cover image Charlie Trotter Cooks at Home

Charlie Trotter Cooks at Home

Charlie Trotter. Ten Speed Press, $35 (211pp) ISBN 978-1-58008-250-1

Noted for his famous collections of challenging yet incomparably lucid recipes, Chicago chef Trotter (Charlie Trotter's Desserts) offers 150 examples of his restaurant fare made considerably more accessible to the home cook. Starters range from the ultraeasy Smoked Salmon Tartare with Horseradish Cream to the more demanding Lobster and Sweet Corn Ravioli with Sweet Corn Broth. True to form, however, Trotter does not forego his customary style of combining unexpected flavors with finesse. Such recipes as Cantaloupe, Mango and Asian Pear Salad with Key Lime-Vanilla Bean Vinaigrette, and Cardimon Beef Stew with Potatoes, Celery Root and Parsnips exemplify his reach beyond the everyday routine. Along the way, he explains his savvy if uncommon preparation techniques. Slow-Roasted Salmon with Garlic and Thyme Risotto calls for skinned fillets to rest in a 225-degree oven atop aromatics for a longish 35 to 45 minutes. When Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Beef Tenderloin with Wild Mushroom Risotto is on the menu, he suggests how to partially cook the risotto earlier in the day to relieve mealtime pressure. Desserts include the intriguing Fresh Strawberry Tarts with Basil Cr me Fraiche. Having already established a loyal following with his beautifully photographed, eye-catching volumes, Trotter is sure to attract newcomers with this book of simpler recipes. (Nov.)