Jekka McVicar has been growing organic culinary, aromatic, decorative and medicinal herbs for more than 20 years. She owns Jekka's Herb Farm, which has won 59 Royal Horticultural Society gold medals, including 12 Chelsea golds.
Jamie Oliver is a celebrated chef and a best-selling cookbook author. He is the host of TV's The Naked Chef.
(starred review) What a wonderful book to add to your collection as
we begin the gardening season! Truly an "all you would ever want to
know" guide, it includes descriptions of 50 herbs (with cultivation
tips), "History in Cooking," "Harvesting and Uses," and an
annotated list of herb varieties. Most useful is the "Excess"
section, which features advice on what to do when the plant is at
its peak and producing more than you can use. McVicar, whose UK
herb farm has won 59 Royal Horticultural Society gold medals,
stretches the definition of herbs to include mustard greens,
stevia, violets, and wild (alpine) strawberries. Pasta with Spring
Herb Sauce and Basil Cookies are among the standout recipes. A
serious cook as well as a gardener, McVicar also includes
worthwhile suggestions on home canning and preservation. Verdict:
An important addition to cooking and gardening collections that
will serve readers well all year long.-- (06/17/2011)
Alluring ... Evokes spring from cover to cover, with illustrations
by Ms. McVicar's daughter, Hannah, that suggest William Morris
patterns.-- (12/17/2011)
Jekka McVicar, an English herb grower and expert, has prepared this
alluring volume. The book evokes spring from cover to cover, with
illustrations by Ms. McVicar's daughter, Hannah, that suggest
William Morris patterns. The chapters give the history of each
herb. Of particular utility are the ideas of what to do with an
excess of each herb.-- (12/17/2011)
Jekka's Herb Cookbook is full of recipes definitely not seen in all
the usual places.--BackHome Magazine (06/01/2011)
Known as the "queen of herbs" in her country for both her knowledge
and strong advocacy of these useful plants, British author and herb
grower Jekka McVicar has compiled a list of fifty-one cooking herbs
and plants. Fascinated by their versatility, she has collected and
originated recipes in which each is a major ingredient because of
its unique flavor. Described in a separate, delightfully
illustrated chapter, each herb is reviewed in detail: general
characteristics, culture, history in cooking, harvesting and uses
(leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots), particular properties such as
bitterness, and popular varieties. There are several recipes for
each herb, each a gustatory treat, and their instructions are noted
for their clarity. A useful glossary of botanical and medicinal
information concludes the text. This book is highly recommended for
its culinary and horticultural information.-- (03/01/2011)
One of the great things about an herb garden is its sheer
abundance. In no time at all, your garden bed and flower pots can
be overflowing with flowering herbs. The biggest problem: What to
do with it all. Enter Jekka's Herb Cookbook. Organized
alphabetically by herb, this tome is perfect for those wanting to
cook from their garden. From angelica to wild strawberry, 50 herbs
are profiled, each with a description that includes its properties
and varieties, its history in cooking, how to harvest and use it,
and suggestions for using the excess. Did we mention the recipes?
Simply turn to what you're growing, and you'll be rewarded with an
incredible selection.... Jekka's Herb Cookbook will help ensure you
enjoy your harvest and don't waste a leaf.-- (08/01/2011)
The Brits are still making beautiful books, thank goodness. Heavy,
quality paper, lovely design, and detailed color drawings make
Jekka McVicar's first cookbook a pleasure to handle even if you
never cooked from it. But you will, for who can resist recipes like
Lemon Verbena Creme Brulee, or Mum's Mint Sauce? From ideas on how
to use up excess arugula (pesto) to a clever and aromatic way of
baking fennel bulbs, the cookbook is practical as well as
pretty.... From angelica to wild strawberries you'll enjoy Jekka's
wisdom and creativity, as well as all her ideas on how best to put
what you grow to good use. Okay, I'm off to whip up a batch of
Zucchini, Dill and Parlsey Pancakes... like most of the recipes in
the book, the food is simple, tasty and reasonably healthful.--
(03/25/2011)
Washington Post Top 10 Cookbooks for 2011.--Washington Post
(12/17/2011)
Washington Post Top 10 Cookbooks for 2011 Called England's Queen of
Herbs by superstar chef Jamie Oliver, the author lays out the
history and utility of her 50 top garden herbs.--Bonnie
Berwick"Washington Post Top 10 Cookbooks for 2011" (12/11/2011)
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