Review
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Washington Post Top 10 Cookbooks for 2011 Called England's Queen of s by superstar chef Jamie Oliver, the
author lays out the history and utility of her 50 top garden s.--Bonnie Berwick"Washington Post Top 10 Cookbooks for
2011" (12/11/2011)
Alluring ... Evokes spring from cover to cover, with illustrations by Ms. McVicar's daughter, Hannah, that suggest
William Morris patterns.-- (12/17/2011)
Washington Post Top 10 Cookbooks for 2011.--Washington Post (12/17/2011)
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 ful.-- (03/25/2011)
Jekka's Cookbook is full of recipes definitely not seen in all the usual places.--BackHome Magazine (06/01/2011)
One of the great things about an garden is its sheer abundance. In no time at all, your garden bed and flower pots
can be overflowing with flowering s. The biggest problem: What to do with it all. Enter Jekka's Cookbook.
Organized alphabetically by , this tome is perfect for those wanting to cook from their garden. From angelica to
wild strawberry, 50 s 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 Cookbook will help ensure you
enjoy your harvest and don't waste a leaf.-- (08/01/2011)
(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 s (with cultivation tips), "History in Cooking,"
"Harvesting and Uses," and an annotated list of varieties. Most useful is the "Excess" section, which features
advice on what to do when the is at its peak and producing more than you can use. McVicar, whose UK farm has
won 59 Royal Horticultural Society gold medals, stretches the definition of s to include mustard greens, stevia,
violets, and wild (alpine) strawberries. Pasta with Spring 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)
Known as the "queen of s" in her country for both her knowledge and strong advocacy of these useful s, British
author and grower Jekka McVicar has compiled a list of fifty-one cooking s and s. 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 is reviewed in detail: general characteristics,
culture, history in cooking, harvesting and uses (leaves, flowers, , and roots), particular properties such as
bitterness, and popular varieties. There are several recipes for each , 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)
Jekka McVicar, an English 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 . Of particular utility are the ideas of what to do with an excess of each .-- (12/17/2011)
About the Author
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Jekka McVicar has been growing culinary, aromatic, decorative and medicinal s for more than 20 years. She
owns Jekka's 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.
