Patricia Curtan Bücher

For twenty-five years, Alice Waters and her team at Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California, have focused on serving the finest, freshest foods with simplicity and style. They draw inspiration from high-quality produce available year-round, celebrating seasonal ingredients like tender baby asparagus in spring, vibrant summer peppers, crisp autumn chicories, and sweet winter butternut squash. The cookbook offers endless culinary possibilities, featuring dishes such as Grilled Radicchio Risotto with Balsamic Vinegar for dinner parties, and Pizza with Red and Yellow Peppers for summer evenings. It encourages creative alternatives, like Artichoke and Grapefruit Salad instead of traditional greens, or Corn Cakes with fresh berries for breakfast. Waters shares her passion for "living foods," reflecting on her early challenges in sourcing quality vegetables and the flourishing markets and organic farms today, making fresh produce accessible to home cooks. With the rise of home gardening, more people are bringing vegetables straight from their gardens to their kitchens. This resource is invaluable for cooks, gardeners, and vegetarians alike, providing detailed information on seasonal availability, appearance, flavor, and preparation for a wide range of vegetables, from common favorites to unique selections, all arranged alphabetically and accompanied by colorful linocut images.