Showing posts with label fermentation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fermentation. Show all posts

Smoked Beers: History, Brewing Techniques, Recipes (Classic Beer Style) Review

Smoked Beers: History, Brewing Techniques, Recipes (Classic Beer Style)
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Unlike most of the books of the "Classic Beer Styles" series, Daniels and Larson don't go into the details of how to brew beer. This is fortunate because there are a myriad of other books that cover that topic and the actual brewing process isn't different from most beers. Instead, they cover in depth what imparts these flavors into beer - the malt. They also detail a history of smoke in beers and introduce an intriguing concept; many beers at one time tasted of smoke because of methods used to dry the malt. Today it is definitely a specialty but from Alaska to Germany to Japan, I was surprised to find out how many different types of smoked beers are produced. I was also surprised to find out how relatively simple it is to do it for yourself.
Like in his previous works, Daniels consistently cites sources so you know you are reading fact, not fiction. Larsen's experiences both at his brewery and while traveling demonstrate his passion for his subject. This has translated into a book the truly captures all aspects of smoked beers in a very entertaining package. Read this book and if you don't feel inclined to begin smoking your own malt you'll at least want to jump on a plane to Bamberg, Germany and try some genuine smoked beers for yourself.

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The Art of Making Fermented Sausages Review

The Art of Making Fermented Sausages
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Like other recent books by the Marianski's this one is self-published, through Outskirts Press, and it clearly has not benefited from the services of a professional editor or proofreader. The book is littered with grammar mistakes, typographical errors, and odd locutions. The way the text is organized, they end up covering the same subjects from multiple angles, with the result that they repeat themselves over and over. Sometimes the organization simply seems haphazard, with "notes" appearing at the end of a section which could be more accurately labeled "afterthoughts." The information presented is clear and accurate; just don't expect a gripping read.
This book is definitely a useful addition for any other meathead out there wanting to try and make fermented sausages at home. As a book dedicated to this subject, they go deeper into the issues of chemistry, microbiology, sanitation, and equipment (for smoking, fermenting, and drying) that all affect the quality of the finished product. The second part contains 50 detailed recipes, with precise measurements in grams, so that even a relative newcomer to this craft can proceed with confidence. This book usefully bridges the gap between simpler cookbooks and advanced textbooks such as Fidel Toldrá's Handbook of Fermented Meat and Poultry (which sells for $200). At $20, even with all its faults on its head, this book is a bargain.
To read my full review, go to my website.
Update, 7/8/09: Just heard from Stanley Marianski that they have revised this book and it's coming out from a new publisher (Bookmagic). If you decide to buy, this is the edition you want-it has an index!

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The majority of books written on making sausages do not tackle the subject of fermented sausages at all. The topic is limited to a statement that this is an advanced field of sausage making which is not recommended for an amateur sausage maker. Well, the main reason for writing this book was that the authors did not share this opinion. On the contrary, they believed that any hobbyist could make wonderful salami at home, if he only knew how. Highly technical papers were published in Food Technology journals which unfortunately were written in very difficult terms. Thus the idea of bridging the technology gap that existed between Meat Science and the requirements of the typical hobbyist was born. With more information obtainable every day, and commercial starter cultures available to the public, there is little reason to abstain from making quality salamis at home, regardless of the climate and outside conditions.

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