Quality vegetables were much harder to come by in the early days of her restaurant, Chez Panisse located in Berkeley, California, which led to her campaign: demand it and they will plant it. She was right. Farmers eventually did plant what chefs and good cooks wanted. Cardboard tomatoes in January and tough stringy asparagus in October are things of the past. Fresh, organic vegetables are available all year round in almost all quality markets.
This is more than a cookbook with 250 recipes written by a culinary legend. It's also a primer on 40 vegetables from amaranth greens to zucchini. Alice's exuberance for all things fresh comes across loud and clear. There is a narrative on each vegetable that discusses where it's grown, and in what season, how to shop for it, how to prepare it and even how to care for it in your garden. This book will inspire you. Cooking and eating vegetables won't be enough. You'll want to grow them too.
Best of all, there's a lot of practical information about how to create great vegetable dishes. Alice Waters believes fresh vegetables give your palate a very rewarding experience. Her recipes are simple - another Alice Waters trademark. Most are vegan, but they are not intended to be your main course. These are soups, salads, vegetable sides, and pasta dishes.
And yes, the recipes are clear and easy to make. There are no complicated cooking terms or fancy equipment requirements. Cooking with Alice Waters has one simple rule: be sure to use fresh ingredients. My favorites include Penne with Eggplant and Tomato and the Pistou Soup. Every vegetable has an exciting recipe.
Ok, so you don't think vegetables can be exciting, or, that you can really love them. Tell you what. Go to your local library and take home a copy of Chez Panisse Vegetables. Try a recipe for your favorite vegetable, and then, try another. You'll notice the difference. All of a sudden, fresh produce will assume an entirely new place in your kitchen. You might even be tempted to give a few copies away next Christmas.
Go To Page: 1 2
