Cookbooks of note

Three cookbooks have come across my desk in recent weeks. Before the blog, some of these cookbooks would sit on my desk as references materials, and I wouldn't have had the opportunity to share them with the readers.

"660 Curries" by Raghavan Iyer (Workman Publishing, $22.95) fits that bill. Iyer, a Bombay native and certified culinary professional, compiled the book, which contains more curries than anyone might ever possibly imagine. Many of us in this region are not familiar with Indian cuisine and think that curry is a seasoning or is a generic term for an Indian dish. Curry refers to any dish that contains meat, fish, poultry, beans, vegetables or fruit, covered with a sauce or other liquid made with fragrant spices and herbs.

The only restaurant in the region where I've sampled a curry is Gloria's World Foods in Murray, where a group of friends from my graduate school program gathered for lunch after an intensive writing workshop session. Since it was 99-degrees plus and like 200 percent humidity outside, I ordered the fruit curry. An array of tropical fruit covered in a sweet sauce and served over rice arrived at the table. The dish delivered a light, but satisfying, taste.

Besides posting a recipe, Iyer describes the origin of the dish, which makes for delightful reading, an appetizer if you must before moving on to the main course.

I couldn't find a fruit curry recipe, but his book covers everything from appetizers to vegetable curries to those with beef, chicken or seafood.

The second book of note comes from McClahanan Publishing House in Kuttawa. "Another Serving: The Kentucky Monthly 10th Anniversary Cookbook" contains the recipes from Paula Cunningham's cooking columns in Kentucky Monthly. Just from flipping through the book, the recipes contain simple down-home ingredients. I'd love to tell you more and share a recipe, but you'll just have to wait until Wednesday for the Taste page.

Finally, if I don't mention this one I might find myself without a babysitter. Mom gave me a copy for Christmas of "Cooking with the Quilt Lovers of Murray," of which she's a member. Until last weekend, the book was buried underneath other books in a box after the move. This cookbook features recipes from quilt guild members and their friends, and all recipes are the ones most of us have had at a potluck or family dinner.

Although I've said a few unkind things (in jest, of course) about Mom's cooking, she did put in one of my favorite recipes.

Crispy Cheese Balls.
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 stick sharp cheddar cheese
2 sticks margarine
1/2 teaspoon red pepper
2 cups Rice Krispies
1/2 teaspoon salt

Soften cheese and margarine. Mix flour, softened cheese, margarine, red pepper and salt. Mix in cereal. Roll into small balls. Mash slightly with a fork. Bake a 350 degrees until golden brown or 20 minutes.

The book can be ordered for $10 plus $3.50 for postage and handling by sending a check to Quilt Lovers of Murray, P.O. Box 265, Murray, KY 42071.

I love receiving cookbooks, so please send them along. I'll find a way to use them, either in the blog or in the newspaper.