Tom Colicchio
Chef, food activist, gardener, fishing fanatic & father to three. Simpsonized
Book Recommendations:
Recommended by Tom Colicchio
“Great read“Paul Greenberg’s new book, The Omega Principle, seafood, health and how to eat our way to a better planet https://t.co/ScsQtfkgan” (from X)
by Paul Greenberg·You?
By the bestselling author of Four Fish and American Catch, an eye-opening investigation of the history, science, and business behind omega-3 fatty acids, the "miracle compound" whose story is intertwined with human health and the future of our planet Omega-3 fatty acids have long been celebrated by doctors and dieticians as key to a healthy heart and a sharper brain. In the last few decades, that promise has been encapsulated in one of America's most popular dietary supplements. Omega-3s are today a multi-billion dollar business, and sales are still growing apace--even as recent medical studies caution that the promise of omega-3s may not be what it first appeared. But a closer look at the omega-3 sensation reveals something much deeper and more troubling. The miracle pill is only the latest product of the reduction industry, a vast, global endeavor that over the last century has boiled down trillions of pounds of marine life into animal feed, fertilizer, margarine, and dietary supplements. The creatures that are the victims of that industry seem insignificant to the untrained eye, but turn out to be essential to the survival of whales, penguins, and fish of all kinds, including many that we love to eat. Behind these tiny molecules is a big story: of the push-and-pull of science and business; of the fate of our oceans in a human-dominated age; of the explosion of land food at the expense of healthier and more sustainable seafood; of the human quest for health and long life at all costs. James Beard Award-winning author Paul Greenberg probes the rich and surprising history of omega-3s--from the dawn of complex life, when these compounds were first formed; to human prehistory, when the discovery of seafood may have produced major cognitive leaps for our species; and on to the modern era, when omega-3s may point the way to a bold new direction for our food system. With wit and boundless curiosity, Greenberg brings us along on his travels--from Peru to Antarctica, from the Canary Islands to the Amalfi Coast--to reveal firsthand the practice and repercussions of our unbalanced way of eating. Rigorously reported and winningly told, The Omega Principle is a powerful argument for a more deliberate and forward-thinking relationship to the food we eat and the oceans that sustain us.
Recommended by Tom Colicchio
“Tinned fish isn’t only practical; it’s delicious. Chris McDade profiles the versatility of tinned fish that has turned this ardent fisherman into a fan.” (from Amazon)
by Chris McDade·You?
Named one of The Best Cookbooks of 2021 by The New York Times “Excellent. . . . Thanks to McDade’s assured guidance, those curious about this understated pantry staple will have no trouble diving in. Salty and satisfying, these recipes hit the spot.” —Publishers Weekly TINNED FISH IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S GREAT INGREDIENTS: brilliantly versatile, harvested and preserved at the peak of its quality and flavor, more economical than fresh seafood will ever be, as healthy and nutrient-packed as food gets. Focusing on sustainable and easy-to-find anchovies, sardines, mackerel, shellfish, and more, here are 75 recipes that will change the way we think about and cook with tinned fish. Whether it’s creating an addictively delicious Spaghetti con le Sarde, transforming a pork roast with a mackerel-based “tonnato” sauce, elevating mac and cheese with crab, or digging into the simplest and best snack ever—anchovies, bread, and butter—cooking with tinned fish is pure magic.
Recommended by Tom Colicchio
“If your version of heaven has smoked meats waiting beyond the pearly gates, then Project Smoke is your bible.” (from Amazon)
by Steven Raichlen·You?
How to smoke everything, from appetizers to desserts! A complete, step-by-step guide to mastering the art and craft of smoking, plus 100 recipes—every one a game-changer –for smoked food that roars off your plate with flavor. Here’s how to choose the right smoker (or turn the grill you have into an effective smoking machine). Understand the different tools, fuels, and smoking woods. Master all the essential techniques: hot-smoking, cold-smoking, rotisserie-smoking, even smoking with tea and hay—try it with fresh mozzarella. Here are recipes and full-color photos for dishes from Smoked Nachos to Chinatown Spareribs, Smoked Salmon to Smoked Bacon-Bourbon Apple Crisp. USA Today says, “Where there’s smoke, there’s Steven Raichlen.” Steven Raichlen says, “Where there’s brisket, ribs, pork belly, salmon, turkey, even cocktails and dessert, there will be smoke.” And Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue says, “Nothin’ but great techniques and recipes. I am especially excited about the smoked cheesecake.” Time to go forth and smoke. “If your version of heaven has smoked meats waiting beyond the pearly gates, then PROJECT SMOKE is your bible.” —Tom Colicchio, author, chef/owner of Crafted Hospitality, and host of Top Chef “Steven Raichlen really nails everything you need to know. Even I found new ground covered in this smart, accessible book.” —Myron Mixon, author and host of BBQ Pitmasters, Smoked, and BBQ Rules