Blue Ginger by Ming Tsai : John Mariani has
called Ming Tsai "the foremost interpreter of
East-West cuisine in America today," and the
appreciative diners at Blue Ginger, Ming's
celebrated restaurant in Wellesley, Massachusetts, and
fans of his top-rated Food Network show, East Meets West
with Ming Tsai, agree. Now, in his first cookbook, Ming
shares the technique and philosophy behind his exciting
cross-cultural fare. The key, Ming explains, is
retaining a healthy respect for the traditions of each
cuisine so that diverse elements can be combined in a
harmonious way. His trademark Foie Gras and Morel Shu
Mai, for example, elevates a traditional yet simple
Asian preparation with a luxuriously sophisticated
Western ingredient and transforms a humble dish into
truly elegant fare. Prosciutto and Asian Pear Maki is a
playful reinterpretation of a Japanese favorite, while
Classic Roast Chicken with Sticky Rice Stuffing gives
the holiday staple a savory new spin. The result is food
that's inventive yet not trendy, complex in flavor
but surprisingly easy to prepare. In chapters devoted
to Soups; Dim Sum (irresistible starters and bite-sized
party fare); Rice and Noodles; Seafood; Birds; Meat;
Sides; Oils, Dips and Seasonings; and Desserts, Ming
proves again and again how delicious the coming together
of East and West can be: Gingered Beef with Leeks and
Asparagus, Hoisin-Marinated Chicken with Napa Slaw,
Asian Gazpacho with Cilantro-Jicama Cream, and
Wok-Flashed Salt and Pepper Shrimp are all quick and
straightforward preparations that provide big flavors in
every bite. And when it's time to pull out all the
stops, a chapter dedicated to Over-the-Top recipes will
guide home cooks through an array ofshowstopping dishes
that dazzle with innovative techniques and
presentations. Beverage suggestions accompany each
recipe to complete the dining experience.