This latest effort from the author of the IACP-winning Gulf Coast Kitchens
is all over the map in more ways than one. Snow collects recipes from around the world, but they're connected by the most tenuous of themes: rusticity and simplicity. Fair enough—but the range is so wide that readers may end up feeling baffled, with Chinese Rice Porridge, or congee, appearing only a few pages away from Campfire Brook Trout Wrapped in Bacon. True to Snow's word, most dishes are fairly quick to prepare, but plenty of gussied-up fare, such as Risotto, which requires 30 minutes of constant stirring, and Figs and Field Greens with Pancetta and Fig Vinaigrette—more likely to appear on the table of a yuppie than a peasant—is included. There are some unusual choices, such as Black Pot Roast with Coffee-Gingersnap Gravy, and Greek Lamb and Bulgur Meatballs with Cucumber Yogurt Dip, but many others, such as recipes for plain old pesto, hummus and even hamburgers, are ready for retirement. Savory and sweet pies are lumped together in a chapter that includes Peanut Butter and Pretzel Pie made with cream cheese and melted butter. Then there's a dessert chapter, which boasts Pillsbury Bake-Off Orange Kiss-Me Cake, the winner from 1950, and Milky Way Cake—sweets that certainly stretch the definition of rustic. Agent, Liv Blumer. (On sale Mar. 29)
