1.   Chinese cookbooks often make too many concessions to what can easily be found in the average supermarket.

2.   Chinese cookbooks can be counted on for a few Sichuan recipes at most.

3.   I have a Chinese cookbook that recommends carefully prepared rice as a meal and encourages diners to appreciate the steamed grains in and of themselves.

4.   Some Chinese cookbooks and chefs caution against using Japanese soy sauce in Chinese recipes and vice versa.