About.com Rating

The Bottom Line

Chef Albert Kooy himself sums it up best: "The New Dutch Cuisine will be a permanent source of inspiration for any serious cook, whether born in the Netherlands, raised with Dutch culture or just cooking in the Netherlands."

Pros

• A non-touristy cookbook that is available in English.
• Both traditional and modern Dutch dishes are included.
• There are plenty of recipes at various levels of complexity.

• The author champions local, seasonal ingredients and believes in cooking 'local'.
• A fresh, clean and modern layout, with striking design and photography.

Cons

• The English can read non-native in places and I have issues with some of the translations.
• Some ingredients are confusing (badly translated and/or not well referenced).
• He uses some very cheffy terms.
• He leaves out some steps in some of the recipes.
• 1/3 of the book is dedicated to the introduction (quotes from chefs,his vision, product info, etc.)

Description

• The New Dutch Cuisine
• By Albert Kooy
• Published by KM Publishers
• Euro 49,95-
• ISBN 978-9075979060

Guide Review - Dutch Cookbook Review: The New Dutch Cuisine

Most Dutch cookbooks fall into one of two categories: the great ones that are only available in Dutch (I can think of a few, like Lekker Hollands and Kookboek voor Meisjes van 8 tot 88, and those that are available in English, but clearly aimed at tourists. The New Dutch Cuisine, by Albert Kooy is one of the few modern Dutch cookbooks that is available in English.

While the author uses too many cheffy words for my liking, misses a step or two in some recipes (assuming, one presumes, that the reader will know what to do) and the English sounds a bit non-native at times; the overall philosophy of the book, i.e. cooking with the best quality local ingredients and being true to where you live, is one that speaks to me. I also like the fresh design and layout (there’s not a windmill or tulip in sight) and the variety of recipes on offer (both basic and advanced).

Try a Recipe from the Book:

Chocolate Custard (Chocoladevla)

Frikadel (Dutch snack sausage)

Dutch Veal Croquettes (Kalfskroketten)