An--To Eat

Starred review from June 13, 2016
Mother Helene and daughter Jacqueline pair up to chronicle Helene's storied life from historical and culinary perspectives. Helene, the famed owner of the House of An, would tell her children the stories behind the many meals she cooked. Traditional Vietnamese recipes are passed down orally, so Jacqueline sought a way to permanently record her mother's story and recipes as well as to depict the lifestyle of a forgotten time. Together, they tell Helene's story through food, sharing traditional recipes and modern takes on American dishes with Asian touches. They tout the healthiness of Vietnamese cuisine and seek to demystify this way of cooking. The authors highlight common cooking techniques, their favorite ingredients, and the secrets to cooking perfect rice. Cornerstone classic dishes include oven-roasted lemongrass chicken, beef pho, and spicy chicken and shrimp ramen in cognac XO sauce. Gorgeous full-color photos will leave readers craving their stunning slow-roasted pork with ginger balsamic glaze; coconut spare ribs; and caramelized lemongrass shrimp. Part biography, part history lesson, and part celebration of the crisp freshness of Vietnamese cuisine, this superb collection will attract and entice a new legion of cooks who seek healthy and flavorful food.

Starred review from June 15, 2016

At the heart of this cookbook is acclaimed chef An's journey from her childhood in Vietnam to hard-won culinary success in the United States. With her daughter Jacqueline, the author introduces readers to her family's history, cultural heritage, and cooking style in compelling accounts that accompany such recipes as caramelized lemongrass shrimp, chicken pho with makrut lime, Saigon steamed pork buns, and rum-soaked Vietnamese banana cake. The authors have included a balance of home cooked and restaurant dishes, along with technique and entertaining tips and suggested wine and beer pairings. VERDICT This excellent Vietnamese cookbook provides detailed, delicious recipes and a heartfelt memoir narrative.

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