Rambutan: Recipes from Sri Lanka by Cynthia Shanmugalingam
Tamar Vartanian, Library Assistant, Country Hills Library
Cynthia Shanmugalingam brings us a visual and culinary delight in the form of her first cookbook ‘Rambutan: Recipes of Sri Lanka’. Covering recipes from all over the island country of Sri Lanka, ‘Rambutan’ has over 80 recipes to explore and taste. There is something for everyone to enjoy in this comprehensive cookbook that highlights Sri Lanka’s unique cuisine alongside stories of family and mythology.
I would argue that one of the most important aspects of any good cookbook is how it comes together visually. There are many elements to consider: the page finish, the recipe photos, but most importantly the elements that bring it beyond a simple collection – a visual storytelling of the food and the people behind the food.
The visual elements of ‘Rambutan’ are stunning: brightly printed pictures and beautifully curated images convince the reader that these recipes will taste as good as they look on the page. Between pictures of mouth-watering feasts there is the personal element of family moments and highlights of Sri Lanka’s majestic landscapes and its people.
The pages of the book are finished in a gorgeous matte that make following recipes a breeze with zero glare that might get in the way of truly enjoying the book. Even those who aren’t looking to embark on a new cooking adventure would enjoy ‘Rambutan’. It’s simply stunning and the information that Cynthia Shanmugalingam shares with the reader makes picking up this cookbook worth it.
‘Rambutan’ has seven main categories in the table of contents, so it’s easy to find that perfect recipe for any occasion, or to skip to the section you’re most excited about. Savour the 'Drinks & Sweets' section which had some of my favorite recipes.
The ‘Jaggery Mess with Coconut and Cardamom’ combines some of my favourite flavours – passionfruit and cardamom – to create a truly divine looking combination of deliciousness. The absolutely refreshing concept of ‘Lemongrass and Lime Soda’ seems to be the perfect thing to drink on a warm summer evening. I’m excited to try this one out and have a strong feeling it’ll become a summer staple.
‘Rambutan: Recipes from Sri Lanka’, is available in print form from the Kitchener Public Library.