The Encyclopedia of Spices and Herbs: An Essential Guide to the Flavors of the World

From the Emmy-nominated host and executive producer of Top Chef, an A-to-Z compendium of spices, herbs, salts, peppers, and blends--everything you need to know about the flavors of the worldThe author of award-winning cookbooks and a New York Times bestselling memoir, Padma Lakshmi brings together the world's spices and herbs in this vibrant, comprehensive alphabetical guide inspired by her life traveling across the globe. Illustrated with rich color photographs, this definitive culinary reference book includes complete descriptions, histories, and cooking suggestions for ingredients from basic herbs to the most exotic seeds and chiles. And no other market epitomizes Padma's love for spices and global cuisine than where she spent her childhood--lingering in the aisles of the iconic gourmet food store Kalustyan's in New York City. Perfect for the holiday season and essential to any well-stocked kitchen, The Encyclopedia of Spices and Herbs is an invaluable resource as well as a stunning and adventurous tour of some of the most wondrous and majestic flavors on earth.