A Peach is Picked

As I review thru in my head the best of 2007, I will highlight reading and cooking with “How to Pick a Peach, The Search for Flavor from Farm to Table”, by Russ Parsons. This book is such a straightahead way to embrace food and understand how to appreciate the flavor of the best things grown on this earth.

Breaking out the recipes by the season is an easy read and reminds you of things to look for throughout the year. Remember, some greens are great in the winter! I appreciate the recipe for Risotto of Fava Beans, Baby Artichokes and Spring Onions, as well as the recipe for Golden Tomato Soup with Fennel.

Best of all, I really love his take on cooking Greens….with a capital G, Southern Style!…..”Some vegetables are born to be stars; others are better suited to ensemble roles. There is no better example of the latter than winter’s hardy cooking greens…….The flavor of mixed greens is full and deep, rahter than sharp and pointed. Cook one type of green, and you have a string quartet. Cook a mess, and you have an orchestra.”

If you go to your local farmer’s market or seek out local produce in your area grocer’s, you need to read this book and learn how to do a better job of purchasing according to your taste. This book is a way to focus on what you like and find the best. Enjoy!