Looking for a kimchi or mooncake recipe? Here are 4 new cookbooks to try

By Diane Lamb

“What I’ve enjoyed most though is meeting people who have a real interest in food and sharing ideas with them. Good food is a global thing and I find that there is always something new and amazing to learn – I love it!” – Jamie Oliver

Have you tried cooking with a wok? If you are at all curious or would like to improve your skills, then check out “The Wok” by J. Kenji Lopez-Alt. This exceptional book is brimming with interesting kitchen-based science, helpful techniques and a variety of delicious recipes. Soon, you’ll be cooking take-out favorites like Sweet and Sour Pork, Pad Thai, and General Tso’s Chicken at home.

“Learning Korean” by Peter Serpico is a welcome introduction to the variety of flavor profiles found in Korean home cooking. Some of the recipes you may want to try are BBQ Beef Short Ribs, Onion Pancake, Black Bean Noodles, refreshing Jujube Tea, Crab Soup, and Pork Dumplings. Serpico also includes over a dozen varieties of Korea’s best-known dish, kimchi.

Whether you are slurping, scooping or twisting them, noodles are a fun food to eat. “That Noodle Life” by Mike Le and Stephanie Le gives you 75 international pasta-centric recipes for more fun and easy meals. Tomato Lime Shrimp Cold Noodle Salad or The Soba Bowl are refreshing options to enjoy right now. Garlic-Butter Bucatini with Oyster Sauce would be yummy with grilled meats and veggies or on its own with an optional green salad.

Have you ever visited a Chinese bakery? If not, then let Kristina Cho, in her new book “Mooncakes and Milk Bread,” introduce you to some of her savory and sweet treats inspired by Chinese bakeries. With an abundance of color photos and clear instructions, you may choose to make tender BBQ Pork Buns, flaky Curry Chicken Puffs, Honey Pistachio Mooncakes, or Shiny Fruit Cream Cake to share with family and friends.

Diana Lamb is a library specialist at A.K. Smiley Public Library, 125 W. Vine St., Redlands.