Chef Paul Gayler's
A Passion for Cheese, shortlisted for England's distinguished Andre Simon award, contains dishes so elaborate and photos so vivid that this book qualifies as prime food porn. Certainly, while most dishes look and sound so mouthwatering that one would happily order them off a restaurant menu, making them requires the dedication of a chef or serious cook. For Parmesan-crusted Sea Bass with Thyme-Grilled Vegetables, the veggies must be prepared a day ahead, the fish coated with a complex cheese mixture and pan cooked, the vegetables reheated, a vinaigrette prepared, and the finished dish lovingly assembled. Still, the rewards are high in taste and artistic impression.
By contrast, Chef Gayler's text, particularly his eight-page introduction, explains the basics of cheese making, buying, and storage in simple, articulate terms. His notes before and after each recipe prove he is a natural teacher as well as a talented creator--and, lest you be tempted to give up now, there are recipes suitable for daring but less ambitious cooks. The Canellini Bean Soup with Fontina Gremolata; a tiramisu that's unusual in that it's frozen; and Zucchini and Cheddar Clafoutis with Rosemary (which resembles a crustless quiche or tart), are delicious, but far less complex to put together. This book is a cheese-lovers dream. --Dana Jacobi
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