This is one of those definitive books on a subject that every cook should have.” -Elisabeth Prueitt, co-owner of Tartine Bakery “The history of one of the most delectable ingredients throughout our many cultures and geography over time is wonderfully churned and emulsified in Khosrova’s Butter. All that and charm too.” -Mimi Sheraton, author of 1,000 Foods to Eat Before You Die “Irresistible and fascinating. Edge, author of The Potlikker Papers: A Food History of the Modern South “Butter proves that close study can reveal rich history, lore, and practical information. And you may never eat margarine again.” -John T. And what a bonus to have a collection of essential classic butter recipes included.” -David Tanis, author of A Platter of Figs and Other Recipes “Following the path blazed by Margaret Visser in Much Depends on Dinner, Elaine Khosrova makes much of butter and the ruminants whose milk man churns. Readers will also find the essential collection of core butter recipes, including beurre manié, croissants, pâte brisée, and the only buttercream frosting anyone will ever need, as well as practical how-tos for making various types of butter at home-or shopping for the best.

With tales about the ancient butter bogs of Ireland, the pleasure dairies of France, and the sacred butter sculptures of Tibet, Khosrova details butter’s role in history, politics, economics, nutrition, and even spirituality and art. From its humble agrarian origins to its present-day artisanal glory, butter has a fascinating story to tell, and Khosrova is the perfect person to tell it. After traveling across three continents to stalk the modern story of butter, award-winning food writer and former pastry chef Elaine Khosrova serves up a story as rich, textured, and culturally relevant as butter itself. Ubiquitous in the world’s most fabulous cuisines, butter is boss. After decades of health concerns, consumption of the rich, creamy butter is spreading to a 40-year high.“Edifying from every point of view-historical, cultural, and culinary.” -David Tanis, author of A Platter of Figs and Other Recipes It’s a culinary catalyst, an agent of change, a gastronomic rock star. 13 quotes from Elaine Khosrova: '(It’s worth noting that the traditional Irish phrase to wish someone well, Top o’ the morning to you, has its origin in the dairy world the top refers to the richest, loveliest part, as cream is at the top of milk.)', 'The Irish butter market, like its competition around the world, wouldn’t have existed without the manual labor of women. It’s not like you sit down to a stick or a half a sick of butter you have a tablespoon here or there,” Khosrova replied.Īnd even in moderation, one thing is certain: Butter makes everything “better,” Khosrova laughed. “Right now the USDA guidelines discourage against eating too much saturated fats, including butter,” said Altschul. Still, at 800 calories a stick, being a heavy butter user could make you a heavy butter user. Plus, Khosrova says, “It just tastes so good.”

Then came news of unhealthy trans-fats in some margarines, and we were suddenly back to the basics of butter. But for decades, margarine stole the show, marketed as a healthy alternative.

Elaine khosrova