“Everything you need to know about the delicious new world of beans in this pioneering [recipe] book . . .A keeper.” —Paula Wolfert, James Beard and Julia Child Award–winning cookbook author Who would have thought a simple bean could do so much? Heirloom bean expert Steve Sando provides descriptions of the many varieties now available, from Scarlet Runners to the spotted Eye of the Tiger beans. Nearly ninety recipes in the book will entice readers to cook up bowls of heartwarming Risotto and Cranberry Beans with Pancetta, or Caribbean Black Bean Soup. Close-up photos of the beans make them easy to identify. Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, these little treasures are the perfect addition to any meal. “Heirloom Beans is no less than a promise of good things to come from this humble but rather magical food.” —Deborah Madison, James Beard and Julia Child Award–winning cookbook author of Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone “Heirloom Beans is the ultimate kiss and tell all of legendary legumes. A delicious recipe and savory story for every heirloom bean.” —Annie Somerville, cookbook author and chef, Greens Restaurant “We give Rancho Gordo beans a place of honor at our restaurants.” —Thomas Keller, James Beard award-winning chef, cookbook author and restaurateur, French Laundry

In the dark poetry of her newest collection, Sue Owen reflects on the devil’s dreams, the hammering of the last nail in a coffin, and the brilliant death of a shooting star. Owen turns proverbial sayings (in “Getting to the Point,” “Until Hell Freezes Over,” or “If the Other Shoe Drops”) into fully developed parables that examine and elaborate upon the assumptions we all make. This is a cookbook with recipes that instruct, where hell becomes a kitchen of wisdom and insight. The heat in these poems reminds us of the evil in our contemporary lives and challenges us to look straight at it, without fear.

While a luscious layer cake may exemplify the towering glory of southern baking, like everything about the American South, baking is far more complicated than it seems. Rebecca Sharpless here weaves a brilliant chronicle, vast in perspective and entertaining in detail, revealing how three global food traditions—Indigenous American, European, and African—collided with and merged in the economies, cultures, and foodways of the South to create what we know as the southern baking tradition. Recognizing that sentiments around southern baking run deep, Sharpless takes delight in deflating stereotypes as she delves into the surprising realities underlying the creation and consumption of baked goods. People who controlled the food supply in the South used baking to reinforce their power and make social distinctions. Who used white cornmeal and who used yellow, who put sugar in their cornbread and who did not had traditional meanings for southerners, as did the proportions of flour, fat, and liquid in biscuits. By the twentieth century, however, the popularity of convenience foods and mixes exploded in the region, as it did nationwide. Still, while some regional distinctions have waned, baking in the South continues to be a remarkable, and remarkably tasty, source of identity and entrepreneurship.

Tea connoisseurs, are you in search of the perfect cup of tea? An eclectic collection of both old and new tea beverage combinations culled from cultures across the world. Here is a celebration of original and classic tea recipes. With photographs and step-by-step instruction you will learn the secrets to making the perfect cup of hot or iced tea. This is the essential guide to brewing, serving and entertaining with teas from around the world. Tea aficionados are sure to enjoy the recipes, tidbits and historical background of the rich tea tradition. Everything you might desire or need to know about tea - the ever popular coffee alternative - is presented here.Features photographs for serving and decorating ideas.Makes a perfect gift for your tea aficionado friends and family.