Chef Keith Sarasin’s love for food was developed at a young age when he would cook for his mother using old cookbooks that were given to him by his grandmother. He began his culinary career at the age of 15, working at a local sub shop washing dishes and making sandwiches. As the years went on he worked his way up through the restaurant ranks, from Sous Chef to Executive Chef. Sarasin was a private chef before founding The Farmers Dinner in 2012.
The Soul of Spice is approachable with easy-to-follow recipes, inspiring pictures, and additional information, making this perfect for novice to experienced cooks. The first 57 pages of this 401-page book are full of introductory information including a fantastic glossary and list of common spices. If you are new to cooking this type of cuisine, this is so helpful and appreciated! Recipes in this book are written in a simple-to-follow manner with a list of ingredients that is not overwhelming. Most, if not all, ingredients will be easy for most people to find in hometown grocery stores or online. * —Aftan Damon, NetGalley Reviewer * I always love expending my cooking skills, and this book was stunning to read through. Full of mouth-watering recipes, I cannot wait to try them ALL. Beautiful pictures and great explanations for those who didn't grow up cooking Indian food. * — Tabitha Paine, NetGalley Reviewer * So much variety included in this cookbook, many recognizable classics but also some recipes some may be unfamiliar with which is great. Lots of different meat and veggie options and takes you through the whole meal, including accompaniments. * — Rebecca Glen, NetGalley Reviewer * This cookbook is absolutely gorgeous. From the stunning photography to the thoughtful format and beautifully written recipe descriptions, it's clear how much heart went into this. Keith Sarasin weaves history, culture, and personal stories throughout, making this feel like more than just a cookbook. It feels like a love letter to spices and the traditions they carry. The recipes are approachable and well explained, and the pictures alone will make you want to dive right in. Highly recommend for anyone who loves cooking, food history, or just a cookbook you'll actually sit down and read. * — Kaitlyn Laycoax, NetGalley Reviewer * This isn't just a cookbook, though it does contain some tantalizing and easy to follow recipes. The Soul of Spice is a rich tapestry woven with history, culture, personal anecdotes, and a deep, almost spiritual reverence for the spices that have shaped our world. I particularly enjoyed the personal reflections and anecdotes sprinkled throughout the book. They add a warmth and intimacy that makes you feel like you're having a conversation with a knowledgeable and passionate friend. The Soul of Spice is a must-read for anyone who loves food, history, or simply a beautifully written book that celebrates the richness of our world. It's a book to savor, to learn from, and to inspire you to look at your spice rack with a newfound appreciation. Highly recommended! * — Katrina Davies, NetGalley Reviewer * To be honest, when reading a cookbook, I am unlikely to read the introduction from the author, or stories related to the recipes. However, the stories the author told were such a delight to read, I really enjoyed that aspect of it. On top of that, the recipes sound absolutely amazing, and to have recipes so that I can try them myself is so exciting! * — Erin Crossway, NetGalley Reviewer *