Haven't seen that particular book, Phil. But I can offer a good guess as to why the reviews are so high.
For many beginner cooks, variations on a theme come as a revelation. Keep in mind they have not progressed to the point where they are willing to change recipes with wild abandon. Indeed, many just-starting cooks are afraid to change a recipe for fear of ruining the dish.
Then comes a book which tells them, "hey, you like this recipe? Well you're not stuck with it, because you can make the following changes......"
Eventually, it is hoped, those folks will understand that its a knowledge of techniques and how flavors work with each other, not a recipe, that makes a good cook. Until then, such books can ease them along the way.
But I certainly agree with your basic premise. If you need a recipe then you for sure aren't improvising. |