In
2011, Sasha Gong and Scott D. Seligman collaborated on a
groundbreaking cookbook that told the story of China’s chaotic
Cultural Revolution (1966-76) through its cuisine. During that
period, approximately 17 million city youth were “sent down” to the
countryside to “learn from the peasants,” and they discovered that
toil in the communes was arduous and food was scarce. But many also
learned that remarkably tasty and healthy dishes could be prepared
with the fresh, wholesome ingredients available down on the farm.
They learned to coax peak flavors and maximum nourishment out of
unprocessed foods, fresh from the fields, ponds and streams and
devoid of artificial preservatives.
The
Cultural Revolution Cookbook, which told their stories,
immediately became the best-selling Chinese cookbook on Amazon and
quickly sold out its first print run. The authors were not prepared
for the incredible success it has enjoyed since then. Now, in a
Tenth Anniversary Edition, the authors have taken suggestions from
readers and added new material. The recipes are all entirely
authentic and easy to prepare in an American kitchen. Many are
vegetarian, and none requires exotic ingredients. You can find
everything you need in a well-stocked grocery store. The
step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, and short cuts and
substitutions are suggested.
Readers are also treated to many inspirational stories - about
Chinese food, about the Cultural Revolution and about living in the
Chinese countryside - bringing the wonderful recipes, and that
extraordinary era, to life.
In
2011, Sasha Gong and Scott D. Seligman collaborated on a
groundbreaking cookbook that told the story of China’s chaotic
Cultural Revolution (1966-76) through its cuisine. During that
period, approximately 17 million city youth were “sent down” to the
countryside to “learn from the peasants,” and they discovered that
toil in the communes was arduous and food was scarce. But many also
learned that remarkably tasty and healthy dishes could be prepared
with the fresh, wholesome ingredients available down on the farm.
They learned to coax peak flavors and maximum nourishment out of
unprocessed foods, fresh from the fields, ponds and streams and
devoid of artificial preservatives. 
The
Cultural Revolution Cookbook, which told their stories,
immediately became the best-selling Chinese cookbook on Amazon and
quickly sold out its first print run. The authors were not prepared
for the incredible success it has enjoyed since then. Now, in a
Tenth Anniversary Edition, the authors have taken suggestions from
readers and added new material. The recipes are all entirely
authentic and easy to prepare in an American kitchen. Many are
vegetarian, and none requires exotic ingredients. You can find
everything you need in a well-stocked grocery store. The
step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, and short cuts and
substitutions are suggested. 