Title: Small Batch - Pickles, Cheese, Chocolate, Spirits, and the Return of Artisanal Foods Author: Suzanne Cope Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Published: 10-15-2014 Pages: 244 Genre: Nonfiction Sub-Genre: Cooking, Food & Wine, Cookbook, Education & References, History, Gastronomy ISBN: 978142227347 ASIN: B00OLG9VJA Reviewed For NetGalley and Rowman & Littlefield Reviewer: DelAnne Rating: 4.25 Stars
THis is not a how to book, rather it is a short history on making small batches and the way it has become a popular preparation of smaller, personalized homemade batches of pickles, cheeses, chocolates and spirits by todays consumers. There is much to be learned for those interested.
My rating of "Small Batch - Pickles, Cheese, Chocolate, Spirits, and the Return of Artisanal Foods" is 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Small Batch: Pickles, Cheese, Chocolate, Spirits and the Return of Artisanal Food is written by Suzanne Cope, and explores four main areas of artisanal creativity in the US. It's a gem, packed full of history, interesting people, and stories of entrepreneurs, making their way in a nation that has gone to conglomerates and processed food.
Cope is an extraordinary writer, one who can easily combine history and current stories and weave them into an enticing narrative. While I half expected some recipes in this book (I do can my own jams and pickles), what I got was so much more. It's a glimpse into an ever-changing landscape of regulations, of marketing and cooperation, of passionate people creating amazing foods. It's a story of cheese (and cows), of chocolate (and fair trade), of pickles and history, of spirits and process. Her last chapter, Defining the Movement, One Bite at a Time, is an interesting encapsulation of the artisanal revolution sweeping our nation - and perhaps, changing the way we eat, bite by bite. The book is inspiring, educational, and makes you hungry. Highly recommended!
I received access to this title via NetGalley, but my opinion and review are wholly my own. I found this book different that expected since I am interested in hands on rather than historical accounts. This book is great for someone that wants to hear about, but not do anything in regards to artisanal foods. In the hands of the correct reader this would be a fascinating read since it talks in depth about each of the four artisanal foods mentioned in the title. What makes them artisanal and the story of an artisanal producer of the item. I would highly recommend this title to anyone that has heard of small batch and or artisanal foods and wishes to learn more about what that means.
This was a good read. I enjoyed the history about the artisans movement and the different eras'. I didn't know that there was that much history. I personally enjoy local artisanal foods as they are fresh. If you are looking for how to this isn't the book for you.