Offal Varieties
This guest post is brought to you by Ryan Adams, author of the blog Nose to Tail at Home. Ryan has a series on offal in which each week he highlighted a different part of the animal that you've always wanted to work with, but were afraid to ask your butcher for. In this edition we're covering some of the must-have books on offal. Be sure to check our index of offal varieties.
Slowly but surely, offal is gaining acceptance again in the minds of foodies everywhere. But it can be a little intimidating to just jump in and start slurping up beef heart. If you're looking to learn more about the fifth quarter — and with cold weather approaching, it's the perfect time to get into the braises and stewing that many of these cuts call for — these books make up my essential library — they're the best guides to get you started on your way to offal expertise.
The Whole Beast: Nose to Tail Eating
(Ecco; available at Amazon.com)
The book that started it all for me. It includes many of the dishes made famous by Fergus Henderson like the ubiquitous Roast Bone Marrow and Parsley Salad, Blood Cake and Fried Eggs, and Grilled Marinated Calf's Heart. Henderson writes his recipes in such a manner that you'll feel like a beloved family member is there with you, helping you along.
The River Cottage Meat Book
(Ten Speed Press; available at Amazon.com)
A James Beard Foundation Book Award winner, this volume weighs in on most of the major offal cuts and includes many fine recipes as well. There is also a fantastic section on game which gives specifics on bird hanging. A must-have.
Unmentionable Cuisine
(Ecco; available at Amazon.com)
Written in 1979, this book is an archive of some of the most unusual recipes ever written down. For example, on page 396 there are instructions for making fermented horse milk. Try finding that anywhere else.
Variety Meats
(Time-Life Books; availableat Amazon.com)Part of Time-Life's "The Good Cook" series, I've heard many people speak of this book with reverence, even so far as to call it the offal bible. I too hold it in high regard thanks to its detailed information on how to find, buy, and prepare almost all of the items in the offal kingdom. Now out of print, finding a copy is getting harder and harder as people are wisely snatching them up.
Beyond Nose to Tail: More Omnivorous Recipes for the Adventurous Cook
(Bloomsbury USA; available at Amazon.com)
The sequel to 'The Whole Beast: Nose to Tail Eating', 'Beyond' focuses more on the baking and dessert side of things at Henderson's famous restaurant. But don't be fooled: with recipes like Deep Fried Tripe and Nettle and Snail Soup this book is still an important component of the offal canon.
Innards and other Variety Meats by Jana Allen
(101 Productions; available at Amazon.com)
Another out of print gem, this book is chock full of interesting offal related recipes. When I find myself with an extra pig liver or lamb heart, this is the first volume I reach for. Background information and food history is sprinkled throughout to flesh out the book.
Extreme Cuisine: The Weird & Wonderful Foods that People Eat
(Periplus Editions; available at Amazon.com)
This book deals with all of the off-the-wall food related items that one would expect to find on Zimmern's show Bizarre Food. It doesn't just tell you what people eat — it tells you why they're eaten. It's an important read for those interested in a cultural context for the consumption of offal.
Larousse Gastronomique: The World's Greatest Culinary Encyclopedia, Completely Revised and Updated
(Clarkson Potter; available at Amazon.com)
While the tome is being brought up to date, it's still a goldmine when it comes to information about offal and other unusual items. Even if you aren't a big fan of variety meats, this book should be on your shelf for easy reference.
Every one of these books is an important part of my culinary library, and I heartily recommend all of them. I'm sure there are more offal related books out there, and if you happen to have a favorite that I didn't mention, please let the world know here in the comments.
Offal Varieties Index
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Offal Varieties useful? Or did you notice something which is missing on this page?
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Beef Tongue is on the list to add to the offal index.
where would Beef Tongue fall in this category?