The title of the latest assemblage from the author of
James Beard Award-winning Raichlen (Miami Spice, High-Flavor Low-Fat
Cooking) doesn't begin to convey the international scope of the nearly
500 grilling recipes he gathered while on a three-year, 25-country
pilgrimage. Starting with appropriate drinks to accompany grilled
food (try a Smoky Martini, flavored with a single drop of Liquid Smoke),
Raichlen next turns to appetizers as varied as Shrimp Mousse on
Sugarcane, which he discovered in Vietnam, and Grilled Snails,
which Patricia Wells told him about during a trip to France. Entrees
bold enough to stand up to such beginnings include Korean Grilled
Beef and cumin-scented Peruvian Beef Kebabs (adapted for American
tastes with sirloin rather than beef heart). Raichlen's blending of
tastes and traditions are exemplified in Argentinean Veal and Chicken
Kebabs, savory with pancetta, red bell pepper and prunes. Revered
American traditions are captured with such recipes as Elizabeth Karmel's
North Carolina-Style Pulled Pork and The Great American Hamburger.
Raichlen also includes a host of non-grilled salads and vegetables to
serve as worthy foils to the intense flavors of food hot from the fire.
Sesame Spinach is a favorite dish from Japan, and A Different
Greek Salad takes its zip from romaine and dill.