How To Repair Food
by Marina and John Bear with Tanya Zerzyck

Publisher:  Ten Speed Press
ISBN:  089815555X

Even the most experienced cook is bound to have a failure in the kitchen every now and then. Authors Marina and John Bear with Tanya Zeryck can help save the day with tips, hints and corrections in the revised and updated edition of How To Repair Food.

This food repair manual is peppered with not only cooking disaster repair information, but also preventative, preparation and usage tips on such symptoms as smelly, salty, overcooked, undercooked, discoloration, bland, burned and a myriad of other complaints. It is handily organized alphabetically by subject from abalone to zucchini.

In addition to food repair information, you'll find over forty easy, yet effective recipes not only for fresh vegetables, meats and sauces, but also leftovers. The appendices include food storage information, fruit and vegetable seasonability chart, weights and measures, stain removal tips and help with utensil and appliance problems. A list of emergency pantry first aid supplies is also included, so you'll know what to have on hand to repair your food. And if that meal just cannot be repaired, there is a full nearly-gourmet menu with recipes for a last resort dinner to feed four, all made from the emergency supply list.

It seems like a lot of information to pack into 140 pages. The information is well organized with succinct instructions, written with just the right splash of gentle humor to make it enjoyable as well as useful reading. How To Repair Food is a good reference handbook for any cook, no matter the level of expertise, and a perfect gift for newlyweds.

Peggy Trowbridge, your Guide for Home Cooking