James Villas's latest collection is dedicated to ground, shredded or minced meat and fish. All the usual suspects are here (meatloaf, Bolognese sauce, meatballs), in addition to more exotic fare like French seafood quenelles (ground fish or shellfish mixed with egg white, formed into ovals and poached in a fish broth), a Brazilian salt cod souffle, and Moroccan Bisteeya (phyllo pastry with a spicy/sweet chicken filling). I haven't had time to try any of the recipes yet, so I'll have to make some photocopies before I return the book to the library. ( )

From the Ground Up by James Villas features recipes using all kinds of ground or minced meats. If you are thinking this is a cookbook full of burgers and meatloaf think again! There are literally recipes from around the world including dumplings, turnovers, quiches and croquettes with a few comfortable favorites like chilis and meatballs through in. I was surprised by the number of fish and seafood recipes included. There are no pictures and the soft cover cookbook is pretty plain, but the recipes are easy to follow and he mentions substitutions making finding ingredients simpler. Below are the recipes I tried and what I thought of them.

Spanish Chorizo- Stuffed Mushrooms -
This is the best stuffed mushroom recipe I've tried! The salty, meaty sausage combined with the mushrooms make for an unami delight. This will become a regular appetizer at my parties.

Greek Lamb, Raisin, and Pine Nut Spanakopitas -
I liked the idea of this dish better than I liked the reality. The flavors didn't seem to go together very well and the phyllo was messy to work with. This is the one recipe I tried that I likely won't repeat.

Maryland Deviled Crab -
Very rich and not too spicy. This was a decadent way to start a fancy meal. I won't make this often, but when a need something rich and fancy to start, maybe New Years Eve, I'll make this again.

Tex-Mex Sloppy Joes -
Easy, healthier and tastier than average sloppy joes. I made these for kids and they were gobbled up. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight supper.

Italian Proscuitto and Spinach Frittata -
This was my favorite recipe from this cookbook. Delicious flavor combination, quick and easy to make, and I would be happy to eat it breakfast, lunch or dinner!

This is a good cookbook for spicing up your regular routine! ( )