From Tapas to Mezze

Yesterday I cookbook I’d ordered a few days ago arrived on my doorstep.  It’s the newly released updated "From Tapas to Meze" by Joanne Weir. 

When it arrived I was in the middle of another project but thought I’d take a quick peek at it.  That was a bad idea!  The book drew me in as I scanned chapter after chapter.  I wanted to jump in the car, load up on ingredients and come back and start cooking! 

This cookbook is devoted to the small plates of the Mediterranean.  Often more than just appetizers but not necessarily an entree, they allow diners to sample many tastes and textures at one sitting. 

Joanne is from the Bay area and has her own PBS show.  I’ve never seen her show but was fortunate enough to attend a class she taught at my local Sur La Table a year or so ago.  At that time I started looking for this cookbook.  It was originally published 10 years ago but had become very scarce.  I found a copy or two on Ebay but wasn’t willing to pay the asking price.  So, when I heard it was being updated and released again I was ecstatic!  I’ll be cooking from it soon and I’ll give you more information then. 

I also recently discovered "Culinaria Spain" and "Culinaria Italy".  They are part of a series that also is, unfortunately, only available in limited (often used) quantities.  It looks like I discovered them too late.  If you happen to come across them, I highly recommend them.  More than just a cookbook, they describe a country region by region.  Much of the emphasis is on food common to the area but they also cover geography, famous sights and other points of interest.  These are beautiful books and I’ll be scouring the used bookstores in town trying to find a couple other volumes.