Rick Stein's Mediterranean Escapes

A favourite pastime of the English -- whenever the sky is grey -- is to thumb lovingly through sumptuous recipe books such as Rick Stein's Mediterranean Escapes and be transported to sunnier climes while (simultaneously) being inspired to tackle these delicious-sounding recipes. To read this book is very much like entering the exotic world the author unfolds for us, and Stein's culinary journey takes us through all the islands and along the coast of this exquisite region. For Stein, this is as much a book about the striking personalities he met along the route as he located the region's finest cuisine. And as the people he met reminded him over and over again, culinary `trends' are simply not considered in this region: the crucial thing is the quality of the ingredients and who are the best producers of such essential commodities as olive oil.

All of this, of course, chimes perfectly with Stein's own views on such issues, and he commendably ignores the various trends currently driving much cookery, presenting to us here a hundred recipes, including Feta and Mint Pastries, Corsican Oysters with a Pernod and tarragon dressing, along with many others that will inspire and delight. It's a battered cliché to say how essential impressive photography in a cookery book such as this is, but Earl Carter deserves particular commendation here for showcasing Stein's creations. --Barry Forshaw

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A feast for the senses, and inspiration to travel... - Rated
There's no greater way to inspire the wanton traveller than books about the places he wishes to visit. I came across this book at the exact time I began planning an upcoming trip around the med.

I've been engrossing myself in Mediterranean cooking for some years now, and wanted to expand my culinary knowledge of the area. While I don't watch much TV, I am well aware of Rick Stein's reputation and capabilities, but am simply in awe of the attitude he takes to food.

Every recipe is introduced by the story of its origin or how he discovered it, introducing the local people who create them, and even the history of the dish. The Med is a very diverse area covering parts of Europe, North Africa and the Middle-east, so the diversity of flavours is astonishing.

A read through the pages is in itself like a short journey. The pages are filled with colour photos of the food and locations where they can be found, all fresh looking feasts filled with mouth-watering ingredients interspersed with sun-drenched vistas with blue skies and amazing architectures, scenes of local culture and natural wonders.

The recipes themselves are wondrous and arrange themselves into colourful and nutritious dishes to suit every pallet. Mediteranean cooking is among the healthiest and most vibrant in the world and caters literally to every taste sensation, from mild to spicy, meaty, fishy and veggie...

This book covers everything from the familiars like pastas, salads and cheeses to the more exotic flavours like souvlaki, stifado and Moroccan chicken.

In fact this has given me quite an appetite so I'll leave you with my recommendation to try this book.

When I shut my eyes I am almost there... - Rated
This is an awesome book. Beautifully written, photographed and printed.

I love the Mediterranean which in truth does help, when reading a book such as this.

The recipes are easy to follow, and give good results.

The story is engaging.

But best of all after reading the book, and tasting the food, if I close my eyes I am there....looking at the sun setting, boats bobbing in the sea, and glowing from the sun.

Until I open my eyes, and see washing up, pots and pans everywhere, but then you cant expect a book to wash up for you as well can you!

beautiful book - Rated
The price does not prepare you for the quality of this book. The binding, paper etc are top quality and the photography is stunning and original. Haven't tried any recipes yet, but they look easy and very tempting.

Just fabulous! - Rated
Scheduling of the show was a bit weird so I missed half of the tv series but bought the book on the few episodes I saw alone and I have not been disappointed. I have to say I have never cooked so many receipes in such a short space of time from one book.

Alot of the dishes are one pot wonders. The photography of the food and the way Stein enthuses just has you planning a week of dinners in 5 minutes flat while the photography of the regions has me planning my next holiday!

I can't recommend it highly enough.

Delicious, delightful and straightforward - Rated
Anyone who has holidayed in the Mediterannean and wants to relive good memories of the good food they ate out there will enjoy this book. Rick Stein's dishes are a feast to look at - the book is very well presented with a good selection of dishes that bring out the many flavours of the Mediterannean - our only complaint is that it should have been a bigger book. However, we have no complaints about the dishes already prepared using this book. Enjoy.