No Doubt About It Cookbook is Tops

Looking for a shower, wedding, or birthday gift? This is the new cook's first fish bible.

I met Chef Rick Moonen in Monterey. He's going to join Teach a Man to Fish this year and I can't wait! Chef Moonen's book, Fish Without a Doubt, embodies the same energy as he does: straight shooting, smart, fun, informed.

You have the sense from Chef Moonen, and from his book, that this is a trusted friend you can come as you are, ask any question, and have a great time cooking a terrific meal. Allaying cooks' fears about fish in a natural way, he doesn't avoid any tough issues, just lays out the facts and moves forward. Fish whose stocks are depleted simply don't appear in the book. He also tells us which fish that are included, should be eaten judiciously. An early leader in sustainability - long before it was fashionable - Chef Moonen is an inspiration.

Recipes, photos, resources, and tips are all here to make your intro to fish smooth and stress-free. If you need a little help convincing the family to try a new dish, Catfish Sloppy Joes is a sure bet.

Clams and Chorizo (p. 283) is a great example of his style. Six ingredients, six steps, 20 minutes and you've got dinner for two or appetizers for four.

See his website for more information. Join in the fray by telling me about your cookbook favorites and pet peeves, here: Cookbooks read, reviewed, reviled, recommended.