CULINARIA: THE UNITED STATES is a collection of select food-related subjects exploring the world of American cuisine. The book takes the reader on a journey through America, a trip that any food-loving tourist will relish. He will go along on a fishing expedition with a Maine lobsterman, taste the buttery freshness of an ear of grilled corn and smell the pungent, smoky aroma of green chiles roasting in the Southwest. He will visit Americans at a Hawaiian Lu'au, a New England clambake and a crawfish feed in Louisiana. He will find out what Americans eat for breakfast in different parts of the country and that fastnachts, beignets, malassadas, bunuelos, and paczki are all types of donuts. The book is divided into thirteen geographical regions. Between the regional chapters are stories about food-related subjects and national dishes that transcend regional borders, such as hamburgers and pizza. An extensive bibliography and index are included to aid the curious reader.
Part cookbook and part encyclopedia, this enormous book is a vibrant celebration of American regional cooking and cultures. Candid shots of the foods, markets, delis, and restaurants of every region are a splendid reminder of the diverse heritage of the United States. From New Orleans's vibrant French markets famous for Creole tomatoes, okra, and sweet potatoes to the state fairs of the Midwest, where giant corn dogs and pumpkins the size of houses are all the rage,
Culinara is a fascinating waltz across America's palate.
Typically, each chapter is introduced with a look at the region's quintessential crops and foods--apples, berries, and cheese in the Northwest; oranges, olives, asparagus, and avocados in California. Dispersed among color photographs and a feast of food and drink wisdom are recipes inspired by each region's specialty. A simple recipe for Pasta with Asparagus and Mushrooms makes good use of California's succulent vegetables; Oregon Trail Soup, a dish brimming with buttery beans, evokes a feel for the Great Plains, campfires, and cowboys! Neatly balanced within each chapter are recipes and commentaries on both classic cooking and ethnic cooking. In the Pacific Northwest, Japanese sashimi (raw fish) is all the rage in Seattle's thriving international district. Just down the road, traditional freshwater salmon is a favorite at the city's oldest food market, the Pike Place Market. Snippets of history, recipe ideas, and inspiration accompany each locale, whether in Seattle, New York, or a far-flung Midwestern homestead. This is an excellent and all-encompassing guide to the foods and culinary history of the United States. --Naomi Gesinger
