Deh-Ta Hsiung

First cook book I've read cover to cover in a long time, but this isn't just a collection of recipes so much as an explanation of everyday (and some very posh banquet) ingredients, their use, preparation and origins. I found it highly educational and exciting.

First cook book I've read cover to cover in a long time, but this isn't just a collection of recipes so much as an explanation of everyday (and some very posh banquet) ingredients, their use, preparation and origins. I found it highly educational and exciting.

Has a section on ingredients and tools, though not one of the most complete. Concentrates on "honest" vegetable dishes rather than more "traditional" mock-meat dishes. As far as I can tell, the recipes are quite authentic. There is a photo of each recipe.

I use it, but not a lot because I have books on Chinese vegetarian cookery that I find more inspiring. Mostly I use it for reference.

Beautiful pictures, recipes are little more traditional so unless you are in a "Chinatown" type of area you might have issues with these recipes.