Edible Read: June-July 2017

By Ann Curtis | May 31, 2017

Here’s a variety of new books for cooks.

If You Take Me to Kentucky
By Louisville native Sylvia Holden
Early Works Press, $15

Join Mike and Terry, a couple of adventurous dinosaurs, as they travel around and learn about what makes their home state so special. From Keeneland to Churchill Downs, Mammoth Cave to Lake Cumberland, these friends won’t stop until they see all of the wonderful things Kentucky has to offer!

This book was inspired by Holden’s love for a little boy she nannied who was moving to Michigan, and for her nephew Ennio.

Available for purchase at www.earlyworkspress.com.

Flavor: The Science of Our Most Neglected Sense
By Bob Holmes
W.W. Norton & Company
Hardcover, $26.95

Can you describe how the flavor of halibut differs from that of red snapper? How the taste of a Fuji apple differs from a Spartan? For most of us, this is a difficult task: Flavor remains a vague, undeveloped concept that we don’t know enough about to describe—or appreciate—fully. In this delightful and compelling exploration of our most neglected sense, veteran science reporter Bob Holmes shows us just how much we’re missing. Certain to fascinate everyone from gourmands and scientists to home cooks and their guests, Flavor will open your mind—and palate—to a vast, exciting sensory world.

Blackberry Tails: Gram’s Journey and Blackberry Tails: Raisin’s Odyssey
By C.W. “Cliff” Shumate, illustrated by L. Clark Uhl
Published by C.W. Shumate, $14.95

Blackberry Tails began with Gram’s Journey, a charming story about a lost puppy and his tireless struggle to return home. On this odyssey, Gram grows aware of life’s joys and perils while tutored by a gamut of colorful characters. Readers follow Gram as he discovers his forever home in the wake of a chance encounter along a rural Kentucky roadside. Raisin’s Odyssey is the second installment of the Blackberry Tails series, featuring Raisin, a poodle who is separated from his loving caretaker, Mama K, by a scheming dognapper with bad intentions. After escaping, Raisin is lost in rural Kentucky until befriended by an old tomcat, Grinch, who helps guide Raisin home while encountering perils, including a villainous pack of rogue coyotes.

Available at BlackberryTails.com

Soup Nights: Satisfying Soups and Sides for Delicious Meals All Year
By Betty Rosbottom, Over 100 recipes
Rizzoli
Hardcover, $35

A year-round cookbook featuring soups and sides ranging from updated classics to fresh combinations of ingredients and garnishes, all guaranteed to inspire and delight. Drawing on her deep knowledge of cuisines around the world, Rosbottom presents recipes from far and near, from Onion Soup Gratinée, Vietnamese Shrimp and Noodle Soup and Brodo with Asparagus and Gnocchi to closer-to-home favorites like New England Corn and Lobster Chowder and Louisiana Seafood Gumbo. All recipes have been developed to provide aspects that home cooks love (ease of preparation, accessibility of ingredients and the ability to double recipes). Also included are recipes for sandwiches, salads and desserts, as well as sample menus that show readers how to make soup the start of endless memorable meals.

Get the recipes:

Asparagus Bisque, Toasted Breadcrumbs & Chives with Bay Scallops

Extra-Smooth Avocado Soup with Corn Relish

Romaine, Avocado, Tomato & Queso Fresco in Cumin Lime Dressing

“Melt in Your Mouth” Lemon Rosemary Cookies