Calling all cooks! Food Lover’s Companion by Sharon Tyler Herbst is a must-have for every kitchen novice and foodie out there.  This little book is fully-loaded with culinary terms and definitions, helpful charts on cuts of meat, spice pairings, and so very much more. I keep a copy at home AND at work. I also like to give a copy to friends getting married. It’s a life-saver for those friends who hardly ever don an apron!!

We love this little book so much at SL that we keep a copy in the Test Kitchens.  It comes in handy for many a tasting-table discussion.  Whether you’re a busy mom with little time to spare or a foodie at heart, this book has something for everyone.  Trust me. It’s the ultimate go-to for much-needed kitchen info like…. 

Cheese confusion – When’s the last time you stood glaring at the cheese assortment in a haze of confusion?  What do I sub for provolone? Hmmm, ripened cheese? Do I cut the rind off of brie?

Herb haze – did the recipe call for lemon balm, lemon grass, or lemon verbena?  What’s the difference?

“Term” trauma – this custard recipe calls for a bain marie.  If you don’t speak French, no worries. 

Grab this quickie food reference book and get cookin’.  Let me know what you think.  I suspect you’ll want to thank me for the head’s up!