Book excerpt: The American Cookbook is a fresh, foodie approach to classic recipes from across America - think comfort food with a sophisticated twist. The traditional apple pie morphs into Peanut Butter and Green Apple pie; Classic truck-stop burger and fries becomes Chargrilled Burger on Hot Sourdough with Sweet Potato Fries. This book shows how to cook American comfort food to a high standard, exploring the Latin, Italian, Asian, and African influences on classic American food. Key features: -Features over 150 classic American recipes, with a contemporary gourmet twist. -Fresh, gourmet cooking made simple, with step-by-step sequences for key techniques such as sauces and marinades. -Draws recipes together to create one-stop gourmet menus or feasts. -Provides inspiration to try new ingredients in traditional recipes. Contents Foreword Snacketizers and Sandwiches Wraps and Rolls On the Grill Meat Feasts Fresh Fish and Shellfish Super-Fried and Crispy Big Salads Breads and Sides Sweet Pies Cheesecakes Menus Index and Acknowledgments