How to Cook Meat

by Chris Schlesinger and John Willoughby

Book Overview

Describes how to choose the right meat to buy and how to cook it to perfection, including information on everything from steak to meat loaf. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0688161995
• ISBN13: 9780688161996
• Release Date: November 2000
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 466 Pages
• Weight: 2.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 8.4" x 10.3"

Customer Reviews

Essential Reference for Making Meat More Interesting

This is the easiest type of cookbook to review because it is simply the most useful type of cookbook to have, so if you find anything which detracts from the books utility, it is a sure sign that the book is not up to snuff. The fact that the two authors are recognized experts on their subject makes the job even easier, because it generally means you can sit back and take their advice with the assurance that they know what they are talking about. These are not two interior decorators who write cookbooks as a sideline. One thing to beware of regarding the authors' reputations is that unlike their earlier books, this book is not exclusively about grilling meats. In fact, grilling is a relatively minor part of this book.By `meat' the authors mean the flesh of domesticated cattle, sheep, and pigs. This follows the conventions of almost all other cookbook authors I have read. It does not mean flesh of fowl, rabbits, or game such as venison. One advantage of this distinction means that many methods useable for one `red meat' animal can often be used for a similar cut of meat from another red meat animal.The main object of the authors in writing this book is to deal with the fact that while eating a large amount of meat may lead to ingesting an excessive quantity of undesirable fats, eating a reasonable amount of meat provides a high amount of complete proteins essential to human nutrition. The object, then, is to make these reasonable portions as desirable as possible to eat. One result of this objective is to make as wide a range of meat cuts accessible to the home cook as possible. Limiting oneself to steaks, pork loin, and lamb chops will not only become dull after a while, it is also expensive.An important insight from the authors is that the cost of a cut of meat has nothing to do with the (food) value of the cut. In fact, many writers have claimed that most of the less expensive cuts are actually the most flavorful. I think it is fair to say that the cost of a cut of meat is inversely proportional to the amount of time and effort required to convert the meat into a tasty dish. While an eight dollar a pound fillet can be sautéed and pan roasted in 20 minutes, a three-dollar a pound cut of chuck may take two hours to brown and braise. The reward, however, is that the braised chuck will taste great the next day without any help while the cold beefsteak may need some help to be appealing.My favorite part of this book is the fact that I share with the authors a love of lamb. This means the authors have devoted a sizable portion of the book to recipes for various cuts of lamb, conveniently divided into a number of chapters based on the types of cooking methods most appropriate to the lamb primal.The first such chapter deals with the large tender cuts of lamb. This includes the very expensive rack of lamb, the crown roast, bone in and butterflied leg of lamb, lamb saddle, lamb loin and a shoulder roast, prepared in a fashion very similar to the leg of l

All-Star Work on Meat

This is truly a magnificent compendium on meat: from beef to pork to lamb and veal. They do a thorough job of explaining where the cuts come from and the proper cooking techniques to use on each individual cut. On top of this, there is just an outstanding section on how to communicate with one's butcher, be it from a supermarket or specialty butcher store. Also, pictures on given on each cut so that one can know what you're looking for when shopping.The recipe sections are by cut, and they are plentiful and very creative. I would not describe the majority as requiring the "too hard to find ingredients or techniques that are difficult." These are unique, solid recipes, such as the ones tried so far: a Basil-Crusted Meat Loaf with Brandy, Walnuts and Spicy Wine Tomato Sauce (this is superb, and makes heavenly sandwiches);Lazy Sunday Pot Roast with Caraway and Green Apples; Fennel-Crusted Flank Steak with Orange=Black Olive Relish and Spicy Mint Honey;Grill-Roasted Bone-In Leg of Lamb with Grilled Peaches and Red Onion-Cilantro Salsa;Hoisin-Glazed Grilled Pork Blade Chopes with Spicy Korean Vegetables.What is unique also is that with each recipe there is included: "Other Names," "Other Cuts You Can Use," "ButcherSpeak" and my favorite: "Cook Once,Eat Twice" which provides advice on the delicious leftovers.This is so well thought out, researched and presented. On top of all this, the recipes are so creative and excellent and turn out as listed. Not every recipe has a color photo, although there is a sufficient number of color shots in the middle insert.Just the best resource on these meats I have found. All chefs really into it will enjoy using this reference.

How to buy and prepare cuts of meat

How to Cook Meat is written for the home cook who isn't sure how to buy and prepare cuts of meat: it provides over 250 recipes for meats and includes guidelines on how to use a variety of cuts from everyday meats to more unusual features. An excellent introductory section discusses the cuts, meat grading, and storage and preparation while the bulk of the book is packed with recipes. If only one meat cookbook were to be in a home collection, this should make the grade.

My butcher is treating me with a new respect

I've done a lot of cooking, but stayed away from big, scary cuts of meat because I didn't know what to do them. This book is changing that -- great explanations of the treatment of all cuts and types of red meat (if you don't eat red meat, don't bother ordering this one)with basics that you can use with any recipes. The sage-rubbed loin roast with bourbon sauce was so good, I can't believe it came from MY kitchen. Not many pictures of the food dishes, but a useful photo layout of the meat cuts.

This book is meaty and delicious!

This is another winner by Willoughby and Schlesinger and in some cases I think it is their best yet. The recipes are clear, easy to follow and well written. Unlike many other cookbooks, nearly all the recipes are designed for the home chef -- not many fancy ingredients or complicated directions. The organization of the book is excellent as well. Meat is back and this book will help you enjoy it even more!