One demanding New Jersey chef once tied his cooks to the stove by their apron strings. Another was such a finicky eater as a child, he refused to allow his cereal to touch his milk. One was kissed by Fidel Castro, another played onstage with Todd Rundgren. Celebrity Chefs of New Jersey peeks into the kitchens and the lives of some of the most famous chefs in the Garden State, where foodies and other gourmands will discover passions, kitchen secrets, life lessons, and signature recipes. Not so long ago, perhaps even just at the turn of this century, it was easy to lament the lack of sophisticated food in New Jersey. Oh sure, a few restaurants always sparkled, but, for the most part, New Jerseyans looked across at the bright lights of the big city, wistfully yearning for a table in glamorous Manhattan. Now, however, the most sought- after tables are right here and we have the best seats in the house, made even sweeter perhaps because they're our own little secret. We can dine frequently and dine well, with a smug sense that if only New Yorkers knew, they'd be looking across the river wishing they were us. In Celebrity Chefs of New Jersey, Teresa Politano profiles Craig Shelton, the chef who crystallized New Jersey's place in culinary history with his legendary Ryland Inn, along with other chefs, telling their personal stories of both creativity and survival. Some of these men and women rose from humble or difficult childhoods to fame in the food world. Others were not only talented but lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. Their stories are arranged into three categories: legends, stars, and chefs to watch, and then topped off with a sweet surprise finish. Politano includes photographs, cooking secrets, and some of their sought-after signature recipes that are sophisticated but manageable for the skilled home chef.

Celebrity Chefs of New Jersey profiles Craig Shelton, the chef who crystallized New Jersey's place in culinary history with his legendary Ryland Inn, along with other chefs who tell their personal histories of creativity and survival. Their stories are arranged into three categories: legends, stars, and chefs to watch, and then topped off with a sweet surprise finish. The book includes photographs, cooking secrets, and some of the chefs' sought-after signature recipes that are sophisticated but manageable for the skilled home chef.

The opening of Tru in Chicago was the long-anticipated culmination of the dreams of executive chef Rick Tramonto and his partner, executive pastry chef Gale Gand. There Tramonto and Gand are free to unleash their superb culinary imaginations, serving wildly creative fare best described as progressive French-inspired cooking anchored in the finest European traditions. Tru reveals the secrets of Tramonto and Gand’ s award-winning cuisine–techniques and recipes they have evolved over the past twenty-five years of preparing some of the most delectable food in the world. This glorious cookbook offers more than seventy-five never-to-be-forgotten Tru favorites–starting with first courses such as Ricotta Gnocchi with Parmegiano-Reggiano Cream; greens such as Lemon Balm Salad with Yuzu Soy Dressing; and entrees including Black Trumpet Mushroom—Crusted Ahi Tuna and Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Truffled Potato Puree. Gale Gand provides recipes for an irresistible array of cheese courses and a variety of exquisite desserts, including Apricot Tart Tatin and Fromage Blanc Mousse with Blueberry Stew. Masterfully written recipes with careful attention to detail and easy step-by-step instructions will enable cooks of all levels to prepare and present unforgettable meals, enhance the dining ambience, and enjoy the taste of Tru perfection at home. Award-winning sommelier Scott Tyree suggests wines to complement every course. Tramonto and Gand also share the remarkable story of how they became two of the world’s great chefs and how they made Tru a four-star restaurant. On every page, Tru reflects an abiding love for food, a great passion for the table, and attention to all that goes into producing superb meals. Tru is the ultimate cookbook for anyone who appreciates food as inventive as it is beautiful. NOTE: This edition does not include photos.

“[A] juicy memoir about growing up, becoming a chef, and working as New York’s most unconventional wedding caterer.” —BUST magazine When their high-school-aged, punk, runaway daughter is found hosting a Jersey Shore hotel party, Rossi’s parents feel they have no other choice: they ship her off to live with a Chasidic rabbi in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Within the confines of this restrictive culture, Rossi’s big city dreams take root. Once she makes her way to Manhattan, Rossi’s passion for cooking, which first began as a revolt against the microwave, becomes her life mission. The Raging Skillet is one woman’s story of cooking her way through some of the most unlikely kitchens in New York City—at a “beach” in Tribeca, an East Village supper club, and a makeshift grill at Ground Zero in the days immediately following 9/11. Forever writing her own rules, Rossi ends up becoming the owner of one of the most sought-after catering companies in the city. This heartfelt, gritty, and hilarious memoir shows us how the creativity of the kitchen allows us to give a nod to where we come from, while simultaneously expressing everything that we are. This “moving, witty memoir” (Nigella Lawson) includes unpretentious recipes for real people everywhere. “A humorous and witty chronicle of a woman’s pulling-herself-up-by-her-bootstraps rise through the culinary ranks.” —Kirkus Reviews

A recipe-enhanced profile of one of history's most prolific culinary writers draws on the subject's memoirs to trace his rise from Paris orphan to international celebrity, a journey during which he traveled throughout Europe and Russia and prepared sumptuous feasts for royal families. Reprint.

Rachael Ray, #1 New York Times bestselling author and media mogul, offers up the ultimate burger book. The Book of Burger is filled with over 300 recipes for burgers, sliders, sides, sloppies, hot dogs, sandwiches, sauces, toppings and more. The Queen of Burgers has drawn together her tastiest recipes for the ultimate between-the-buns experience. Whether you're cooking for one or for one hundred in your own backyard burger bash, The Book of Burger has you covered for bringing family and friends together for the love of burgers! Please 'em all—big and small—with everything from burgers to sandwiches, hot dogs, fries, sliders, and sloppies, and so much more. Start with Rach's “Big Spicy Mac,” tempting you from the cover, or go with the heavenly French Onion Burgers. And if beef isn't your thing, there are plenty of chicken, pork, salmon, veggie, and lamb patties. Want a mind-blowing sandwich? Whip up the BEST one Rachael has ever made: the 7-Hour Smoked Brisket Sandwich with Smoky BBQ Sauce. Rachael even shares her legendary pickle recipe and her own homemade burger blend. Want a fun, cute, tasty bite-size treat to pass around? Rachael is slider obsessed and you will be, too: try the Mexican Pulled Pork Sliders. Rachael's friends from the New York and South Beach Wine & Food Festivals' Burger Bashes also contribute their award-winning recipes, including Bobby Flay's Louisiana Burger and Masaharu Morimoto's Kakuni Burger. Twelve original videos (accessible by scanning QR codes) make The Book of Burger a truly multimedia experience and a smart book that celebrates the infinite possibilities of everybody's favorite food.