Explore the unique nomenclature of traditional Chinese
dishes through folklore, personal storytelling, and 26 easy-to-cook recipes in
this entertaining graphic novel cookbook, perfect for lovers of comics and
food.
Storytelling is one of the most universal and collaborative
components in every culture. In Chinese culture, dishes are often connected to
a classic legend, a famous person, or a historical event, underlining the
importance of food.
In this delightful graphic novel-style recipe book, Chinese American cookbook
author Ying Chang Compestine explores the folkloric stories behind beloved
Chinese dishes and gives easy-to-follow recipes for each, such as:
- Mapo
Tofu, a savory dish named for the “old lady with a pockmarked face”
who invented it
- Goubuli
Baozi (translation: "ignored by doggy stuffed buns”),
classic buns with minced pork and vegetables made popular by an unusually
taciturn village boy
- Tear-inducing Heartbreak
Jelly Noodles that combine chili oil, peppercorns, and other
fiery ingredients and are believed to cure the sadness of a broken heart
- Steamed
Milk Custard, one of the most beloved desserts in China, originated
during the Qing Dynasty by a hungry young cattle farmer as a way to
preserve milk
These are dishes Ying grew up with, cooked with her grandmother, and prepares
for her own family today. Stories and recipes are illustrated and presented in
panel layout, with art by award-winning children’s book illustrator Vivian
Truong.
Perfect for:
- Readers
interested in Chinese culture, history, and folklore
- Lovers
of comics and/or graphic novels
- People
who enjoy humor and storytelling
- Gift-giving
to foodies or home cooks
- Fans
of illustrated cookbooks and food magazines
About the Author
Ying
Chang Compenstine is the author of more than twenty cookbooks and children’s
books. She is based in Berkeley, California.
Vivian Truong is the London-based artist behind the graphic novels City
of Dragons, Cooking with Monsters, and I Am Fun Size
and So Are You! She was the UK’s official illustrator for World
Book Day 2024.
