Vegetable Book or Its Raining Plums

Vegetable Book: A Detailed Guide to Identifying, Using and Cooking over 100 Vegetables

Author: Colin Spencer

Colin Spencer bring us a fresh new look at vegetables, which have moved to the center of the culinary stage in past years, discussing what is available and when and how to get the best from them. Arranged by horticultural family, there are entries on more than 100 vegetables accompanied by more than 300 recipes.

For every vegetable, each root, leaf, stem and tuber is lovingly examined: its history amusingly related; its properties, varieties and foibles investigated. Vegetarian dishes both classic and modern are also provided in a range of ways to present vegetables at their best, as side dishes and main courses such as Sweet Potato Pie, Onion Tart, Spinach Roulade and Red Pepper Cream, and Fennel Tempura.

Illustrated with 12 beautiful line drawings by artist Emma Dibben.

Book review: The Day Before Payday Cookbook or Culinary Landmarks

Its Raining Plums

Author: Xanthe Clay

This cookbook should appeal to all those who are tired of the chilly array of expensive imported produce in the supermarkets and bored by the cult of the celebrity chef. It draws on a rich seam of cookery talent in kitchens around the country.

Fans of Xanthe Clay's popular "Readers' Recipes" columns in the "Daily Telegraph" show how to make the most of fresh produce from humble root vegetables to mouth-watering soft fruits. As well as delicious vegetable dishes, there are recipes for stews, soups, desserts, jams and preserves. Xanthe Clay adds her own useful tips on harvesting, choosing and cooking. This is a book that should be welcomed by vegetarians and anyone interested in good eating and good health.

The recipes featured were contributed by readers and have been cooked, well tested and enjoyed. They use seasonal produce from the garden or the local greengrocer, and are unfussy, healthy and cheap.

Table of Contents:

Spring: March - Purple Sprouting Broccoli
April - Cauliflower
May - Asparagus, Globe Artichokes, Jersey Royals, Carrots. Summer: June - Broad Beans, Gooseberries, Lettuce, Peas, Raspberries, Strawberries
July - Cherries, Courgettes, Cucumber, Runner Beans, Redcurrants, Spinach
August - Beetroot, Peaches, Plums, Tomatoes. Autumn: September - Blackberries, Marrow
October - Apples, Leeks, Pumpkin, Quinces, Walnuts
November - Cab Bage, Chicory, Potatoes, Pears. Winter: December - Chestnuts, Parsnips, Salsify And Scorzenera, Shallots, Watercress
January - Celeriac, Jerusalem Artichokes, Rhubarb, Seville Oranges
February - Spring Greens, Swiss Chard.