Book Reviews May 2012
THE VEGETARIAN KITCHEN TABLE COOKBOOK
The inspiration behind The Vegetarian Kitchen Table Cookbook was Igor Brotto and Olivier Guiriec’s desire to share both classic and internationally inspired dishes that will appeal to everyone — vegetarian or non-vegetarian — no matter what the occasion. Their goal is to bring together an incredible variety of form, color, aroma and flavors. Although these recipes have been developed by chefs, they’ve made sure the recipes can be mastered by anyone who enjoys cooking.
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SWEET MACARONS
It’s easy to see why macarons are being touted as a blank canvas for sublime flavor combinations. Available for the first time in English, Sweet Macarons is a collection of 25 gorgeous and irresistible macarons that is authentically French and straight form the kitchen of French cook and blogger Mercotte.
With fillings that range from salted butter caramel to apricot and passion fruit, these macarons will have home cooks hooked. Easy-to-follow instructions and beautiful photography guide you through the process of creating these filled cookies.
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MINI ENCYCLOPEDIA FOR GARDEN PONDS
Mini Encyclopedia of Garden Ponds has all the know-how needed to create an ideal water feature in any garden. Author Linda Adkins examines a variety of ponds according to size and type, from formal to wildlife, and considers its installation. Factors taken into account include site and budget, as well as construction and equipment. The book is illustrated with a wealth of color photographs and illustrations to enhance the text.
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HOW TO RAISE MONARCH BUTTERFLIES
Raising Monarch butterflies from eggs collected from milkweed leaves, or from caterpillars plucked from the plant, is made easy with the help of How to Raise Monarch Butterflies by Carol Pasternak.
With more than 50 unique, close-up photographs readers will learn about the life cycle of the Monarch and how to encourage populations in their own backyards, with tips on which plants to grow, as well as the care and feeding of their pet caterpillars.
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HERBS
When first published, Herbs set the standard of excellence for illustrated gardening books. Turid Forsyth’s photographs and watercolor illustrations capture all the beauty and detail of these fascinating and practical plants. Patrick Lima’s text is full of helpful advice and wry anecdotal observations. Chapters are devoted to selecting and growing herbs, soil, perennial kitchen herbs, cooking with herbs, and herbs to blend and brew.
Herbs: The Complete Gardener’s Guide is a delightful and essential addition to any gardener’s library.
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THE REST OF THE BEST AND MORE
In 1975 at a weekend getaway, eight women friends had an idea to write a cookbook with recipes they prepared and enjoyed together at their decade old bridge group. This spur of the moment decision was the force behind The Best of Bridge, which went on to become one of the most successful brands in North American publishing. Now, 30 years later the ladies have welcomed food writer and cooking professional Sally Vaughan-Johnston. The recipes continue to be simple recipes with gourmet results.
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FRESH AMERICAN SPACES
Interior designer Annie Selke’s new book, Fresh American Spaces, takes a modern look at five distinctly American decorating styles: Refined Romantic, Nuanced Neutral, Happy Preppy, Cultured Eclectic and Everyday Exuberance. Drawing on a lifetime of design inspiration, Selke candidly illustrates the process, exploring palettes, fabrics and key elements that can be used to create spaces in each of the five featured styles.









