Bones: Recipes, History, and Lore : Book Review

"Bones" by Jennifer McLagan is a captivating and enlightening read that offers a fresh perspective on the often overlooked world of bones in cooking. McLagan takes readers on a fascinating journey through history, cultural traditions, and culinary exploration to showcase the versatility and richness of bones in the kitchen.

One of the highlights of the book is McLagan's exploration of the nutritional benefits of using bones in our meals. She emphasizes the collagen content of bones and explains how they contribute to creating flavorful broths and stocks. McLagan also provides valuable insights on how to source the best quality and ethically sourced bones, whether from butchers or farmers markets, ensuring that readers can make informed choices for their culinary experiments.

What truly sets "Bones" apart from other cookbooks is McLagan's innovative and imaginative approach to showcasing bone-based recipes. From timeless dishes such as bone marrow and roasted bone marrow to more daring and unique creations like roasted bone marrow with foie gras and bone marrow custard, the book pushes the boundaries of traditional cooking and encourages readers to explore new flavors and textures.

McLagan's writing style is engaging and informative, catering to both novice and experienced home cooks. She provides clear instructions and helpful tips throughout the book, guiding readers through the process of working with bones and ensuring successful outcomes.

Overall, "Bones" is an enthralling and educational book that celebrates the unsung hero of cooking: the humble bone. McLagan's passion for the subject shines through, inspiring readers to embrace bones as an essential ingredient in their culinary creations and to unlock the depth of flavor and nutrition they can bring to their meals. Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting your gastronomic journey, "Bones" is a must-read that will broaden your culinary horizons.

What are readers saying?

Jennifer McLagan's book "Bones" has garnered a variety of reviews from readers, but the overall reception has been positive. Many readers have praised the author's comprehensive and informative approach to the often overlooked aspect of cooking with bones. McLagan's extensive research on the topic has impressed readers, who consider her knowledge and attention to detail to be enlightening and impressive. The book is hailed as a comprehensive guide, providing detailed instructions on techniques such as stock-making and braising, while also offering a range of recipes that utilize different types of bones.

Reviewers have also expressed admiration for the photography in the book, finding the visuals to be visually appealing and helpful in understanding the concepts discussed in the text. The inclusion of photographs has added an extra layer of enjoyment to the reading experience.

Many readers have also found McLagan's conversational and humorous writing style to be engaging. Her anecdotes and personal experiences have made the book both educational and entertaining to read.

While the majority of readers enjoyed the book, a few have mentioned that it may not be suitable for those with limited cooking experience. They felt that some of the techniques and recipes may be too advanced for beginners and would have appreciated more basic explanations and instructions.

A small number of reviewers expressed a desire for more visual aids such as illustrations and diagrams throughout the book. They felt that these visuals would have further enhanced their understanding of the techniques and recipes shared in the book.

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