The Joy of Oysters - by Nils Bernstein (Hardcover)

About the Book

"The Joy of Oysters is a one-stop shop of everything related to oysters, past and present. This beautifully chaotic, non-narrative book presents a wide assortment of information in its 200 pages with easy-to-digest timelines, how-tos, sidebars, pop-up tips, photos, and illustrations. In addition, there are 50 home-cook-friendly recipes to show that there's more to do with an oyster than shuck it and eat it on the half shell. Food and wine expert Nils Bernstein shares recipes for Deviled Oysters, Oysters Casino, Korean Oyster Fritters, and Oyster Gumbo, plus know-how for enjoying fresh oysters, including the many ways to shuck, seven key sauces, and twenty other ways to top a raw oyster that go beyond lemon juice and Tabasco. Along the way, readers will learn about the life cycle of an oyster, how and where to buy them, and why only eating oysters in the months that end with the letter "R" is a myth"--

Book Synopsis

This definitive oyster bible and cookbook from expert food writer Nils Bernstein delivers an array of tips, trivia, and history, plus approachable recipes that celebrate the delicious bivalve.

Behold the oyster. Delicious, a little decadent, yet one of the healthiest things to eat, and now completely sustainable and easily available. And behold The Joy of Oysters, a smorgasbord of information, recipes, tips, stories, history, and everything else the oyster lover and the oyster curious could want to know.

Learn how to select the freshest, tastiest oysters. How to store, clean, shuck, and serve. And why we no longer avoid eating them in months without an r.

But best of all, celebrate the joy of eating and cooking with oysters, whether on the half shell--try one of seven sauces to enhance them--to techniques for broiling, frying, roasting, steaming, pickling, and poaching. Here's a classic Oysters Rockefeller, an irresistible Oyster Po'Boy, a delicious Oyster Stew. Plus oyster preparations from around the world, including Japanese Oyster Rice, Irish Beef and Oyster Pie, a Filipino Oyster Kinilaw, and Korean Oyster Fritters. An oyster shooter too.

And finally, discover the facts behind the oyster's reputation as an aphrodisiac.

Review Quotes

"Inside the ruffled, rocklike armor of an oyster's shell hide endless stories: of biology, of ecology, of history, of art, of flavor, of recipes, and so much more. This book is, miraculously, the same, packed with everything an oyster lover could ever want--or need--to know."--Daniel Gritzer, culinary director, Serious Eats

"The Joy of Oysters is an anthem for the perfect oyster. Whether you're eating your first oyster (hurry up already!) or are an oyster lover like me, Nils's book will teach you all you need to know about the oyster, including all the delicious ways to eat them!"--Renee Erickson, chef and owner of the Walrus and the Carpenter

"They've been feeding people forever, but oysters are still intimidating to home cooks. Let's hope that ends here. The Joy of Oysters not only tells the story of oysters, it also shows you how to shop for them and--most important--gives you the tools and the confidence to use these beautiful bivalves in your own kitchen."--Brad Leone, New York Times bestselling author and video host

About the Author

Nils Bernstein is the food editor for Wine Enthusiast magazine and has written and developed recipes for such publications as Bon Appétit, Epicurious, GQ, New York Times, Cooking Light, and Men's Journal. He traded an illustrious career in the music industry, running the publicity departments at independent record labels Sub Pop and Matador for a career in food, drink, and travel journalism. He is the coauthor of The Outdoor Kitchen by Eric Werner and Made in Mexico by Danny Mena. Bernstein splits his time between Mexico City, the Yucatan Peninsula, and New York City. Follow him on Instagram at @nilsbernstein.