The German Kitchen

Knuth, a classically trained chef who, with his wife Catherine, owns the German restaurant Das Kaffeehaus outside of Sydney, was raised outside Hamburg. Knuth writes that “growing up near the sea within a close-knit farming community, my interest in produce and cooking was a natural progression.” The authors offer traditional German recipes, accompanied by wonderful photos. Readers will enjoy familiar favorites: goulash; German barley soup; a dish of lentil, bacon, and bockwurst; and cabbage and beet soup. From the sea comes cod in mustard sauce; and oven-baked trout with white-wine vinegar and leeks; and Grandma’s veal stroganoff. Standout sides include comforting dishes such as braised-apple red cabbage; bacon and potato gratin; and zucchini and fresh green beans, in white wine. In all, this is an excellent introduction to an overlooked cuisine deserving of attention. (June)