The food lover's guide to meat and potatoes /

It's time for the much-maligned combo of meat and potatoes to get tributes for nutrition and taste. The straightforward presentation discusses myths--such as, yes, the darker the raw meat appears, the older the animal. The 35 recipes are marked by a deft touch, many creative sparks infusing the selection. --Barbara Jacobs

Herbst, the author of several cookbooks and food-related titles (e.g., A Food Lover's Tiptionary, LJ 3/15/94), appears regularly on Good Morning America to offer her kitchen tips. In these two titles, the first of a new series, she offers recipes and information on that favorite all-American combo, meat and potatoes, and on two favorite dessert flavorings, whether on their own or together. Not surprisingly, each book is filled with valuable tip boxes and the type of useful culinary facts that are her expertise. The introduction to meat is particularly good, covering buying, storing, and cooking techniques. And her recipes are good too. She describes her desserts as "seriously indulgent," and most are delectable, from Black Magic Mousse to Dream Cream. Meat and potato choices include Plum Crazy Pork Chops and Spiced-Twice Potato Hash. While each book includes only 35 recipes, the series is based on an appealing concept, and these titles seem likely to be popular. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.