The Turkish Dining Table: Recipes for Health and Happiness

"Novices new to Turkish or international cooking will find it an easy, appealing introduction."
--California Bookwatch

Turkish cuisine has borrowed from French, Italian, Persian, Ottoman, and Arab influences to craft menus rich in culture and tradition. With more than 650 recipes broken down into twenty-four categories, The Turkish Dining Table: Recipes for Health and Happiness is a valuable cookbook for the novice or expert who is interested in experiencing great Turkish cuisine. From hummus to grilled whiting, from lentil and mint soup to Bosnian ravioli, all food categories are covered in this complete Turkish cookbook. Entire meals to snacks and desserts are offered, some very familiar to American palates, others a distinct departure from the ordinary.

Being hypoglycemic, Mrs. Vural understands the need for healthful menu choices. With the counsel of her personal doctor and dietitian, she has devoted an entire section on nutritionally healthy cooking and eating that includes main dishes and diet sweets.

The importance of presentation in Turkish cuisine is revealed in this cookbook's photography. Vibrant, colorful photos of prepared dishes are just as delectable to the eye as the recipes are to the palate.

A native of Turkey, H. G 1/2ler Vural taste tested all the recipes and selected the ones she felt were indicative of the wide variety of the eastern and western regions of the country. The extensive list of categories is infused with helpful hints about ingredient purchases and food preparation. Which months of the year are best for purchasing certain meats, fruits, and vegetables or how to use stale bread are practical suggestions that can be the foundation of any cook's kitchen expertise.