Every Grain of Rice by Fuchsia Dunlop (2013)

This is the fourth book I have from Fuchsia Dunlop. The first, "Land of Plenty 2001)" chronicled her experiences as the first foreign student to study at the state run cooking school in the Chinese province of Sichuan. This time around she gives us a look into a number of Chinese home kitchens, introducing typical home dishes from various regions of China. I am always amazed how Chinese cooks take basic grains and vegetables and limited amounts of meat and creatively use spices and seasoning to make the most amazing dishes. This is the true Chinese comfort food, the food prepared by mother and grandmother passed down from mother to daughter. Once I experienced this food, typical American restaurant fare pales in comparison and seems out of place. Traditional Chinese food is eaten not just for sustenance but as an important part of an individual's health. Chinese medical practice uses food as a treatment for many common conditions. If I had any complaint, it would be to have more concise directions for the recipes. I made the red-braised pork but wasn't  clear whether the pork needed to be stir-fried until there was color but the flavors were there. I did add some dried orange peel and Sichuan peppercorns to give a tingle on the palette and a deeper depth of flavor. I also used the recipe for stir-fried eggs with tomatoes as a starting point for a breakfast dish which will be added soon.

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