Ted Allen (1) (1965–)

This book is infused with Ted Allen's personality. I went to a talk and book signing when I picked up this book so I got to hear Ted talk about it but even if I hadn't this book would have been a hit with me because it seems that Ted's palate is very similar to mine. So many of these recipes appealed to me I ended up reading half the stories from the book aloud to my husband just because I couldn't help myself (or deny how "me" so many of the recipes came out). This is a great book, full of show more kitchen projects and culinary adventures that will appeal to the confident home cook and anyone else who likes to lose themselves in their kitchen for a while. show less

Ted Allen was always a favorite on "Queer Eye" because his portion always catered food to the individual's skill level. If you watched the show, some folks were barely above "I have once seen a frying pan" and yet Ted came up with a fabulous gourmet meal that they could recreate a dozen times over. His cookbook is much along the same lines, with 100 recipes (and plenty of variations, butters and vinaigrettes) that are designed to be fantastic and simple.

He gives solid advice on the basics - show more cooking steaks, throwing a cocktail party, torching your creme brulee and offers up the recipes to back up the basics. I find myself going back to the "Killer Chili" and "Black Beans with Linguica Sausage and Chipotle Chili" recipes for quick, yet good meals (the sausage is a regular at my Whole Foods, but Ted offers up 3 substitutions and a "or don't add the sausage!" option).

The book is generously photographed both with the recipes and Ted. The book is paperback, but comes in a heavy-duty plastic cover (at least my version) that allows for a quick wipe-down if you're not the neatest cook in the world (like me!). show less

This author and cookbook is part of the explosion of fusion cooking in the US due to greater exposure via cable and the internet. Filled with beautiful porn-shot style pictures of food, it seems a good simple cookbook to travel with if you are to stay in country for a month or to keep a bored palate at bay in the US.

I love Allen's take- this is a cookbook for people who want to cook and don't mind spending some time in the kitchen. It might be more time and more ingredients than I have on most days, but would be perfect for weekend cooking or a special occasion.