A pioneer in the food world, Cecilia Chiang introduced Americans to authentic northern Chinese cuisine at her San Francisco restaurant, the Mandarin, in 1961, earning the adoration of generations of diners, including local luminaries such as Marion Cunningham, Ruth Reichl, and Chuck Williams. In THE SEVENTH DAUGHTER, Chiang presents a classic collection of recipes framed by her gripping life's story. Beginning with her account of a privileged childhood in 1920s and 1930s Beijing, Chiang chronicles a 1,000-mile trek on foot in the wake of the Japanese occupation, her arrival in San Francisco, and her transformation from accidental restaurateur to culinary pioneer. The book's recipes feature cherished childhood dishes and definitive Mandarin classics, while showcasing Cecilia's purist approach to authentic Chinese home cooking.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Seventh Daughter:
A fascinating book, full of history and culinary delights, "Seventh Daughter" is an autobiography of a Chinese woman, who, on a visit to San Francisco, started a restaurant that became a legend in the city. She had never been allowed in the kitchen as a young daughter in a traditional Chinese home. It combines her story along with recipes and hints for a well-stocked kitchen. The photography is beautiful.
More than just a cookbook!!!:
The recipes are definitely clear, simple and straightforward. They include a number of classic dishes, as well as the author's take on a few new ones. But this book is so much more than just a simple bookbook -- and to call it a cookbook does it a disservice. It's a wonderful biography of the author, a historical look at how events changed the lives of Cecelia and her family -- and probably culinary history in this country. I have never cried when I read a cookbook -- but I certainly did at the end of this... more info
A compelling story and great food:
In addition to some fine recipes, Madame Chiang's story as told throughout the book, is a compelling and moving story. I was fortunate to have enjoyed dinning at her fabulous Mandarin restaurant in San Francisco, and now reading about how it came to be, makes this more than just a book of recipes. These recipes have now become a legacy, like those handed down to us by our mothers and grandparents; reading this book makes us part of a family. Experience the joys, trials, and triumphs of Madame Chiang; The... more info
one of the best cookbooks I've ever read:
I have not yet tried any recipes -- they all look fantastic -- but this book is worth buying for the stories alone. So wonderful!
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