A Common Table

December 1, 2018

A lawyer, who is also a food blogger (Two Red Bowls) and mother of a toddler, obviously has plenty of time on her hands to write a cookbook, says no one. It can be done though, as evidenced by this work. McTernan grew up in South Carolina, which accounts for the occasional Southern spin on what is otherwise a solidly pan-Asian influenced work. Dishes include sesame-miso potato salad and buttermilk mochi pancakes, along with lion's head meatballs and honeydew bubble tea. The recipes are aimed at the home cook, although some items such as potstickers and steamed buns are more of a project. Mouthwatering photos accompany almost all recipes, along with interspersed stories of her Chinese family and culinary roots. The work covers all the bases, from breakfast through desserts and hot drinks, complete with a thorough index. The recipes are clearly written, with both U.S. and metric measurements. VERDICT This beautiful book is a pleasure to read and cook from. Highly recommended for all collections.--Susan Hurst, Miami Univ. Libs., Oxford, OH

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