Smith & Hawken: The Gardeners' Community Cookbook (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: Crème Fraîche, pickling spices, green tomato relish, Community Cookbook, New World, New Mexico (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A big, ripe cornucopia of a book by gardeners who cook and cooks who garden, Smith & Hawken The Gardeners' Community Cookbook celebrates both the Smith & Hawken gardening community and Second Harvest, the largest charitable hunger relief organization in the United States. Over 300 contributors from all 50 states share the fruit and vegetables of their labors--the secrets of their tomatoes and their tomato sauce. There are herb growers. Patio gardeners. Farmers. And famous chef/gardeners and writers, such as Deborah Madison, Alice Waters, Barbara Kafka, Ken Hom, Paula Wolfert, Thomas Keller, and Barbara Damrosch, who forces Belgian endive in buckets under the kitchen sink during bitter Maine winters.

And what they offer are over 400 recipes that give a cross section of creative American garden cooking. Here are garden-to-table dishes: Spinach and Strawberry Salad; Mexican Bruschetta. Seasonal inspirations: Curried Zucchini Soup; Tortellini with Pumpkin Alfredo; Asparagus Mushroom Flan. Prime pickings: Chicken and Chives; New Mexico Chard Enchiladas. And harvest put-ups: Green Tomato Chutney; Sweet Red Bell Pepper Pickle.

Compiled and written by Victoria Wise, this is the cookbook to meet like-minded neighbors and friends you never knew you had, exchanging ideas and recipes just for the pleasure of it.

From the Publisher

About Second Harvest
A 2 percent royalty from the sale of this cookbook will go to Second Harvest, the largest charitable hunger relief organization in the United States. Dedicated to feeding the hungry by soliciting and distributing food and grocery products, Second Harvest last year gave out 1 billion pounds of food through its nationwide network of nearly 200 certified affiliate food banks.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 468 pages
• Publisher: Workman Publishing Company (September 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761117431
• ISBN-13: 978-0761117438
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #225,989 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THIS BOOK IS JUST PLAIN INCREDIBLE!, November 5, 2000

By	Anna (Idaho) - See all my reviews

First of all, let me just say that every review here is 100% accurate. I've had this gem of a cookbook for a little over a year and no I am not a gardner. But I do love to cook and shop at the farmer's market. I was not even that great of a cook, but when I cook recipes from this book, friends and family think I'm amazing. The recipes are easy and so fun to prepare. It's a health conscious cookbook in that it features fruits and vegetables in abundance without using hardly any ingredients that contain additives, preservatives, or chemicals. Everything is fresh and bursting with flavor. All recipes contain a little note from the contributor that gives the recipe a personal feel plus it's just fun to read. There are also sidebars with tidbits of information and quotes from great poets, authors, and playwrights. In addition, there are hints and tips throughout. No there are no pictures, but as one reviewer said, we don't need them. Your imagination comes alive. This cookbook has been an inspiration to me and it has given me a new passion for cooking wonderful meals. My little brother who is in college implores me to make his favorite menu when he comes home to visit: Herbed Chicken Salad with Whole Wheat Biscuits (pg.77) and Lemon-Herb Tea Cake with Lemon Glaze (pg.400) for dessert. Even my husband and two small children adore the food I prepare from my cherished cookbook. I just have to add that the Steamed Scallops Supreme (pg.193) is heaven on earth!!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable Compilation from Chez Panisse Alumna, March 24, 2000

By A Customer

I bought this book knowing that due to Victoria Wise's involvement, there would be many recipes I would want to try. I discovered that the contributors are a wonderful sampling of the cooking public-- people just like me, and illustrious chefs/food professionals(I was delighted to find a recipe from the Pasta Shop, which has one of the best Delis in Berkeley). Photographs are not necessary! These recipes excite the imagination...they renew your zest for seasonal eating. I do not see the absence of photos to be an area in which this book is lacking. Most of these recipes are dead easy, and the majority are quick! Best of all, they are inspirational to the person who does not have a garden but enjoys going to the market often, looking for what is best in season. Don't hesitate because it does not look like a copy of "Martha Stewart Living". This book is attractive, well edited, nicely laid out, and unlike many a glossy chef-opus, well-tested (read the preface and author thanks) These are clearly beloved, well used recipes!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tasty Delights!, June 14, 2000

By	Bret Ehlert (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This book not only provides a wonderful collection of unique recipes, but is an inspiration to cook in new and tasteful ways. The pasta and vegetable side dishes are especially amazing. This is by far the best cookbook I've ever ran across. Even if you're not a gardener I highly suggest this book: But be warned, if you're not a gardener, this book might turn you into one.