Epicure: Recipes and More for the Curious Cook

Janet Arnett is the former campus manager of adult education at Ontario’s Georgian College. She is the author of Antiques and Collectibles: Starting Small, The Grange at Knock, and 673 Ways to Save Money.

You may have problems coming up with some of the ingredients for the
recipes in this book. For example, to make home fries, you’ll need to
have one small island as well as the usual potatoes and seasonings. The
recipe for corn is easier; it requires only one pair of running shoes
and one conveniently located farm.

Epicure is based on the assumption that you want to read about the food
you are going to cook. Essays on ingredients (olives, eggs, pears, goat
cheese, corn, pasta, etc.) are liberally tossed with the recipes in an
eclectic blend of witticisms, trivia, and exotic seasonings. The essays
are urban posturings, bits of distilled cleverness garnished with a few
facts. The recipes are multicultural, drawing inspirations from France,
Mexico, Italy, the Middle East, India, and Asia. Yet the backyard
barbecue is not ignored. Lots of quotes, tips, and historic notes are
scattered along the margins. There are exceptions, but overall the
recipe collection is upscale, trendy, and pretentious.