Book Review-Basil to Thyme

Though cooking and gardening go hand in hand, it is rare for authors to present a well-rounded view of these subjects without giving short shrift to one or the other. Tim Haas and Jan Beane come through with flying colors. They host a television show combining gardening and culinary endeavors called "Herbal Impressions with Tim and Jan." They share their many years of experience at workshops, herbal conferences, and conventions. They also write a syndicated column. Now, they have also written a book. "Basil and Thyme-Culinary Endeavors from the Garden to the Kitchen" was published by Champion Press.

Neither cooks nor gardeners will be disappointed with this book. In the first four chapters, they provide all the basics one needs on herb gardening, including information on companion planting, improving your seed germination, and growing herbs in containers.

In addition, the detailed profiles of the individual herbs give specific gardening and cultural information. This title features comprehensive profiles of fifteen of the most commonly used culinary herbs. Among the annuals are basil, dill, and coriander. The authors also include several tender ones that can only be grown outdoors year-round in warm climates. These include bay leaves, rosemary, and ginger root.

For each herb, there are tips on how to grow it along with ideas on its myriad culinary and herbal uses. In addition, there are easy to prepare recipes with step-by-step instructions. Throughout the herb profiles, there are line drawings of herbs with information on their history, folklore, household tips, and health benefits.

This book is designed for heavy use. At the end of each herb chapter, you'll find some convenient blank pages to make notes. Another helpful feature is the entire chapter of blank recipe cards at the end of the book where you can record your favorite recipes.

In the appendix, there is a helpful glossary of cooking terms that will be of special interest to novice cooks. There are two indexes-one for the recipes and another for the herbs.

Wondering how you can include herbs in your menu and meals? The answers are found in the final chapter. It features complete menus for full course meals, which are suitable for entertaining. To simplify your life, there are complete shopping lists of all the different things you will need for each menu. The list is broken down into sections. For example, there are different sections for dairy goods, fresh produce, and dry/canned goods.

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