August 2012 Cookbook of the Month Nominations are Now Open!

[L.Nightshade]

Welcome to the nomination thread for the August 2012 Cookbook of the Month!

This month, while you are thinking of books to nominate, also think about whether you'd like to be our next coordinator. This is the last of my six months, and therefore time for someone new to step in!

Now, on to the August nominations...

Please use this thread to discuss the merits of a book, ask questions, and nominate books you would like to see advance into the voting round. Feel free to discuss as many books as you like. When you are ready to nominate, please write the title of the book or books in ALL CAPITALS.

The nomination thread will be open until 5pm Pacific Time on Sunday, July 15 (8pm July 15th on Eastern time, and 12 midnight GMT). At that time the books with the most nominations will advance to the voting thread.

If you're new, or if you've been lurking, please join us! It's a friendly group and we have a lot of fun cooking together. To view the basics of the COTM, and to peruse the archive of books that have been covered in the past, please visit this link:
http://www.chow.com/cookbook_of_the_m...

Time to bring your old and new favorites to the table and share your ideas!

[L.Nightshade]

Nominations for the August 2012 Cookbook of the Month are now closed!
Stay tuned for the link to the voting thread...

[L.Nightshade]

And here it is, the voting thread for the August COTM:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/858792

[dkennedy]

Just wanted to say thank you to all of you for your good wishes. It is so nice being part of such a warm, thoughtful bunch of people. I feel like I know you all, even though it is only on paper.

[L.Nightshade]

This is a great group, isn't it? I love hearing from people all around the country, and around the world, but if we were all closer, can you imagine what a wonderful pot-luck we would have?

[dkennedy]

i would want to go that!

[smtucker]

Well, first we would have to agree on a cuisine! :-)

[Breadcrumbs]

wouldn't that be fun...as long as it were Italian!! ; - ) (kidding of course, I'd love to be there!)

[qianning]

PLANET BBQ, 'cause i'm on my annual "throw it on the grill" kick.

[blue room]

Here's how I envision the coordinating -- about mid-month, put up a post announcing nominations are open. Many "templates" exist, with details, from previous months/years. When nominations close, put up voting thread with top 2 or 3 nominees. When voting closes, announce winner. First day of new month, put up post including links to book areas (mains, desserts, etc.) Is that it? To contact moderators, I would post in the "Site Talk" board?

[Caitlin McGrath]

That's about the size of it, though to ask for moderator actions like making threads sticky, you just use the report button on your posts. And rest assured, when one coordinator hands off to another, they also pass on (via email) all the essentials to know.

[Blythe spirit]

This is a dumb question.. but what does it mean to make a thread 'sticky'?

[Caitlin McGrath]

It's to pin threads to the top of the board so they stay in one place (like this one, and the monthly main COTM thread are). Not a dumb question, actually, because it probably shouldn't be assumed that everyone is familiar with the terminology..

[Blythe spirit]

Thanks Caitlin :-)
So making a thread 'sticky' is just the final step.

[blue room]

A thought to think about -- Verdura (Italian cooking focus) might not be as suited a companion to Planet Barbecue! as Raising the Salad Bar would be.

Also, L.Nightshade wrote this at the beginning of this thread:
"This month, while you are thinking of books to nominate, also think about whether you'd like to be our next coordinator. This is the last of my six months, and therefore time for someone new to step in!"

I don't think I have enough computer knowledge for this (unless it is simply posting posts, and someone could hold my hand and apprentice me somehow) but I don't want L.Nightshade to be left in the lurch.

[JoanN]

Re the coordinator's job: it really doesn't take any computer knowledge at all. The few things that need to be done behind the scenes will be done by the mods. All you need do is ask. And I assure you that all former coordinators, at least those of us who are still hanging out here, would be more than happy to help in any way you think you might need.

[LulusMom]

Add me to the list of former coordinators who would be happy to help if you need it. It is basically a matter of being organized more than anything else.

[smtucker]

Me three!

[blue room]

Thank you (three!) so much! All the support a coordinator receives makes up for the low pay ;)
It is still a month away -- L.Nightshade will chime in this month I'm sure.

[L.Nightshade]

LulusMom sent me a doc that explained all the duties, and how things are done. I will send that along to the next coordinator. No computer skills are required, it's just posting and counting. I can't answer your question about an iphone, as I don't use one. Personally, I wouldn't even want to do it on my ipad, because I do the counts in another window. It's just easier for me to go back and forth with a real screen and a real keyboard. But I'm old fashioned that way.
Some months will take a bit longer, some months will be quick and easy. When you have a month where some people want one book, some people want another book, some people want both books, and some want one of the books paired with something else, counting can be a challenge. But it's usually pretty straightforward.
I've been getting the nomination thread posted on the 10th, so the voting is then completed by the 18th. That gives people time to find, buy, or borrow the book.

[Caitlin McGrath]

And regarding organization, people handle it in all kinds of ways. I've seen a few mentions of people tracking nominations and votes with spreadsheets and such, but I'm not gonna lie: I did it all on scratch paper and that worked out fine (and is much more my speed). And yes, I'd also be happy to help, but behind the curtain, there's not actually that much to it (nor does it take a ton of time).

[LulusMom]

I was a scratch paper person for this too (although I have a great love of spreadsheets). Really very easy. Just keeping track of dates and counting votes - that's about all it requires.

[Blythe spirit]

Can it be done from an IPhone ? I have no computer at the moment but have been contemplating doing this at some point.

[JoanN]

If you can post a message, you can be a coordinator.

[JoanN]

The most difficult part is often locating a copy of the chosen book(s) so you can figure out how best to organize the reporting threads. But in these days of scanners, pdfs, and e-mails, the community, as well as former coordinators, is always there to help, too.

[Breadcrumbs]

I know its late in the nominations and all but just in case there's any last minute interest in this book, I'm going to throw out another nomination.

VERDURA by VIANA LA PLACE

I pulled this off my shelf yesterday for a chard recipe and was reminded just how wonderful this book is. I purchased it from Abe's on the recommendations of others here and everything I've made has been wonderful. Last night I was noticing penciled in notes from whomever owned the book before me ... lots of "Excellent, kids loved this" or "Excellent, easy but tasted fancy" ...loved reading them!!

[JoanN]

i'll join you. Had the book forever and I don't think I've cooked a single thing from it.

VERDURA by Viana La Place

[dkennedy]

Greetings All!

My son's Bar Mitzvah was yesterday (it was lovely) so I am finally back from my fog of non-participation. You all have made some great suggestions and I am not sure which way to go....still looking forward to participating in this month's selection and the lobster adjunct thread I started. Speaking of, I was on the phone with my MIL yesterday who lives in New Brunswick, Canada and she told me she picked up 3 lobsters for $10.00 yesterday. They were 1 1/2 lbs. each. I was floored. Wish I could find lobster for anywhere near that price around here. Oye! Back to nominations:

VERDURA

Verdura is an excellent veggie-centric book. I have it and have jumped on the band wagon every time it has been mentioned. It has been around forever so I am sure it could be picked up used for mere pennies. My favorite recipe out of this book is a layered potato and artichoke cake on page 266.

PLANET BBQ with RAISING THE SALAD BAR

I am also interested in seeing Raising the Salad Bar become a COTM. I checked it out from the library since the last time it was nominated but haven't had the chance to cook very many recipes out of it yet. It does look fantastic.

Planet BBQ has been on my shelf since last summer and I would love to get more use out of this one.

What about The Farm? I know some of you bought it from TGC and were raving about it.

[jpr54_1]

mazel tov mit glick!!!
he should live to be 120!!

[dkennedy]

As my mother would say, Poo, poo, poo!

[jpr54_1]

lol
mine also
looking behind her

[jpr54_1]

for those of u -unfamiliar with old world yiddish customs and expressions-
the poo poo is said so nothing bad should happen
the zol zine...."it will be with a blessing"

[JoanN]

My grandmother used to say it was the polite way of spitting three times to ward off the evil eye. In other words, "Don't give me a Kineahora." Yiddish equivalent of "knock wood."

Mazel tov, dk. And could you please send some of those lobsters down to NYC?

[dkennedy]

Thanks for all the good wishes!

[blue room]

Mazel tov to a Kennedy, who'd have figured? I see on another board you are visiting Israel soon. I (and my very Irish surname) spent a year on a kibbutz years ago, I absolutely fell in love with the country. And the Best humuus in the world is in Jerusalem. It was the first thing that came to mind when I read about the new Ottolenghi book "Jerusalem: A Cookbook."

[dkennedy]

Kennedy is actually my middle name. I was named for the president, who had just been assassinated. Yes, our trip to Israel will be in lieu of a party for my son. I have held out thus far re buying Ottolenghi books. This one may push me over the edge.

[Blythe spirit]

With all this talk of Verdura, I looked up the reviews on Amazon and promptly ordered
myself a copy ( looks to be good even if it does not make COTM). Just an FYI , it does come in a British edition (paperback) and a hardcover (ECCO. - American edition). At least, this was what one reviewer mentioned on Amazon. Now that I can convert measurements and have figured out what in the world a 'hob' is - it doesn't really matter to me, but it might to some. I only checked Amazon so not sure what may or may not be the case with other stores.
The reviews were fairly unanimous in saying it is a solid performer and that the recipes are healthy.

[JoanN]

The original Verdura, which I have, was published by William Morrow in 1991. Wonder if all these various editions will have the same pagination, and the same recipes, although it wouldn't be a major problem if they don't.

[Blythe spirit]

JoanN,
Just curiosity - what picture is on the cover of your edition?

[blue room]

Blythe spirit, mine is this one, it says copyright 1991 inside. Hardcover.
http://www.amazon.com/Verdura-Vegtabl...

[Blythe spirit]

Thanks Blue Room,
That must mean I bought the American version.

[JoanN]

Yes, that's the one I have as well.

[Blythe spirit]

Oops... hardback was the British edition.

[blue room]

I have VERDURA too, and have every confidence it'll be noteworthy. Seriously good-looking stuff.

Does anyone have a copy of "A Snob in the Kitchen" ? It is mentioned in Verdura.

[LulusMom]

Congratulations! Glad to hear that it went well.

Verdura sounds great - unfortunately my library doesn't have a copy. Pfffft. I will ask if they can find a copy somewhere in the state next time I'm there (likely next week).

[Gio]

Mazel tov from Mr and Mrs Gio, DK. 10 bucks for 4 1/2 lbs of Lobster? And I thought we had it made in the lobster market...

[dkennedy]

I know, right? It doesn't seem possible that they could get them for that cheap. And apparently, right off the boat! In another conversation she mentioned paying $6 for 2 whole cooked lobsters, which she used to make lobster salad. I pay $9. for 1 lobster tail.

[L.Nightshade]

Agreed, that lobster price is amazing! I've been checking around here, the best price I've found is $28 per pound!

[qianning]

soft shells going at about $3/lb at the pier in Portsmouth right now, $4/lb at the grocery store...NH has few advantages when it comes to food, but once in a while we luck out.

[Breadcrumbs]

Mazel tov from Toronto dk!! I've made a note in Verdura on the potato artichoke cake. We must have the same edition as my recipe was on p. 266 as well!

ahhh, The Farm! Love it. Definitely one of the best recent purchases I've made. As you know, I can't seem to put it down and have made several dishes since bringing it home. I've been disappointed w some of the other "farm-to-table" books (Earth to Table and Blue Eggs and Yellow Tomatoes come to mind) but this one is fantastic. So glad to have it and if it hadn't been so new, I'd definitely have put it on my nomination list.

ETA: oh & by the way, those amazing lobster prices have not made there way down here to Toronto. Amazing!!

[blue room]

PLANET BARBECUE!
looks fine to me. Lots of variety, I'd say there is something for everyone.

[L.Nightshade]

Your COTM coordinator here with a reminder that nominations close in less than 24 hours!

Remember to enter your nominations in ALL CAPITALS. Tomorrow we will be moving on to the voting thread.

[BigSal]

We had such a great time with Batali's Italian Grill last summer. Il Galletto Al Mattone (Chicken Cooked Under A Brick) is still a favorite. I'd like to try PLANET BBQ this summer. After reviewing the grilling thread, it looks like most of the recipes were a hit.

[jpr54_1]

besides Planet BBq -there r other excellent BBQ books by Steve Raichlen
or other authors

[Breadcrumbs]

Please share your recommendations jpr...which have you cooked from w great results?

According to EYB I have 30 grilling books on my shelf. I cooked extensively from Batali's Italian Grill last year when it was a COTM and would whole-heartely recommend it. As for the others, I've only prepared a dish or two (if that in most cases) so I don't feel I could recommend any of them.

I'd love to hear about the books you've enjoyed success w and if you have time to mention a few dishes, that would be wonderful and sincerely appreciated.

[jpr54_1]

no problem-i will recommend some of the books on Sunday as I am busy today and Saturday

It might also be interesting to choose a side dish, salsa, etc.for cook to add using any book they choose,

[Breadcrumbs]

That's a great idea jpr and thanks so much! I'm looking forward to your recommendations!

[JoanN]

Speaking of salsas, Chris Schlesinger & John Willoughby published a book right after "Thrill of the Grill" called "Salsas, Sambals, Chutneys, & Chowchows" It's a very charming little book with some lovely looking recipes. I've only made the Corn and Pepper Relish, which was delightful. Thanks for reminding me of this book. I really must revisit it.

[Breadcrumbs]

Oooh Joan, the devil you are!! You just know I want this now!! ; - )
I have 2 of their books: License to Grill and How to Cook Meat & both look great but boy do I love salsas & chutneys. I'm heading over to Abe's...

Thanks for the heads up! I was just thinking it seems like ages since I've bought a cookbook!! hehehe!

[JoanN]

Surprised you don't have "Thrill of the Grill." I'm a firm believer, in spite of often having been proved wrong, that the seminal book is usually the best.

[Breadcrumbs]

I totally agree Joan, I picked up the other 2 at used book stores. If I'd have read this before I ordered from Abes I'd have added it to my cart. I've put it on my Amazon wishlist to remind me though!

[herby]

I had Thrill of the Grill forever and made many good things out of it but not for years. What are your recent avourites, JoanN?

[JoanN]

I am a grill-deprived Manhattan apartment dweller, so although I've had the book since it was first published (I worked at Wm. Morrow at the time) I've had little opportunity to cook from it. And the few recipes I have tried have been adapted for indoor cooking. That said, one of my early favorites from the book was the Grilled Rum-Soaked Shrimp with Mango-Lime Relish, a dish I made a number of times when visiting friends in the country.

[JaneEYB]

The Thrill of the Grill recipe I've made several times is Grilled Swordfish With Yucatan Orange-Herb Paste. I also liked Grilled Pork Birdies with Tangerine-Rosemary Glaze. I know I've made other recipes over the years but that was pre-EYB days so I don't have a record of what I made. I don't know why I haven't cooked more from it or Licence to Grill as flicking through them now, they have great looking recipes. If either of them were selected as the grill element for August I would be happy to use them again.

[JoanN]

License to Grill, The Thrill of the Grill, and Let the Flames Begin were a group COTM selection for August '07. Master thread here: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/427007

[jpr54_1]

BBQ SAUCES,RUBS, & MARINADES for DUMMIES
HOLY SMOKE -The Big Book of NORTH Carolina Barbecue-John Shelton Reed
HOW TO GRILL-SteveRaichlen
MASTERING THE GRILL by Andrew Schloss

These r some of my favorites
The first gives basic fundamentals
The second is all about North Carolina BBQ
the third and forthr justgood books on grilling

I am mixing grilling and bbqt books together

[Breadcrumbs]

I've been mulling this over today and I remembered someone commenting during the Homesick Texan COTM that their preference was to cook from a book that other hounds had cooked from already and, could personally recommend. I think that makes a lot of sense so on that basis I'm going to nominate:

VEGETABLE LOVE by Barbara Kafka

and/or

PLANET BARBECUE

[herby]

I recently bought VEGETABLE LOVE and would love a "push" to cook from it. I also seconded Planet BBQ upthread. Either one or both should be fun to cook from.

[JulesLP]

I would also like to nominate VEGETABLE LOVE. I find veggie books easier to explore with things I am cooking on the grill.

[blue room]

I'd like to keep COTM to one book -- that will keep people from having to acquire 2 books in order to feel they are participating fully.
Also, that one book would get perused, scrutinized and "covered" more fully?

[Blythe spirit]

There are so many great suggestions on the table. I'd be happy to cook from many of them. Took a look at my ever-burgeoning cookbook shelf and tried to come up with inspiration. It might be fun to do a Joyce Goldstein month at some point. I have Back to Square One, Solo, Salumi, and a few others that I've only begun to explore.
But August does seem more suited to something else. If I get a chance, I'll see if my Library has a copy of Raising the Salad Bar, so I can try it out. Very curious to hear if it's as good as those raves on Amazon say it is.

[blue room]

I just looked at "Back to Square One" -- looks interesting and worthwhile!

[Blythe spirit]

I took a demonstration class from her a few years back and she made this fabulous appetizer that I still make every spring when the spring onions are in season. The recipe was in her Antipast book but I purchased a signed copy of Enoteca... and Solo. Truth to tell, I've not made a thing from Back to Square One. But I was reminded of these books when someone (can't remember who) was cooking out of, and loving a book of Tapas(?) of hers.
I should really try a few things (from Back to Square One)and report back . It only has five reviews on Amazon, and that's not usually enough on which to base a decision (from someone who has learned the hard way!).
Also loving Radically Simple right now, but as usual I'm the last one on the bandwagon as it
already has it's own thread! So many books so little ... Etc.
The bad news for me is that gas grills no longer allowed in our building so I'll have to return it for an electric one, if I want to grill.

[LulusMom]

Oh, please do add to the RS thread! I always love being reminded of things I still want to make, or things I want to remake. And sometimes someone finds something that I hadn't even really thought about.

[Blythe spirit]

Lulusmom,
Speaking of this book, I've been meaning to try the radish and bacon pasta recipe, and have been curious to try turkey bacon which I seem to remember you mentioning at some point (can't remember if in regard to this or another recipe). Can you recommend a place to find this? Don't think I've ever seen it anywhere.

[L.Nightshade]

LulusMom does mention turkey bacon with that dish. It would probably be a good idea to discuss your questions over on that thread. Her post is here:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/7860...

[Blythe spirit]

Thanks L. Nightshade :-)

[L.Nightshade]

I think that sounded like I was reprimanding you, sorry if it did! I just think you'll get more answers to your questions if you post on the thread where people are talking about the recipe. By the way, I love that recipe, I've made it many times now!

[Blythe spirit]

No worries :-)
I think your review may be one of the ones that inspired me to think about trying the dish. Radishes and bacon seem an unlikely match, but I'm looking forward to being pleasantly surprised.

[j8715]

THE RAW AND THE COOKED - JIM HARRISON

widely believed to be the best book on cooking written by anyone, anywhere.

[blue room]

But are there recipes in it that we can try at home?

[JoanN]

Sounds like an interesting read if you're into the macho style, but far as I can tell there's only one recipe in the book.

[Gio]

Admittedly it would be a good read after all he is a noted and prolific writer. I'm not sure there are many recipes because the book is a collection of essays "about eating and writing about writing about eating." But I'm requesting it from my library system based on what I've read about him so far. BTW: I saw him on an episode of Bourdain's No Reservations.

Here's a recipe for his meatballs as one reviewer says,
..."there's a killer recipe for meatballs that will become for you, as it is for Harrison, not only a balm but also a food nostrum well worth partaking." Curiously the sauce reads scarily similar to a sauce I made last night for a scallop dish from Food Without A Doubt.
http://www.food.com/recipe/jim-harrisons-meatballs-382459

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/6001...

[Breadcrumbs]

It seems many of us are thinking along the same lines for August - produce & grilling.

I haven't had a chance to pull any books from my shelf but did take a look @ EYB and here are the books I'll take a closer look at tonight:

Produce:

Stephanie Alexander's Kitchen Garden Companion by Stephanie Alexander

Vegetable Love by Barbara Kafka

Verdura: Vegetables Italian Style by Viana La Place

Eating Local: 150 Recipes from the Farm to Your Table by Janet Fletcher and Sur La Table

International Grilling:

Planet Barbecue

Douglas Rodriguez's Latin Flavors on the Grill by Douglas Rodriguez and Andrew DiCataldo

The Asian Grill: Great Recipes, Bold Flavors by Corinne Trang and Corrine Trang

[smtucker]

PLANET BBQ with RAISING THE SALAD BAR

This combines the two things we always seem to be eating and doing in August.

[Gio]

An author, rather than a single book, I've been thinking of is Bill Granger. His recipes, as I read them, seem so breezy and fresh. Has anyone cooked from his books? I ordered "Bill's Food" a few days ago. He's a well known Australian but currently lives in London where he opened a restaurant a while ago.

http://www.amazon.com/Bill-Granger/e/...

[lilham]

I love Bill Granger. I've got his Bill's Everyday Asian. Everything I've cooked from it are hits. He has a lot of recipes online, and I made two of his breakfast breads from online recipes (a coconut one and an apple, cherry and almond one), both were delicious. I would love an excuse to buy his other books.

And his books are quite cheap on amazon.co.uk. I've been eyeing them up, and they are like £5 each.

[greedygirl]

I've got Everyday Asian as well and have had success with it.

[The Dairy Queen]

I've been very curious about Everyday Asian. How would you describe the recipes? Pretty straightforward? Lots of specialized ingredients?

By any chance, have either of you compared it to Nina Simonds Simple Asian Meals?

~TDQ

[lilham]

I found the recipes fairly simple, but tasty. Some are weeknight dinners, others slighty more involved, maybe a hour's prep at most. Like Gio says, it's fresh, typical of what I think of Australian cooking. I used many of the salads in the book for barbeques. For example, last weekend I had the chicken salad with pineapple and basil, with cashew relish. The chicken was grilled, and then served with the pineapple salad with the cashew relish. It was very very good.

The ingredients are easier to find then Fuchsia Dunlop. I can get most of them from my local supermarket. (But they have mirin, nori, wasabi, so not completely british and indian only). There are things you'll already have from cooking Dunlop or Grace Young, eg sesame oil and shaoxing wine. Other ingredients I remembered are things like miso (love the miso aubergines), lemongrass, fish sauce, sweet chilli sauce. Not sure what the stores around your area is like.

I don't have the Simple Asian Meals so can't compare them.

[LulusMom]

So this is Everyday Asian that we're talking about? This sounds really good. I've never heard of Bill Granger before, but looking up his stuff on amazon I'm excited.

[The Dairy Queen]

yes, Everyday Asian by Bill Granger!

~TDQ

[LulusMom]

All his books looked good, from what I can see. But they don't seem to be available in the US, or am I somehow misreading that? I'd love to do one (or more) for a COTM sometime.

Got EAT WELL in the mail today - a Williams-Sonoma book I'd forgotten that I'd ordered from a sale spot. It looks really good - made a fairly long list of things to try from it. I expect this won't have lots of interest, but I thought I'd throw it out there just in case.

[Blythe spirit]

I have a few books in the William Sonoma series and always found them to be good and reliable.

[LulusMom]

I like them too. I remember a few things from the Spain book that were over the top good for me. And, as I say, I made a pretty long list of good sounding stuff with Eat Well.

[The Dairy Queen]

Yes,I agree that all of his books look great,but don't seem to be available in the US, except Bill's Open Kitchen (which I think was published in Oz as Bill's Food. and Simple Honest Food I'd love to try an Australian author sometime. Some of his recipes are here: http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/bill-... and you can find him on the cooking channel.

~TDQ

[lilham]

That's a shame. I didn't know it's not very available in the US. I guess the easiest way to get them the is via amazon.co.uk? He's very famous in Australia. And moderately well known in the UK. He's usually on the paid tv channels, I don't think I've ever seen his shows on the free ones. (Unlike Jamie Oliver, Nigel Slater or Nigella Lawson. They are real household names here).

Another possibility for Australian authors would be Donna Hay. I haven't cooked anything from her though.

[Blythe spirit]

I have a couple Donna Hay books I haven't cooked much from.

[Breadcrumbs]

I love Donna Hay, I have all her books and have prepared many of her dishes. She's my favourite cookcook author and I'd love a COTM w one or two of her books.

[Gio]

TDQ... Granger's other books are available through Amazon's resellers...
http://www.amazon.com/Bill-Granger/e/...

[The Dairy Queen]

The problem with the 3rd party sellers on Amazon is you can't really count on adequate availability for COTM or reasonable pricing, though I see the Book Depository listed as one of the third party sellers for at least one of his books. Book Depository offers free shipping worldwide and would very likely have adequate availability for COTMers.

~TDQ

[LulusMom]

I'm lucky enough to have a dear friend in Oz (if you're lurking there M, you know who you are), and I might be able to plead with him for a copy or two.

[Breadcrumbs]

I have one of his books Gio, "Simply Bill." I think it was a "fill a bag" purchase at a church rummage sale as I recall it being one of a few books I picked up at the time. I put them on the shelf and unless a recipe comes up in an EYB search, I haven't looked at them since but I'll have to remedy that now!

[blue room]

It (logically) seems like there's a lot of interest for all-vegetable, all-salad type books. I have "The Victory Garden" which has been mentioned often. Also, a never-cooked-from "Verdura" which looks really interesting. It's by Viana La Place, and is focused on vegetables Italian style. Also never cooked from, "Vegetables in the French Style" by Roger Vergé, but that one looks a little forbidding. Also from the old Time-Life The Good Cook series, "Vegetables: Techniques and Recipes".
I'm just throwing out names here -- maybe someone will be inspired and nominate a crowd pleaser.

I'd still like to do "Asian Dumplings" by Andrea Nguyen, but it has a dedicated thread here already -- that may or may not make it a good COTM candidate.
Heck, whatever is chosen is always fine, no?
I am just a *little* tired of fish right this minute, and think an all-curry month would have the same effect? Vegetables can be paired with everything.

[Blythe spirit]

Hadn't there been some talk of doing Thai or doing a grilling book? I'm new to grilling ( my Baby Q just arrived today!). I've heard great things about the Raichlen books, but not everyone grills....so that might be too specialized for a COTM.
I just got my copy of 660 Curries, but think that might make a better cold weather COTM. Just thinking out loud... No real firm ideas yet.

[herby]

Was Planet BBQ ever a COTM? I really-really want 660 Curries! Maybe I'll finally break down and buy it in the fall:)

[JoanN]

No, but dkennedy started a generic BBQ thread and a number of people posted reviews of recipes from Planet BBQ to that thread.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/798256

[Blythe spirit]

I don't think Planet BBQ was ever a COTM. Yeah, I broke down and got 660 curries (along with an electric spice grinder) last month. Have not cooked anything from it yet but it is getting a lot of buzz on EYB - and looks to be quite a cooking adventure, though probably suited better to colder weather. I wonder though, if my whole place would smell like curry powder if I cooked from it for a month :-)

[herby]

I took 660 Curries out of the library a few month ago and enjoyed all dishes that I made from the book. I do have several very good Indian books and do not really need another one but.... I do not think that your place will smell like curry:) I lived in India and Bangladesh for several years and local food was cooked in my apartment every single day - it did not smell like curry at all.

[dkennedy]

Wow, Herby, when was it you lived in India and Bangladesh? I'd love to hear more about what that was like when you have the time. COTMers are sooooo fascinating!

[oakjoan]

Blythe spirit wrote: I wonder if my whole place would smell like curry powder if I cooked from it for a month.

And this is a problem because?/!!! ;+)

[Blythe spirit]

Hehehe.. Oakjoan. I love the smell of curry. Just seem to remember when I was apartment hunting in college and one of the units I looked at had been thoroughly cleaned but as soon as one walked in the place the curry smell was predominant. Looking back, it was likely an issue w/ regard to ventilation.

[MelMM]

I would love PLANET BBQ to be a COTM. I posted several reviews in the thread JoanN linked to. It's a really interesting book that covers grilling from a very international perspective. It would be good to pair it up with a vegetable book.

I feel like I hardly deserve a vote, since my participation has been nonexistent this month, but I think my travel schedule will be lighter next month, and a grilling book would be perfect for me.

[herby]

I am happy to get behind PLANET BBQ + vegetable book. There are lots of great vegetable books and I just ordered THE GREENS COOKBOOK.

[Gio]

Hmmm... a grilling book paired with a vegetable book. Sounds good to me, and those who cannot/don't want to grill out-of-doors probably could use an indoor grill pan stove top or a broiler. We've done that many times with great success. I've been thinking mostly of vegetable books given the that real bounty of the season rolls in at this time of the year.

I have ordered and am awaiting arrival of "Mediterranean Harvest: Vegetarian Recipes from the World's Healthiest Cuisine" by Martha Rose Shulman. And, I have Planet Barbeque from which I have only cooked a few recipes. Seems to me they would go very well together. Both are compiled of food from many countries - in MH Shulman visits 14 Mediterranean countries for recipes, including Turkey, North Africa, the Balkans - and PB has already been discussed. Additionally, both are "seasonal".

https://www.google.com/search?q=+%22Mediterranean+Harvest%3A+Vegetarian+Recipes+from+the+World%27s+Healthiest+Cuisine%22&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

http://www.martha-rose-shulman.com/ar...

[greedygirl]

The weather in the UK is epically terrible at the moment - the jet stream's stuck apparently so you've got all the heat, and we've got all the rain. Worst. Summer. Ever. So not sure about the grilling!

However, I'd quite like to do a book someone mentioned last month, and which I subsequently purchased, which is Raising the Salad Bar. Am having the first recipe from it for lunch, and it looks delicious (white bean and asparagus salad). Any interest?

[Blythe spirit]

Sounds delicious, greedygirl. What is your impression of the recipes? Are the ingredients fairly accessible ? I took a quick peek on Amazon and it looks like it's gotten more than a few favorable reviews.

[Blythe spirit]

So I had a chance to look at the recipe list on EYB - and from what I could see, Raising the Salad Bar definitely has pretty standard -easy-to-find ingredients.

[Gio]

Why yes, I'd be interested in Raising the Salad Bar. IIRC I was interested enough last month to search it out at Amazon. Didn't do much more than that, though. I love salads and could subsist on them and almost did do when I was young and skinny... Let us know how you liked the asparagus and white beans.
http://www.amazon.com/Raising-Salad-B...

So far Summer here has been a bit psychotic. Hot and dry for spells then monsoon-like at other times. The environment is really suffering these days.

[JaneEYB]

It was me that proposed Raising the Salad Bar last month - I think it's a great book. I won't be doing much cooking though in August as I'm in England for the first half of August - gg, can you please fix the weather before I arrive? But if it gets picked I will definitely cook along for the second half of the month. So I will stick my neck out and go into caps already with RAISING THE SALAD BAR.

[greedygirl]

Don't talk to me about the weather, Jane! Off to northern France tomorrow so I hope it improves.

I'll second RAISING THE SALAD BAR. The one thing I've tried (white bean and asparagus salad) was very tasty.

[Gio]

OK then... I'm in:
RAISING THE SALAD BAR
PLANET BBQ

[LulusMom]

Jane, have you cooked many salads from this book? Some of the reviews on Amazon were less than enticing (although many were raves). My library doesn't have it, so I want to be extra careful.

[JoanN]

Must say, I was a bit taken aback by some of those reviews myself. Luckily, though, there are two copies in our library system and one is available so I put an immediate hold on it. Hope it shows up fairly soon.

[Caitlin McGrath]

I went to Amazon expecting to see very mixed reviews, but actually 39 out of 43 gave it five stars. My library doesn't have it, but it appears to be readily available through interlibrary loan. Having looked through the index on EYB (http://www.eatyourbooks.com/library/1...), I could get behind doing it in August. I don't (can't) grill, but there are lots of options here for main-dish salads, as well as sides. And it'll be prime produce time, of course. Just this week, one of the weekly farmers' markets I shop at relocated - to four blocks from my house. Poor me!

[JoanN]

True, but the most negative review, which basically said there's nothing new here and it just wasn't as informative or helpful as it might have been, was convincing enough to me to to not want to commit to it sight unseen. Just reserving judgment until I've had a chance to take a look at it.

[LulusMom]

That was pretty much how I felt. There were definitely a lot of raves, but I did find the more negative reviews fairly convincing. The one that commented that the dressings were often too sweet also turned me off.

[Caitlin McGrath]

Certainly true, and frankly I probably wouldn't spring for a book of salads without a test drive. (I'm not buying anything sight unseen these days, unless by a favorite author and I can't help myself - ahem, Ottolenghi's new book in two months - but that's another subject.) And I did indeed find those two negative reviews helpful. In the one you refer to, it did seem the reviewer was expecting/wanting a different sort book, but it's helpful to know what this is not, as well as that one might want to adjust the sweet and oil to taste (from the review LLM cites).

[The Dairy Queen]

Speaking of Jersusalem, article from the LA Times. Follow the link to Ottolenghi's blog for the cover art. Notice a similarity to Dunlop in "conceptual" covers for the UK version vs. a gorgeous food photo for the U.S. version?

http://www.latimes.com/features/food/...

~TDQ

[oakjoan]

Caitlin: Is that the one I saw this week on Adeline near Alcatraz? Farmers' Market, I mean.

[Caitlin McGrath]

Joan, that's it. It's the one that was on Derby between MLK and Milvia (by the old Iceland), now moved to Adeline between 62nd and Alcatraz. Tuesdays, 2-6.

[oakjoan]

Caitlin: That's good to know. Closer to me, although there was always lots of parking at the old one on Derby.

Have you been to the new location? If so, how's the parking?

[Caitlin McGrath]

Belated answer, so I don't know if you've been yet, Joan, but the parking situation isn't as good in the new location because it's surrounded by busy streets and doesn't have as easy access to side streets, plus unlike in the old location, the side streets are all residential. You'll probably have to park farther away. On the upside, someone was telling me that they might have or get more vendors, because there is more space.

[oakjoan]

herby: The Greens Cookbook (and the other Deborah Madison books) are wonderful. I have 4 of them and use them regularly. There are probably more since the last time I bought one was about 10 years ago.

[herby]

The Greens Cookbook that I just ordered seem to include recipes from various chefs - hope to receive it this week and will post on "what cookbooks..." Thank you for the endorsement, Oakjoan; it is always scary to buy without examining the book first!

[L.Nightshade]

I've had Greens since day one, and love it. I keep thinking it will seem passé, but it always comes through. The stacked crepe cake with tomatoes; basil; zucchini; herbes de Provence; Niçoise olives; Parmesan cheese; and Gouda cheese is always a big hit. The roulades both present well and taste great, and summery. A little more hearty dish is a baked polenta layered with tomato, Fontina, and gorgonzola. Mmmm. Time to make that again soon!

[TxnInMtl]

I'd love to do 660 Curries in the fall when things have settled down for me, I have a bit more time to cook and the weather's cooling down again. It's one of my favorite cookbooks and seems well suited to COTM.

[MelMM]

I'd also like to 660 Curries, but not in August. To me, a book like this works better when I am not deluged by local produce. In the winter, I'm more like to buy imported produce anyway, so that's a good time to go to an Indian or Chinese grocery.

[herby]

I have two books to suggest:

HARVEST TO HEAT
CANAL HOUSE COOKING, VOL. 4 FARM MARTKETS & GARDENS

[JoanN]

Have you cooked from any of the Canal House books, herby? I've looked at them a number of times, but was never convinced I needed to own one. They're gorgeous, of course, as well they should be since they're written and published by a food stylist and one of the best food photographers ever, but are the recipes any good? I know a number of people who have the books, but I don't know anyone who's actually cooked from them.

[MelMM]

I own every one, but haven't cooked a single thing. In one way, that makes me want to have one as a COTM, and in another way, it doesn't.

[greedygirl]

I bought one sight unseen, and returned it. Nothing that really grabbed me, and lots of recipes I have elsewhere.

[Gio]

The only Canal book I own is La Dolce Vita, it may be the 7th book? I bought it to add to my Italian cookbook collection. It arrived, I looked through it, put it in the dedicated Italian bookcase...and there it sits...

[pikawicca]

I feel the same way about these books.

[herby]

I have not cooked from Canal House books yet - I received them a couple of weeks ago - and definitely intend to starting with Vol 4 (farm markets). All recipes look simple with not too many ingredients - which is very attractive for the summer cooking. There are some interesting dishes that I plan to start with:

Tomato-cucumber water
Avocado-cucumber soup
Grilled eggplant with mint
Grilled duck breast with prunes and red wine
Tomato salad with blue cheese and anchovies

Berry cobler and Tuiles look yummy too and so does tomato preserve. I also like that the book is small and light, easy to carry around. I doubt it will gain enough support to become COTM but maybe some of us who have these books would like to cook together and could start a tread.

[jpr54_1]

with harvesting of summer fruits and vegetables- pickles jams, etc

FOOD IN A JAR by Marisa McClellan
PICKLED PANTRY by Andrea Chesman
The JOY OF PICKLING by Linda Ziedrich

these r just 3 of the better books on subject imho
there r several others

[lilham]

Food in Jars started life as a blog http://www.foodinjars.com/

It's always nice to be able to cook along using recipes online. Not sure if there will be enough interest in canning though.

[Gio]

Thanks LN. This is just to get the page on my radar. But, I Do have a few notions in mind. More later...

[Breadcrumbs]

Thanks LN and echoing Gio's comments though I don't have any ideas percolating at this point.