MONTEREY—Keep up with the Los Angeles Times food editor who recently featured two recipes from award-winning cookbook author, Barbara Ghazarian, in her new cookbook, Simply Quince (August 2009). Join Ghazarian for a free talk and food tasting at the Glendale Public Library on Thursday, December 10, at 7 pm.
Did you know that the near-forgotten quince (sergevil in Armenian) claims its origin in Armenia? Ghazarian’s Armenian grandmother, like many Armenian grandmothers, made sweet, festive, ruby-red quince jam and jelly every fall that her family ate on Armenian Cracker Bread. Did yours?
Today, Ghazarian’s new cookbook, Simply Quince, is making history. It’s the first tribute to cooking with quince ever published. In 70 easy recipes, she masterfully demonstrates the fruit’s versatility in the kitchen and presents a trendsetting array of contemporary flavors. Professional chefs and home cooks will find basics such as Candied Quince, Quince Jam, Chicken and Quince Stew, Classic Quince-Apple Pie, and Caramelized Quince Upside-Down Cake a breeze. The more adventurous will want to try Quince-Orange Pickles and Lamb-Stuffed Quince Dolmas, as well as the medley of quince chutneys, compotes, cobblers, and sweets. Creamy Quince Mascarpone Pie, homemade Grand Marnier Ice Cream with Bits of Quince, or Quince-Infused Grappa will finish an autumn meal with mouthwatering perfection.
Most quinces sold in the United States are grown in the San Joaquin Valley of California by Armenian growers. Quinces are in season from September through January and can be found at grocers such as Whole Foods as well as farmers’ markets.
For the past decade, Ghazarian has shared new and exciting ways to prepare traditional Armenian foods with professional and home cooks across the United States. The Armenian table defines what nutritionists now agree is the healthiest way for everyone to eat to promote health and longevity. KOIT 96.5 – San Francisco said, “Vegetarian dishes are a staple. They shine in Simply Armenian: Naturally Healthy Ethnic Food Made Easy,” Ghazarian’s first award-winning cookbook (August 2004).
Both Simply Armenian and Simply Quince offer revolutionary reads and taste experiences that will satisfy foodies and gardeners alike. Ghazarian’s talk and book signing is free to the public. For more information, contact Glendale Public Library, 222 E. Harvard St., Glendale, CA 91205, 818/548-2030; http://library.ci.glendale.ca.us/ or Mayreni Publishing, PO Box 5881, Monterey, CA 93944, 831/655-4377; www.mayreni.com.
Great Cook Books!!
Congrats to Mrs. Ghazarian,
and best wishes to see her copies in every Armenian — and non Armenian kitchens
With sincere appreciation for her great work,
Zarmine Boghosian
Very special fruit, indeed. And also very useful. I would bake them and give to kids when they just start coughing. Along with baked onion and honey.