The Newlywed Kitchen

May 10, 2010
Seattle food writer and experienced entertainer Yee shared a love of cooking with her husband (the two met on Internet cooking forum eGullet), and spent their first year together writing and collecting recipes that she presents in this well-rounded collection geared to similarly-inclined newlyweds. With Seattle Bride editor Basye, Yee organizes her volume in too-cute newlywed-themed chapters like "Carry Me Over the Threshold" (starters & snacks), "Who Gets the Remote?" (comfort food), "Losing the Newlywed 15" (healthy sides), and intersperses her recipes with brief interviews of culinary couples. The collection includes some simple, tasty dishes suitable for novices, including Apple French Toast; Pancetta-Wrapped Pork with Gorgonzola Sauce; and Prosciutto, Sage and Parmesan Pinwheels, a parmesan-crusted grilled cheese destined to become a staple. On the other hand, Yee's from-scratch Chicken and Chorizo Empanadas, Orange-Cinnamon Honey Sticky Buns, and Piña Colada Pancakes with Buttered Coconut Rum Syrup call for time, patience and confidence. Fellow eGulleteers will be drawn to gourmet fare like Creamy Langoustine Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce and a Slow-Cooked Lamb Ragu, both of which prove tasty and impressive. A suitably fastidious wedding gift for foodies, this volume may intimidate couples new to the kitchen.