McCullough and Stevens are also the editors of the long-running annual The Best American Recipes. For this new volume, they have selected the "best of the best" recipes from that series, the ones they return to again and again, choosing from more than 1000 contenders. The recipes come from a variety of sources, from cookbooks to web sites to cooking schools, and the result is a mouthwatering array: Charred Tomatillo Guacamole; Tuscan Pork Roast with Herbed Salt; Mussels with Smoky Bacon, Lime, and Cilantro; and Mocha Fudge Pudding. (Note that the "American" in the title does not mean American classics but rather contemporary American recipes.) The editors have revised many of their original recipe headnotes, and they include useful and informative "Notes from the Test Kitchen" and helpful tips as well. There are also full-page color photographs of many of the dishes. A marvelous collection of recipes, this is highly recommended. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Daunted by the task of selecting the year's best recipes, James Beard Award-winners McCullough (Low-Carb Cookbook) and Stevens (All About Braising) realized that "our fellow home cooks were confronted with the same hopeless task" and decided to create the cookbook they themselves would want to have. The result: a well-written compendium of standout recipes from culinary stars (Jamie Oliver, Alice Waters), newspapers, magazines and lesser-known chefs and Web sites. Rick Bayless's foreword includes a recipe for Black Pepper French Toast that exemplifies the book's goal: to suggest new twists on classics, unexpected flavor combinations and dishes that work at a party or on a traditional Thanksgiving table. Highlights include Pasta with Asparagus and Lemon Sauce (Gourmet), Mussels with Smoky Bacon, Lime, and Cilantro (Food & Wine) and Bitter Orange Ice Cream (Nigella Bites). Each recipe has a brief introduction, and "notes from our test kitchen" offer savvy advice. This book will please a range of palates, and suit every skill level. It's a resource to keep near at hand, whether for special events or daily meals. 60 color photos. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved