I have to admit I like this book, Meals and Recipes from Ancient Greece.
The reason I like it, other then a very good write up on meals, menu’s and historic features is that the recipes are based on other gourmets rather then just another Apicius reproduction. Of course the measurements are sparse but the recipes are from many sources. The fish section alone is amazing! More fish recipes then I have seen in any other Roman/Greek cookbook yet. Very very interesting to read. Can not wait to try 2 or 3 of these.
The bread section is a fascinating read. The author does give his own version of each recipe; however every one should feel free to add or subtract as they feel they are comfortable with. I have at least a couple of the bread recipes marked for my experimental to do list.
I could wish for about another 80 pages or so in both information and recipes but for the pricing it’s pretty good. A great addition to any Roman cooking library. Overall I give this book an A-.
Apicius has been translated numerous times. It is THE roman cookbook. The translations though have varied from very good to blech! I have to say that the newest edition for Apicius is very good.
What I like about the book is that the original Latin is on the left page while the English translation is to the right. I also think that the research done for Roman cooking is in depth and very well written. There are no redactions to the translated recipes, which I really like. This gives the reader a chance to form their own opinion. I do wonder though as S. Grainger is one of the authors if this is not the book from which she uses as her primary source to her cookbook on Roman cuisine “Cooking Apicius”. If this is the case then both books would be a very good compliment to each other.
Cooking wise, this is NOT for beginners. Apicius expected a person to know their way around a kitchen and not need hand holding. Overall I think this is one of the top 3 Roman books to have. I give this an A+ for original recipes, information and a great format for reading/researching.
Sosha Lyon's O'Rourk's Medieval Redactions English, Italian, Middle Eastern, Roman, Medieval Redactions and Recipes, Medieval Research Papers, Subtleties – Grill Mistress of the Pork
