The Frugal Gourmet on Our Immigrant Ancestors: Recipes You Should Have Gotten from Your Grandmother

When I was a kid I used to come home and turn on the Frugal Gourmet as he whipped up his meals. It was the first cooking show that I had ever seen and I still have fond memories of it. I bought this cookbook at a second hand store and have loved it ever since. The book breaksdown into chapters introducing and including simple recipes from different countries. Each dish is a typical, common meal that you would be served if you were there. The food is easy to make and all the ingredients are things you should be able to pick up in the local grocery store. The countries range from Cuba, Mexico, USA to Spain, Italy, Norway, France and then on to Ethiopia, Thailand, Egypt, Philippines, and Japan. There are around 60 or so countries represented and I have attempted to try foods from each. I love especially the Cuban, Hungarian, and German dishes. I really like how Smith puts his personal touch in describing fondly some of the reasons he chose the recipes. The Frugal Gourmet has a series of cook books but this one is a good starter. This is great for someone who likes comfort food, and cuisine from different countries.

My family has been using this cookbook for about 15 years, and we all love it. My brother and I started using it as high school kids, and loved experimenting with the enormous range of completely different cuisines represented here. When we left home our parents gave us each copies of this book, and it's still a favorite; now my husband loves the Filipino egg rolls, and the authentic Ethiopian section brings back fond memories of time I spent working there. Over the years we've tried a high proportion of the recipes, and they've never failed or turned out "wrong." You will need access to some unusual ingredients, but many come in dried forms you could order over the internet if the selection in your town is limited. There's a helpful ingredient dictionary that suggests some substitutions. Any unfamilar techniques are explained so clearly, it's hard for even an inexperienced cook to mess things up. This is a great cookbook for any adventurous eater!

This book is an excellent tool to sample cuisines from numerous cultures. Each of the recipes that I have tried are excellent. Also, there is a background of not only each culture, but often a background of each dish.The book is not only a good cookbook, but also a fun and educational read.

If you can't get your kids interested in history or world events, or better yet if they are, this cookbook is just what you're looking for. No lesson about the world at large is complete until we connect with those we hear about. Food is the ultimate form of communication, and this book communicates brilliantly. Every listing of recipes from an ethinic group in this book includes a map of their place of origin, and details of what great events of history shaped them. They also give the dates of major surges of immigration to the US for each group. Help your family develop a hunger for history with this book. You won't regret anything but the pounds (this stuff is delicious!).

I just about cried when I tasted the Hungarian cabbage rolls in this book. I bought this cookbook a few years back and this is my favorite! I never was graced with being able to spend a day with my grandmother in the kitchen learning her recipes that she brought over from Hungary. Jeff has nailed them! I have spent years tasting other peoples Hungarian recepies and none have come close. The secrete is in the paprika gravy! For anyone who is truly looking for an international cookbook, this is a must! My family and I have had more fun with this cookbook trying all the different recepies from all over the wolrld. PBS....Bring back Jeff Smith.... Jeff if you are out there...we miss you in Cleveland!