August 3, 2011 1:22 pm

Book of the Day: Stir it Up

As children, we’re told to dream. We’re told to imagine all the possibilities and reach for the stars. The typical question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” is normally answered with, “Police officer,” “Firefighter,” or “A princess.” It isn’t every day that a child answers, “I want to be a chef.”

In Stir it Up, Ramin Ganeshram tells the story of a little girl with a dream. This sweet book is filled with stories about Anjali Krishnan, a Queens-born, Trinidadian-Indian girl who has love in her heart and food on her mind. The story follows Anjali through her journey to following her dreams with incredible once-in-a-lifetime culinary opportunities. Ganeshram takes readers through high points and low points with Anjali, leaving us constantly rooting for her and hopeful that she'll succeed.

Throughout the book, simple, yet mouthwatering, recipes are inserted alongside stories that describe the flavors, texture and meaning of each dish. My personal favorite, Coconut Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies, had me closing my eyes and dreaming about how good the cookies must taste. The recipes have an Indian and Trinidadian flare with ingredients that may not be sitting in your spice cabinet, but the directions are broken down and won’t alienate any aspiring chefs (or even those just learning how to use a knife). With dishes like Sweet Rice and Spicy Fried Channa, I’d say my future dinner lineup is going to be ethnic, filling and delicious.

Photo credit: Kiss the Book

� Written by Zoee Silber

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Tags : Zoee Silber, Stir it up, Ramin Ganeshram, Book of the Day, Other

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