“Slow Fires: Mastering New Ways to Braise, Roast, and Grill”, by Justin Smillie and Kitty Greenwald is a hearty cookbook that reads more like a conversation with an incredibly talented chef who has let you behind the scenes at his restaurant to show you how to make amazing meals. As Smillie writes this book has 52 meals to be enjoyed when you have time: most likely the weekend, although there are a few that would be perfect for a weeknight meal.

Personally, I grew up watching the women of my family create meals in the kitchen and men spent their time focusing on the grill. So this book is perfect in helping me to build my culinary confidence in grilling as well as braising.

Another component of this cookbook that I love is the appreciation of how it takes time to create something extraordinary, this book walks you through that process. It breaks it down and walks you through the process. This book is focused on rustic Mediterranean cuisine, it is clear that Smillie has a true passion demonstrated with each stunning picture.

The chapters start out with mastering basic techniques and then as you get comfortable there are tweaks to those techniques. The fourth chapter is all about foundations and finishes: sauces, oils, broths and accoutrements for a stunning meal.

I would also be remiss if I did not mention this book is also gorgeous! Ed Anderson has brilliantly captured the rustic feel of the meals as well as created what I can only imagine would compare to an experience at Smillie’s restaurant, Upland, in New York City.

This book is great for your favorite foodie, someone who wants to be inspired and get back to rustic Mediterranean cooking.
Bloggers Note: I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.  However thoughts and opinions are my own.