From Bangkok to Bali in 30 Minutes or For the Love of Soup

From Bangkok to Bali in 30 Minutes: 175 Fast and Easy Recipes with the Lush, Tropical Flavors of Southeast Asia

Author: Theresa Volpe Laursen

The authors present 165 fabulous recipes that use ingredients now found in supermarkets everywhere to create home-cooked southeast Asian meals in less than half an hour.

Publishers Weekly

In this tour through such countries as Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia, the authors present recipes perfect for a hot summer. Home cooks will be pleased to see the many recipes, including the familiar standbys that make Southeast Asian cuisine so popular: Rendang-Style Beef Curry, for example, and Thai-Style Stir-Fried Rice Noodles, as well as instructions for creating popular condiments, such as sweet vegetable pickles and Sweet Hot Thai Chilli Sauce. The Laursens (Theresa is a food writer and cooking teacher; Byron is a freelance writer) offer subtle twists on such recipes as Cambodian Steamed Mussels with Pineapple and Thai Basil; Pan-seared Tuna Steaks Au Poivre; and Chicken and Fennel with Thai Green Curry and Basil. Less certain to appeal are recipes with a Western spin, such as the Philly-Style Vietnamese Hoagies with BBQ Pork and the Bangkok-to-Bali Burgers with Grilled Onions. Rounding out these heat-inspired recipes are beverages (Vietnamese-Style Iced Coffee; Lychee Bellinis), appetizers (Spicy Stir-Fried Cashews; Fried Spring Rolls Filippino Style) and salads (Seared Scallops and Fresh Orange Salad with Mint Leaves and Crisp-Fried Shallots). The result is a mixed bag. While the sheer number of dishes may overwhelm some readers, those looking to expand their regional cooking repertoire will find much of what they need in these easy-to-follow recipes. (June) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal

The Laursens are the coauthors of Victor Sodsook's excellent True Thai, and their new book grew out of their experiences with it. When a woman at a book signing asked if they could point out "three easy recipes...without any special ingredients" for a dinner party (and her kids), the idea for this cookbook, with its easy, approachable recipes adapted from or inspired by Southeast Asian cuisines, was born. The authors include both classics such as Thai Chicken and Coconut Soup and cross-cultural improvisations like Green Mango and Prosciutto. A glossary covers basic ingredients, with substitutions given where practical, and headnotes provide serving suggestions and ideas for variations. Readers will find the Laursens' enthusiasm contagious, their recipes approachable and inviting. Recommended for most collections. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

New interesting textbook: The Alchemy of Illness or How Not to Look Fat

For the Love of Soup

Author: Jeanelle Mitchell

Few aromas spark the appetite like that of simmering soups, particularly those prepared with fresh ingredients and flavoured with fragrant herbs. This book features more than 100 irresistible and easy-to-prepare soup recipes that everyone will enjoy. These soups have been created to increase their health value without compromising taste: they are all low in fat and sodium but they are full of flavour. So indulge your senses with soup as an elegant first course or a hearty main meal. You will find just the right recipe for every season and palate in For the Love of Soup.