Now I'm just looking for excuses to ferment things. Exciting! ( )

I watched the author describe making fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi at a farming conference workshop, and had to get this book. It's an engaging and personal look at live-cultured foods from bread to beer to kraut and miso. If it involves fermentation, chances are Katz has covered it. Throughout he emphasizes DIY "culture," providing recipes and sources for starter cultures. I've had the pleasure of meeting some of the people he describes in the book, which gives it some added appeal to me. ( )

I had a great time reading this. My sourdough starter is going well and the loaf I made (kneading and all) was delicious. Haven't tried making anything else yet but I may need to own a copy of this book. I don't agree with everything the author believes but I appreciate his deep enthusiasm for food experimentation. ( )

This is the book referenced by so many in the fermentation world as "The" book to begin with. I'm not sure about that; at least, for practical, clear, no-nonsense recipes, I prefer a different book. However, if you are tantalized by the thought of fermentation, but haven't quite got over the fear of microbes and need to be convinced, this is a terrific book for you. It is not just a book on fermentation, but the heart and soul of the author as he is feeling his way forward after a diagnosis of AIDS. It is a healing book, heartfelt, warm and gentle, somewhat like the process of fermentation itself.

What this book does best is to make the fermentation process accessible to everyone. It keeps it simple. Many types of fermentation processes are covered, such as; vegetables, dairy, grains, breads and brews. About the only thing not covered is aging/fermenting meat.

I had never wanted to attempt my own sourdough until I read this. It inspired me, and now I find that bread making is simple. He releases you from addiction to recipes and encourages experimentation. Use up those bits and pieces leftover from the week in a loaf of bread! Or make a brew from fruit that is on the edge of goodness. I love the ideas for getting the most bang from my food bucks by not wasting anything. Good for my budget, my health and the world at large. This will definitely be a go-to book on my cooking shelves. ( )

One of the books in my "Essential Library". ( )