I purchased my Capital Classics Cookbook (CC from this point on) after enjoying several delicious meals and appetizers at a dear friend's home. I finally asked her, "Where did you find these wonderful recipes?" She steered me to Capital Classics and its sister publication, Capital Celebrations.

First, the design of the book. I like that it is a large, sturdy spiral bound book. It is nearly square in dimensions, at 10.5" wide and 9.5" high. You can fold the cover back without damaging the book. It fits nicely into the plastic cook book holders that many might have on their counter. Also, there is a consistent layout of three recipes per page, in crisp black type on a white background. This makes it easier to follow as you move around the kitchen; you don't lose your place in this book.

Next, the illustrations. They are beautifully photographed and styled, showing the different colors, textures and presentations of the foods in a way you seldom see in cookbooks. Some of the photographs are of entire rooms, so you see the dining table resplendent with food and also giving you serving ideas. Some photos are shown with close ups of brightly painted crockery and dishes, making the photos cheery and the food appetizing. Some of the nicest photos have no food in them at all. My favorite "non-food" photo is the one of the Washington Monument at night, with fireworks blazing about it and the Lincoln Memorial highlighted next door.

And now, the recipes! This book contains some intricate, flavorful things, but their difficulty level ranges from beginner to more advanced. Many, if not most, of the recipes require ingredients easily found in most kitchens. Some are as simple as an herbed pork roast, whipped cream pound cake, Dillicious green beans, and lemon-glazed carrots. Others take simple vegetables, like asparagus, and just using simple ingredients such as butter (yum), vermouth (more yum), parsley, Parmesan cheese and paprika, turn it into a wonderfully festive and flavorful dish with very little effort. Another vegetable example is the Marmalade Carrots. It's so simple to take julienned carrots, orange juice, maple syrup and orange marmalade and turn it into a delicious alternative to plain carrots. These recipes entice my kids to eat their carrots!

Other recipes, from appetizers to desserts, are just a flavorful and elegant, but easy to make. In addition to easy-to-find ingredients, the recipe instructions are written concisely and clearly. It is truly a joy to cook from this book.

On another note, I like to buy cookbooks that are published by Junior League organizations from around the country. I find their recipes to be tried and true (CC's recipes are triple-tested), and not too difficult. They are often geared to men and women who don't want to spend all day in the kitchen, or who can't, but who also want to jazz up their meals or entertain in their homes. I have these books from Washington D.C., Denver, Boston, San Francisco, and Kansas City, to name my favorites.

Capital Classics has something for everyone's skill level and palate. You don't need fancy kitchen gadgets to recreate these mouth-watering dishes. Recipes include the more exotic Smoked Trout Pate (made with five simple ingredients!) and Neapolitan Mushrooms from the Appetizer sections, to a variety of hot and cold soups, many tasty salads, varied and delicious meats and fish, flavorful and special vegetables, and some of the best dessert recipes I have ever seen. Sample menus make party or meal planning easy, too.

All of these attributes, combined with a helpful recipe index and constructed in a durable and very functional style makes Capital Classics one of my favorite cookbooks, and one I'd recommend very highly.


(I purchase mine directly from the Junior League of Wash. D.C. Their address is 3039 M. Street, NW, Washington, D.C.,20007)

If you'd like, please check out some of my other book reviews:

The Church Ladies
http://www.epinions.com/content_113636642436

The Kennedy Women
http://www.epinions.com/content_113209609860

The Universe and The Teacup
http://www.epinions.com/content_113144008324

Quentins
http://www.epinions.com/content_110845595268

Maneater
http://www.epinions.com/content_110309576324

The Night of January 16th
http://www.epinions.com/content_107452403332

All the Presidents' Children
http://www.epinions.com/content_103249317508

The Last Brother - a biography of Ted Kennedy
http://www.epinions.com/content_91330743940

The Patriarch - The Rise and Fall of the Bingham Dynasty
http://www.epinions.com/content_91067551364

Catch Me If You Can
http://www.epinions.com/content_89177558660

Embers
http://www.epinions.com/content_88622927492

Lindbergh
http://www.epinions.com/content_88079175300

Mrs. Bridge
http://www.epinions.com/content_87304081028

Mr. Bridge
http://www.epinions.com/content_87096659588



Recommended: Yes