📖 Overview
The New German Cookbook presents over 230 recipes that represent both traditional and contemporary German cuisine. Published in 1993 by authors Jean Anderson and Hedy Würz, this collection captures the evolution of German cooking from its rustic roots to modern interpretations.
The recipes span multiple categories including appetizers, soups, main dishes, desserts, and baked goods, with an emphasis on regional specialties from different German states. Each recipe includes cultural context, preparation tips, and notes on ingredient substitutions for the American home cook.
The cookbook goes beyond recipes to explore German food culture, cooking techniques, and the historical influences that shaped the cuisine. This comprehensive volume serves as both a practical cooking guide and a documentation of German culinary heritage, bridging old-world traditions with contemporary kitchen practices.
👀 Reviews
Readers say this cookbook offers authentic German recipes that match what they ate in Germany or what their German relatives made. Many note the detailed historical context and cultural explanations for each dish.
Likes:
- Clear, step-by-step instructions
- Mix of traditional and modern German recipes
- Includes hard-to-find regional specialties
- Ingredient substitutions for American cooks
Dislikes:
- Some recipes require long prep times
- A few readers report inconsistent measurements
- Limited photos
- Several mention the binding falls apart easily
One reader wrote: "Finally found an authentic recipe for the potato dumplings my grandmother used to make." Another noted: "The sauerbraten recipe alone is worth the price."
Ratings:
Amazon: 4.5/5 (89 reviews)
Goodreads: 4.3/5 (42 ratings)
Library Thing: 4/5 (12 ratings)
Most critical reviews focus on the book's physical quality rather than recipe content.
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🤔 Interesting facts
• Jean Anderson spent significant time researching German cuisine directly in Germany during the 1980s, visiting both home cooks and professional chefs to gather authentic recipes.
• The cookbook includes recipes from all regions of Germany, including former East Germany, which was unusual for Western cookbooks published during the Cold War era.
• Many recipes in the book feature lighter, modern interpretations of traditional German dishes, reflecting the evolution of German cuisine beyond the stereotypical heavy fare.
• The author worked with German food historians to include historical context for dishes, tracing some recipes back to medieval times.
• The book earned the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) Cookbook Award in the International category, recognizing its contribution to preserving and sharing German culinary heritage.