Customer Reviews

Along the Garden Path

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4 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Expertly written and wonderfully illustrated by the husband and wife team Bill and Sylvia Varney (who own and run Fredericksburg Herb Farm, a business whose Edible Flower Herb Vinegar won the 1991 Outstanding Condiment Award from the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade), Along The Garden Path is an engaging blend of lavish color photographs, thoughtful insights concerning ways to better relax and enjoy life, and fine recipes that elegantly celebrate great taste. The mouth-watering recipes range from Herbed Tomato and Bleu Cheese Soup; Seafood Gazpacho; Creamy Vegetable Dip; and Peppermint Shortbread; to Italian-Style Herb Vinaigrette; Cinnamon Basil Ice Cream; and Peach Brandy Pound Cake with Lemon Verbena. A most enjoyable compilation, Along The Garden Path is most especially recommended for those with a gourmet passion for fine food that features the utilization of fine, garden fresh herbs.

Lavishly illustrated this thoughtfully prepared volume offers 140 recipes for herb inspired dishes, ranging from a luscious peach cobbler made mouth watering by the addition of lemon verbena to crispy skinned Herb-Smoked Chicken to green peas delicately enhanced with minted garlic butter.

Also included are techniques for growing herb gardens, as well as comforting and resourceful ways of using herbs in our homes. Sleep pillows - small sachets tucked into your pillowcase may be fashioned from favorite fabrics and even trimmed with lace. The Romans used rose petals, while Victorian ladies favored a lavender scent for their naps. Sandalwood is a warm outdoor aroma, while geranium is light and fresh.

This is a beautiful volume enticingly illustrated.

I will admit that the herb farm in Fredricksburk is a wonderful place to eat or stay. This cookbook on the otherhand was a waste of my money. The majoirty of the recipes call for special mixes that are only available from the Herb farm. I found this to be VERY frustrating. It was a nicely put together book, but as for true recipes, it was mostly dissapointing.

I have visited Fredericksburg many times and always visit the herb farm. This book gives wonderful recipes of their delectable foods. A special bonus of the book is the beautiful paper and printing.