Description
Marcel Desaulniers, the prizewinning, bestselling author of such classics as "Death by Chocolate, The Burger Meisters, Desserts to Die For," and "Death by Chocolate Cookies," has finally had his fill of sweets -- at least for a while -- and he's ready to get to the main course. In the same way that Marcel turned chocolate on its head, with "Salad Days" he expands our idea of what salads should be: not salad-bar fare, but full meals melding the flavors of such savories as grilled eggplant, scallions, and plum tomatoes with leaf spinach, herbed couscous, and roasted garlic dressing. We are all now aware that to improve our diets and our health, we need to boost our vegetable, fruit, and complex carbohydrate intake. With "Salad Days," Marcel makes that easier to do and more fun and delicious in the process. Organized into four main sections -- Greens, Beans, Grains, and Fruits -- each of the thirty salad recipes is accompanied by two variations. These variations, like the original salads themselves, show the real care Marcel has taken to tantalize even the most finicky eater. For example, he rounds out the Roasted Root Vegetable Slaw by adding either Spiced Pork Burger or Ale-Steamed Chicken Breast. Likewise, the Oven-Roasted Fruit with Belgian Endive is still deliciously light enough for a summer afternoon when accented by either Lamb with Jicama and Anaheim Peppers or Pan-Seared Maple-and-Ginger-Coated Sea Scallops. "Salad Days" makes a great addition to any cookbook collection because there's something for everyone. Each element of the salads is so delicious and clearly detailed that you just might want to make the Grilled Skewer of Ginger Chicken, the Crispy Corn Biscuits,the Panfried Black Turtle Bean Cakes, or the Peppered Honey-Lime Dressing on its own and forget about adding the leafy greens. As in his previous award-winning cookbooks, Marcel tells you exactly what equipment to use and which pantry items to stock; in his Chef's Touch section following each recipe, he supplies additional cooking tips, shares personal anecdotes of a lifetime of food, and complements each meal with a wine or beverage selection. Whether you need an impressive dish for special guests or simply a delicious indulgence for one, "Salad Days" provides the inspiration and instruction for a first-class meal.
