SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Oct. 2, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- In the early part of the 20th century, mothers across America would stand at the stove while their disgruntled children poked at their meatloaf with a lazy fork. They might turn away from the boiling pot on the stove, pointing a dripping ladle towards their tots, speaking with a tone, "You'd better eat that meatloaf. There are starving Armenians who would love to have that!" While there is no meatloaf to fuss over in his new book, The Starving Armenians: Cook and Humor Book (now available through 1stBooks), John Sherbatijian Shirn provides a feast of traditional Armenian food and some classic jokes for tabletop enjoyment.
Shirn provides the reader with "(r)ecipes from the Middle Ages Middle East that will tantalize your tongue and treat your tummy with the pottage that Jacob fed Esau, through the lean years of war, massacres and starvation to the succulent cuisine of today." The book contains compilations of Armenian and other Middle Eastern recipes, from soups and salads to main dishes and desserts. Shirn also includes a brief history of Armenia and a garnish of jokes topping off recipes throughout the book.
Being first generation Armenian American, Shirn was privy to the delectable delights of his mother and all her sisters. Traditional meals from the homeland filled the plates of his childhood and homeland aromas scented his memories, things he has missed later in life. He provides these recipes for those that may never had the chance to experience their heritage or those who search for new and exotic foods to try. Included are recipes for madzoon, which, according to Shirn, is the healthiest food in the world, and ishkemba chorba or tripe soup, which is sold in Turkish and Armenian business districts through the countries. He also includes ways to really enjoy a meal through jovial conversation and pleasant surroundings.
Shirn's book is one for the senses, so give The Starving Armenians a taste.
Shirn was born in Williamsport, Pa., the second son of Armenian immigrants who were refugees from the Turkish massacre of the Armenian peoples. Shirn is a graduate of Williamsport High School auto shop and worked as master mechanic for few years, before moving to Los Angeles. Drafted in 1945, he served nine years in uniform. After his final tour, he attended the University of Maryland where he earned his bachelor's degree in business and psychology. He published his first book, Satan's Subtlest Secret (available through 1stBooks) in 2000 and his second G.I Johnny (available through 1stBooks) earlier this year.
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