Food for Cooks: Essential Ingredients for Every Cook's Pantry

With ethnic foodstuffs and spices from the farthest reaches of the world now available in almost every American supermarket, today's cook has access to a truly global pantry. Featuring over 500 items, from wasabi to wind-dried duck, Clare Ferguson explains what to look for in terms of taste, quality, and nutritional value, and demystifies how these ingredients can turn everyday meals into mouth-watering culinary events with little fuss and no extra time.

Ferguson's expert advice on preparation is backed up with imaginative serving ideas and useful information on proper storage. Key cooking techniques are illustrated in step-by-step photographs, and the book features fifty simple and stylish recipes. A comprehensive "Resources" section lists specialty retailers as well as mail-order suppliers and websites. All these features combine to make this an encyclopedic resource-a virtual world of ingredients at your fingertips.

Clare Ferguson, formerly food editor at Elle and She, is a bestselling food writer and one of Europe's top culinary experts. Her detailed knowledge of international cuisines and ingredients is combined with an expert understanding of cooking techniques and nutrition.