The Farmstead Egg Guide & Cookbook

Golson (For Goodness’ Sake), a renowned food writer with a degree in animal science and her own flock of chickens, offers an instructive guide to raising hens as well as a delightful collection of egg recipes. Golson starts with a comparison between the various kinds of eggs available, including those inexpensive supermarket varieties and so-called “nutritional” eggs. She covers how to handle and store, freeze, and tell if eggs are fresh. She also offers a useful pro/con chart to help decide if backyard chickens are right for you, dedicating ample pages to the ins and outs of keeping chickens, coop design, noise, and cold weather care. Recipes range from the basics, such as scrambled and fried eggs, to more involved dishes like vegetable fried rice and salmon and egg pan bagnat. Italian egg soup, shirred eggs on polenta, and cheesy egg puffs with greens hash are just a few examples of the inventive and appetizing offers that highlight this tasty collection. Creamy custards include chard and feta strata; basil and mozzarella tian; and savory spinach. Golson also includes wonderful soufflés, both savory and sweet; as well as an appealing array of dessert options, including meringues, tarts, breads, and more. Those planning to raise backyard birds for the first time will find Golson’s wisdom infinitely helpful, and those that simply enjoy good, flavorful food will delight in the diverse and delicious selection of recipes she offers. (Mar.)