"Norman Van Aken is one of America's greatest and most innovative chefs, whose fusion of flavors and cultures explodes on your palate. Norman's New World Cuisine celebrates one of the most exciting regional cuisines in America. "--Emeril LagasseChef/proprietor of Norman's, the widely acclaimed new Miami restaurant, Norman Van Aken is the founding genius and champion of America's most visionary new cuisine. His dazzling New World Cuisine--a blend of Latin, Caribbean, Asian, and American flavors--celebrates America's dynamic ethnic mix. Healthful and vibrant with flavor, this is the cuisine of the future.        Norman Van Aken received the James Beard Award in 1997 for the Best Chef in the Southeast and the Robert Mondavi Culinary Award of Excellence in 1996. He was one of three nominees for the Julia Child/IACP Award for the Best Chef of the Year and was selected by Cooking Light as one of the top five chefs in America.        There are over 160 recipes in this book--for everything from cocktails and sunset snacks (Machete Colada, Calypso Calamari) to soups (White Bean, Chorizo, and Collard Greens Caldo; Cracked-Hacked Conch Chowder with Saffron, Coconut, and Oranges) and seviches, salads, and paellas. Norman's fish fare is unforgettable--Rhum and Pepper-Painted Grouper, Grilled Florida Spiny Lobster with a Spicy Cumin Seed Drizzle, Yuca-Crusted Florida Striped Bass--and his recipes for birds, such as Roasted Stuffed Game Hen with Pearl Onions and Sherry, are breathtaking. And then there are Our Just Desserts: A Cubano Bread Pudding Brûlée, Havana Bananas with Barbados Rhum, a Stirfry of Exotic Tropical Fruits in Aromatic Spiced Crêpes.    Every recipe was tested at home and is set forth with great clarity by John Harrisson, a former teacher and veteran cookbook writer. Full of vitality and startling originality, Norman's New World Cuisine will introduce you to the treasures of Norman Van Aken's irresistible world of flavors. Read Less