Judy Gormans Vegetable Cookbook

I have used this cookbook almost daily for years. It is organized alphabetically by vegetable - the best idea ever - since I can see what I have on hand and look up my options easily in one section. She has the best spices I've seen, for example, comparing her soups to other cookbooks, she always suggests spices and other additions that give a unique and extraordinary flavor. People to whom I serve the soups - so easy to make - think it's magic. Highlights: Potato Tart, Cauliflower Soup, Leek Soup, Dilly Beans, etc. etc. etc. I generally cut back the amount of butter or use olive oil with no problem. Probably my one must-have cookbook, especially as it treats vegetables as primary food, not side-dishes, and enhances their natural qualities.

If you only have one book on vegetables, this should be it. Organized alphabetically, the book covers nearly 80 vegetables from the mundane (onion) to the exotic (chayote), dedicating 5-10 pages to each. Each chapter includes a pen and ink drawing helpful for making sense of lesser known veggies (rutabagas and jicamas, for example). Also included is just what you need to know about selecting, storing, and preparing the vegetable, followed by wonderful and varied recipes. Thinking I would save money, I borrowed the 1972 edition from my local library. I'm on line now to be sure I have my own copy. I'm hopeful the 1997 edition gives more information about the nutritional value of each vegetable. Otherwise this book (the 1992 edition) is outstanding. I expect the 1997 one will be even better.

We joined a community sponsored farm for the summer and soon were receiving all kinds of bizarre veggies from celeriac to okra. This cookbook had something for all of them. Ever try ground hazelnuts with summer squash? Unforgettable. This cookbook is one of the best and has info regarding selection and storage of produce as well as recipes. We've given this book to about ten people...