The Cook's Thesaurus
www.foodsubs.comWhen you invariable can't find some foreign ingredient, this site has an excellent database of substitutions—including advising when there really is nothing else that will do.
Wikipedia Cuisine Pages
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_cuisinesWhile this book focuses on the Spanish, North African, and Middle-Eastern cuisines in particular, this directory is a great big picture overview of the different foods in the world.
Online Spice Stores
VariousSome spices can't be found easily in local supermarkets; others will always be cheaper online. Here are a few sources for ingredients:
- Saffron, which is normally available at $16–18 for 0.5 oz, can be purchased in smaller quantities from Cuban Food Market ($4.25), or for more frequent use, from Vanilla, Saffron Imports ($21.95 for 5 grams)
- Sumac is available through Amazon (3.96)
- Lavender de Provence for $6.99 an ounce from iGourmet.com
Fruit/Vegetable Storage Chart
www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=1103Great guide to which fruits/vegetables fare better on the counter, and which benefit from refrigeration. Print one out and tack it up in your kitchen right now (because you won't remember to do it later, and you'll need it when unloading your groceries). Also, unless you enjoy bland, tasteless tomatoes, don't refrigerate those, either.
Food Photography Tips
www.smittenkitchen.com/2007/11/our-approach-to-food-photos/Some conceptual ideas and guidelines for food photography. After putting so much effort into making a meal, it's worth having a record of it.
Spanish Food Glossary
http://www.unichef.com/spanterms.htmSorting out that salvia is rosemary, and the difference between pimenton and pimiento can uncover a world of understanding as you come across different terms.
