S2 • E15 Jun 10, 2009 30m
The cookbook that Anna and Kristina are testing, "The Best of the Best and More", is a compilation of recipes from the previous six "Best of Bridge" cookbooks - with some updates - as well as a few new recipes leaning toward current food sensibilities. First published in 1975, "The Best of Bridge" was a compilation itself of recipes from a group of friends who played bridge together. The cookbook authors purport that the recipes are easy but gourmet quality. Anna and Kristina are skeptical as some of the recipes, which seem to be a throwback to olden times, do not seem to match the new sensibility of eating healthier and fresher foods. They in particular do not like the over use of prepared foods, such as canned soup. And they think that some of the newer recipes have what sound to be an odd combination of flavors. In three hours, they are preparing six recipes: phyllo wrapped samosas, Regina beach coleslaw, hamburger soup, fettuccine Alfredo with sambuca & cranberries, classy chicken, and fruit cocktail cake. Unlike all their other meals, they will not be serving this one to a professional chef, but rather to talk show host and cookbook editor Vicki Gabereau, who is nonetheless a food aficionado. Vicki is not skeptical of the cookbook - how can millions of cookbook buyers be wrong? - but of Anna and Kristina's ability to pull it off based on feedback from one of their previous "victims". Vicki's prophecy may be self-fulfilling, despite the ease of the recipes. Anna and Kristina also product test can openers, and they taste test various types of cabbage, both eaten raw and in coleslaw.
