Everybody Eats Well in Belgium Cookbook

When I lived in Belgium, it drove me crazy the amount of attention and respect devoted to food. Why, I would wonder, can't we just pick up a box of cereal and call it breakfast? Now back in America, I realize what a true fool I was. Everything about the Belgian meal was phenomenal: the labor of love, the attention to detail, the combination of taste and texture and the presentation -- but mostly the quest for perfection. I almost did a backflip when I found this book, because I had bought many Belgian cookbooks written in French and Flemish but the conversions were difficult to do. Ruth Van Waerebeek not only makes certain that Belgian recipes can be made with American measurements, but she tells a bit about the culture that comes with the recipes, so you get a complete Belgian experience when you make the recipes. The waffle recipe works like a charm and will make a popular tradition -- these are amazing and authentic -- no frozen food aisle version can even come close. I also recommend the Mussels and Belgian Endive gratin recipes. The secret to amazing French Fries is in this book, as well. There is something amazingly satisfying about Belgian food. It is both simple and rich and it makes for a joyful meal. Everybody Eats Well in Belgium contains a treasure chest of recipes that will become family favorites and dinner party masterpieces. In short, this book is a steal at any price.

I married into a Belgian family, and I have to say, I was intimidated by my mother-in-law's wonderful cooking. How would I ever measure up? In fifteen years, I've learned quite a few of her recipes, but after reading this book, I finally understand where she's coming from. Ruth Van Waerbeek not only introduces Belgian food and cooking, but an entire way of life. The recipes are great, and the stories and anecdotes are even better. This is one of those cookbooks you can sit and read cover-to-cover, even when you're not looking for a recipe. I'm ordering one for my mother-in-law --she'll love it!

I've lived in Belgium for over five years. When I got here I knew no one. I happened to meet a wonderful Belgian woman with whom I fell in love with and married. This book was given to us by very good friends on our third anniversary a few months ago. My wife laughed at this peculiar present from Americans and put it with the rest of our cookbooks. However, some months ago she was trying to remember a family recipe and was having a difficult time recalling all the stuff that when in it. So she got the cookbook out, found the recipe, and prepared the food according to the book. Now, she cooks from this book on a regular basis and I am the benefactor of this. This was a great present and it truly is a great cookbook. It is very accurate and reflects the fine Flemish and French cuisine of Belgium. I highly recommend this book for lovers of good food.

This is THE best book in English on Belgian cuisine. People who have visited Belgium, love it's typical dishes: Belgian endives, aspargus, waffles, "Waterzooi", mussels, fries, ... This book - which appeals to beginning and expert cooks - explains you in a simple and playful way how to make these dishes yourself.

My father always said that Belgian cooking is the best in the world. After a trip to Brussels, in which I was absolutely overwhelmed by the wonderful flavors of every meal I ate, I would have to agree with him. Belgian cuisine has its basis in medieval cooking, and favors such combinations as fruit with meat, and beer used to cook virtually anything. This cookbook is full of surprising and delicious food combinations, and these hearty recipes are wonderfully easy to make! Flemish Style Braised Endive is now one of my favorite things on earth to eat. Another big favorite in our household is Chicken with Grapes. The flavor combinations are fabulous.