Jekka's Herb Cookbook

Veteran organic herb farmer McVicar (The Complete Herb Cookbook) collects her 50 favorite herbs into this all-encompassing reference. From angelica to wild strawberries, McVicar imparts a wealth of knowledge, including historical uses, growing and harvesting tips, and ideas for getting the most out of a surplus yield for each plant (a simple and freezable compound butter is often the solution). Even cooks lacking a green thumb will find new favorites among the book's recipes for Basil Mayo, Celery Leaf and Mashed Parsnip Patties, homemade mustards, and Mediterranean Tomato and Rosemary Soup. Though some of the entries, like Good King Henry, Elder, and Rock Samphire, a cousin of fennel, aren't as common on these shores as they are across the pond, cooks interested in broadening their herbal repertoire will appreciate their inclusion even if they never attempt Marigold Cookies or Horseradish Vinegar. Rounded out with dinner party trivia%E2%80%94Catnip has antiseptic qualities and is a terrific accompaniment to lamb, Roman soldiers were given garlic cloves daily to sustain their strength, lavender's great at keeping flies out of the kitchen%E2%80%94McVicar's eminently readable guide to herbs is sure to inspire and liven up many a meal. (Feb.)