America's Best Breakfasts by Lee Brian Schrager and Adeena Sussman, reviewed

Breakfast is a meal that I truly enjoy. I can take or leave lunch, but breakfast offers so much of interest that I'll often serve it in place of dinner. So, it was only natural that I welcomed America's Best Breakfasts by Lee Brian Schrager and Adeena Sussman with open arms. It is a colorful, informative, interesting book that is in part travelogue, but at best a collection of amazing recipes from equally amazing restaurants nationwide.

Divided into sections by regions so that you can plan your “Breakfast Road Trip,” or look up your favorite in your home state, it offers up glimpses behind the scenes in some of the most innovative and creative restaurants around. Recipes are as innovative as their creators, are attractively offered, and surprisingly doable.

Consider Lobster Scrambled eggs when making your next breakfast, or make your own Pop Tarts for the kids (or yourself), using the simple recipe from San Francisco's Foreign Cinema. Caramelized Grapefruit is both easy and elegant, and you'll swoon over Prasino's Pretzel Croissant French Toast. 

If you crave something heartier, try the Breakfast Spaghetti, The Big Hot Mess, or the Barbecued Brisket Breakfast Burrito. I loved the Bacon, Egg, and Cheese “Paco” (a taco made from a pancake), the Morning Glory Muffins, and the hearty, healthy, and satisfying Baked Oatmeal with Raspberry Compote and Candied Pecans, all of which I made with great success. Southerners will like the Shrimp and Grits, Texans will love the Frito Pie. There is truly something here for everyone.

Hints, tips, notes, ingredient sources, as well as homey comments and mouthwatering pictures make this book a must have for every lover of the day's first meal.

They lose a star in the ratings, however, for erroneously reporting Prasino as being in St. Louis, thereby making all other locations suspect. Prasino is located west of St. Louis in the city of St. Charles, once the first Capitol of the state of Missouri. Reporting it as being in a city that routinely ranks in the list of top ten most dangerous in the nation as opposed to its actual location, in a city that routinely ranks in the top ten safest, may serve as a deterrent to people who might actually like to go. Still, I heartily recommend this book. You will drool just looking at it.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This post is linked to:
Cookbook Wednesday