Syrup and Tang » books

Pierre Hermé's book on macarons is now in English

Duncan — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 03:12:32 +0000

The most impressive book on macarons is now in English! Pierre Hermé's 2008 French book "Macaron" is out this month in English.

Last minute book gift ideas on The Gastronomer's Bookshelf

Duncan — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:52:48 +0000

If you're stuck for present ideas, or end up with some gift vouchers for Christmas, have a look at the list of book ideas I put together on The Gastronomer's Bookshelf in our 2010 Year-end feature. And of course, there are heaps of reviews on the site to whet your appetite as well.

Beef short ribs cause ecstacy

Duncan — Mon, 10 May 2010 03:52:11 +0000

Last year I came across a recipe for Korean-style oven-browned short ribs in one of my favourite meat books. It sounded very tasty, braising tasty beef with ginger, garlic and other flavourings to produce something deeply delicious. The outcome was nothing short of heaven. Fatty heaven, but heaven nonetheless. If you haven't cooked beef this way, I highly recommend it.

Great culinary book reviews

Duncan — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 04:08:45 +0000

Have you seen the latest reviews (Rose's Heavenly Cakes, Momofuku, Adventures with Chocolate, and more) or my detailed feature Where Are The Good Meat Books? Read them on The Gastronomer's Bookshelf

Book giveaway – Momofuku

Duncan — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 01:28:30 +0000

The Gastronomer's Bookshelf is giving away a copy of Momofuku (which looks like a swear word but is in fact a popular New York restaurant).

The Larousse Gastronomique, plus a pile of Christmas book gift ideas

Duncan — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:27:39 +0000

For lovers of food knowledge, the Larousse Gastronomique is an indispensable book... and I recently slaved over a feature for The Gastronomer's Bookshelf about the new edition and the history of the various versions. Meanwhile, co-editor Mark has prepared a Year-end Countdown with a pile of interesting books you might like to know about, starting with baking and Christmas.

Wrap hazelnut shortbread around a whole hazelnut. Swoon.

Duncan — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:33:31 +0000

A delicious pairing of whole roasted hazelnuts with sweet, buttery hazelnut shortbread and the lovely tingle of salt crystals. Even people who aren't enthusiastic about hazelnuts might find themselves longing for more. It's just a pity these sablés noisette are a bit tricky to make.

Books worth reading

Duncan — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 12:41:53 +0000

There's a bit of a backlog of things to post about, not helped by 18 days without the internet at home. It wasn't fun. So let's start with a rundown of the reviews that have appeared at The Gastronomer's Bookshelf in the last two or three months! It's been an interesting mix of new books and some serious classics, alongside one book that some of us think never deserved to see the light of day. Read on...

Book discounts aren't always a bargain

Duncan — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 07:51:10 +0000

Book prices have received a lot of attention in the media in recent weeks as the Productivity Commission returned its recommendations on parallel importation rules, alleged to cause high book prices in Australia. Regardless of your feelings about the issue, it's worth noting that those high book prices are being exacerbated by the very chains that claim all restrictions should be removed.

Book reviews update June

Duncan — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:51:54 +0000

Two months of book reviews on The Gastronomer's Bookshelf you might like, including The Clatter of Forks and Spoons, Anjum's New Indian, Indulge: 100 Perfect Desserts, and The Complete Robuchon!