The Beekman 1802 Heirloom Cookbook

The Beekman Boys, aka Kilmer-Purcell and Ridge, two former city dwellers who share tales of country life through posts on cooking, health, decorating, gardening, and more on their popular Web site, Beekman1802.com, and in their regularly e-mailed newsletter, are stars on the rise. Featured on Planet Green TV, the duo take their "heirloom" lifestyle to the masses, creating goat's milk soaps and artisanal cheese, and with their latest endeavor, a cookbook. Organized by season (and subdivided by course), this well-designed gift title presents Heirloom Recipes the authors hope will be passed down through generations, created by "using ingredients the minute they are plucked out of the garden." While new cooks may be intimidated by the lack of information on technique or instructional photos or illustrations, the appealing collection of seasonal recipes%E2%80%94spring's dandelion salad with hot bacon dressing; summer's lemonade with lavender and vanilla; fall's roast pork loin with gingerbread stuffing; and winter's macaroni and cheese with kale and mushroom%E2%80%94entice and inspire anyone with a nearby farmers' market. A "Notes" section gives the title an old-fashioned, personal feel, and top-notch photography by Paulette Tavormina, along with chapter-opening quotes by authors including Henry James, create a complete package that will make even the die-hard urbanite fantasize about country living or at the very least, eating at the farmhouse table. (Oct.)