Cardamon And Lime.

Cardamon And Lime

Sarah al-Hamad

Interlink Publishing Group

46 Crosby St., Northampton, MA 01060-1804

9781566567251, $26.95, www.interlinkbooks.com

The culinary traditions of the Middle East are as diverse as the populations of the countries that comprise their ancient lands. "Cardamon And Lime: Recipes From The Arabian Gulf" is a compendium of exotic recipes assembled by Sarah Al-Hamad from Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Enhanced throughout with full color photography of finished dishes, "Cardamon And Lime" also offers some history of these Gulf nation's culinary traditions. The thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' recipes range from Aromatic Rice with Dill and Fava Beans; Chicken Biryani; Baked Fish with Nut Stuffing; and Green Bean Stew; to Gulf-Style Dumplings; Sago and Lychee Pudding; Stuffed Dates in Butter Sauce; and Arabian Coffe. "Cardamon And Lime" is a welcome and highly prized addition to personal and community library cookbook collections, and especially commended to adventures family chefs wanting to bring a bit of Arabia to their special occasion dining.