Cookbook Review: Hamburger Gourmet

I love a hamburger. I mean REALLY love a hamburger so it stands to reason I was rather keen to get my grubby mitts on this book. Hamburger Gourmet is written by David Japy who is an accomplished food photographer, Elodie Rambaud who is a food stylist and Victor Garnier who is the found of the BLEND chain of burger bars in Paris.  

The book reflects the recent trend in American-style food, a trend that I happen to love, and Hamburger Gourmet has 58 recipes for burger fillings, bun options, sauces and sides as well as have recipes for sweet treats.  Who knew there were so many ways to eat a burger?

First off you have a history of the hamburger, it all started back in Texas in 1880 apparently... followed by a section on the "tools" you are going to need and some tips on how to make them the very best "gourmet"burgers.  After that there is an introduction to the all-important bun and how to make it, followed by sections on meat, fish, cheese, relishes, salad leaves, sauces and chips - all the different components you need to bring together to create the perfect burger.

The recipes all have simple names like "Base" and "Mush" and are simply laid out and easy to follow, each one accompanied with a good clear photo of the end result.  Things I am going to try?

Mozza (beef, mozzarella, pesto)

Sun (beef, goat's cheese, aubergine)

Beet (beef, beetroot, wasabi)

Red (spiced chicken, beetroot)

Fish (classic with aioli)

Scotch (beef with whisky)

Diablo (spicy beef, bacon)

Pesto (beef with pesto, gorgonzola)

Mex (paprika chicken, avocado)

Creo (spicy crab, mayo)

See, it it's not all beef in those burgers and as mentioned there is also a sweet section featuring cupcakes, blondies, whoopie pies, cheesecake and cookies because everyone needs dessert right?

What really stands out for me in this book is the design, it's a thing of beauty and a lot of thought and effort has gone into it. The photography is fantastic (you'd expect that though from food stylists and food photographers!) and it's a beautifully presented book that would make a great gift for anyone as it has a little bit of the wow factor I think.

Hamburger Gourmet is published by Murdoch Books and is available now from Amazon with an RRP of £14.99.