The Frugal Gourmet Cooks Three Ancient Cuisines, by Jeff Smith (1989)

USA: William Morrow, 1989. Hardcover. used-acceptable, water damage on page edges,/Yes. 6.25x9.5. “The Frugal Gourmet Cooks Three Ancient Cuisines” (1989), by Jeff Smith. The popular television chef prepares a range of culinary treats based on the ancient cuisines of China, Greece, and Rome. Much of his Herculean effort, however, turns up fare that appears relatively modern. Characteristically, Smith goes out of his way to make food accessible, sometimes too much so: crushed potato chips garnish a Chinese fish salad, and MSG is an optional ingredient in many Hong Kong dishes. Unusual ingredients, cooking terms and techniques are ably covered, and the recipes themselves make entertaining reading. The ever-popular Frugal Gourmet focuses on the cuisines he feels most influenced the development of Western cooking. Here are some 400 recipes for Chinese, Greek, and Italian dishes. Some are updated versions of ancient dishes, but many seem merely to be typical contemporary food from the three countries; few are complicated to prepare. Smith's vast audience ensures wide demand.