The Golden Rules of Spices

by Ethne and Philippe de Vienne

Ethné and Philippe de Vienne have spent the better part of the last 20 years in search of the world’s most exceptional spices. Along the way, they’ve created their never-before-published theory based on four rules which are simple and well illustrated by the 60 recipes in their new book. The Golden Rules of Spices is a large-format cook book with a companion box set of 20 spice blends and 6 spices. Clearly outlined categories– based on the taste profiles of spices and blends –greatly facilitate and demystify the use of spices in everyday cooking. At last, we can now understand why it is possible to use a blend such as Chinese Five spices for a stir-fried pork filet or a traditional apple pie! Better still, a well-illustrated guide informs us which spices can be substituted for another – and which cannot. Substituting a blend changes the flavor of your favorite recipe, but not the taste. As usual , you can accompany Ethné & Philippe on some of their spice hunting adventures throughout the world by way of intimate portraits that showcase some of their mentors and suppliers.

144 pages, Spiral-bound

Reviews

[Aisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for wonderful spices and explorations into the applications, balance, and people behind it all. Recipes are not very detailed, with some typos throughout the book. Feels a bit slapdash, but it’s clear the authors are very passionate about the subject matter and making things come alive. Would’ve liked more detail all around, from how they determined ratios in spice blends to thoughts on the nuances of substitutions beyond the golden rules.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book incredibly informative! I enjoy cooking and have a vast collection of spices, I actually know very little about them.

I highly enjoyed the stories throughout detailing people the authors have met and built relationships with to how they established trades in all of these countries.

The recipes look amazing and I can’t wait to try them out!