Holiday Cookbook Reviews, December 2004

Simply Armenian

Naturally Healthy Ethnic Cooking Made Easy

By Barbara Ghazarian

Reviewed by Liz Waters
The Cooking Club

More and more I find that authentically ethnic recipes are naturally healthy,
regardless of the culture. It is when we monkey around with the traditional
foods that they become unhealthy. The American palate has become dangerously
unhealthy with hidden sweetners at every crook in the road. As Barbara Ghazarian
proves amply in the pages of “Simply Armenian”, hidden additives are not
necessary for an excellent dining experience.

For instance, there is not a better appetizer than Ghazarian’s Zesty White
Bean Dip with toasted squares of her Savory Dill Bread..It should be on the
table at one of your holiday parties for sure! Also, her classic Parsley Salad
(tabouli) is perfect with pita, as well as beautiful on a serving table. There
are lamb recipes galore in this book as well, as lamb is traditional Armenian
fare. However, don’t get so hung up in main courses that you miss the wonderful
breads and desserts in this book. Hats off to Barbara Ghazarian for bringing
this wonderful cuisine to my attention. You can pick up a copy of this book
online with this link: Simply Armenian