Stec with Eugene Cordero (Gibbs Smith, $24.99)

There's a danger when dropping the words "global warming" into any sentence. Readers will either cotton to the theory or violently oppose whatever follows. Knowing that, we'll only say that this book examines how the "agrochemical food system" affects global warming and offers tips that anyone can follow for reducing their environmental impact. (You'd be surprised at what a recyclable grocery bag can accomplish.)

"Betty Crocker's Guide To Easy Entertaining," by Betty Crocker (Betty Crocker, $16.95)

First published 50 years ago, this book was intended to help Eisenhower-era homemakers be more efficient and successful as they entertained visitors. More than just a glimpse into a quaint and outdated past ("A midweek lunch usually is a party for women," the book says.), the guide still offers great tips for barbecues, picnics and dinner parties. Plus, all of the period graphics and photos remain intact. The Gay Nineties Charlotte Russe needs to be seen to be believed.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT