Nestle European Style Mousse Mix

This was the easiest thing to make ever.  Add 2/3 cup of milk (any type) to the mix, put in the electric mixer for 3 minutes, chill for an hour, and voila!  Very rich tasting and filling.  This is not a light mousse.  Given the simple preparation process, the mousse mix is quite the rewarding treat.

Price: $2.49

Where: grocery stores

Rating:

Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain

I know I’m a little behind on reading this book but oh well. Frankly, I’m not sure why the book caused such a sensation. Based purely on writing ability, I was unimpressed with Bourdain’s overly simplistic style and habit to end every chapter with a one sentence paragraph. Based on content, although Bourdain did illuminate the pressures and stresses of a restaurant kitchen, such description was overshadowed by his insipid yet obnoxious personality. He makes no apologies for his crassness, rudeness, and irresponsibility.  I grew increasingly frustrated that he kept messing up after been giving so many chances. I appreciate his love for food and adoration for the kitchen, but there is a difference between appreciation and respect. The book was a fast read, and I suppose I did learn a little about the non-glamorous side of cooking at a high-end restaurant but at the end, I was still left thinking “so what?”

Rating:

The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan

The New York Times named this book one of the ten best books of 2006 and I’ll have to agree with their literary authority.  The Omnivore’s Dilemma chronicles Pollan’s attempt to learn about the food on his plate–both where it comes from and how it is produced.  Pollan is an intriguing and compelling writer who engages the reader to crave learning more about seemingly uniteresting subjects.  My favorite part of the book was Pollan’s attempts at mushroom hunting, an activity that I never thought would be fun at all.  Also highly amusing/interesting was Pollan’s wild boar hunting adventures.

Though not quite as muckracking as Upton Sinclair or more recently, Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation), Pollan does expose some disturbing facts.  His section on organic farming is particularly interesting and alarming.  We assume “organic” means “better,” but do we really know?  It is impossible not to feel bad for the small farmer or get angry at inane agricultural laws.

Like this review (I’m on winter break and not feeling very academic right now), at times the book was jumpy and occasionally dry.  Still, overall, the overwhelming and copious amounts of research are presented in a creative manner.   He can tell a good story while interweaving facts along the way.  If you want to know how your food goes from Point A to Point B to your stomach, Pollan illustrates this chain quite well.

Rating: