Yum!

"Multicookers such as the GoWISE USA and Instant Pot Duo are hugely popular; however, most recipes are unreliable or are designed to work in only one model of multicooker--and most often, they use only the pressure-cook setting. Enter Multicooker Perfection (from America's Test Kitchen), a collection of foolproof recipes tested and developed to work in any multicooker and conform to your schedule. Make each recipe "fast" using the pressure-cook setting or let dinner cook while you're out by preparing it "slow" on the slow-cook setting. These crowd-pleasing recipes are perfectly suited for cooking at the touch of a button, from soups and stews like Easy Beef and Barley Soup and Chipotle Pork and Hominy Stew; to weeknight-friendly meals like Braised Chicken Breasts with Tomatoes and Capers, Ziti with Sausage Ragu, and Thai Braised Eggplant; to company-worthy dishes like Tamarind Braised Beef Short Ribs and Osso Buco with Sweet and Spicy Peperonata. Plus, you'll find a chapter of unexpected recipes like Boston Brown Bread, Buffalo Chicken Wings, and even a perfectly creamy Cheesecake. Make cooking easier and better with this must-have cookbook for any multicooker owner." (from Amazon.com)

"In 85 innovative recipes, Lindsay-Jean Hard—who writes the “Cooking with Scraps” column for Food52—shows just how delicious and surprising the all-too-often-discarded parts of food can be, transforming what might be considered trash into culinary treasure. Here’s how to put those seeds, stems, tops, rinds to good use for more delicious (and more frugal) cooking: Carrot greens—bright, fresh, and packed with flavor—make a zesty pesto. Water from canned beans behaves just like egg whites, perfect for vegan mayonnaise that even non-vegans will love. And serve broccoli stems olive-oil poached on lemony ricotta toast. It’s pure food genius, all the while critically reducing waste one dish at a time." (from Amazon.com)

"With gorgeous full-color photos, artful writing, and out-of-the-box recipes, you'll see why this duo's successful and heart-healthy website, MayIHaveThatRecipe.com, has such a dedicated following. Drawing on the ancient traditions of Turkey, Lebanon, and Israel to the trendy palates of Barcelona, Spain, Cohen and Fox showcase delicious vegan dishes with sophisticated flavor profiles and beautiful, crowd-pleasing presentations. From brunch specials such as Chickpea and Pepper Shakshuka and Zucchini Fritters with Yogurt Cucumber Sauce, to rich, intensely-flavored desserts, like Creamy Tahini Cheesecake and Rose Water Pudding Tartelettes with Pomegranate and Pistachios, there's a dish for every meal. Paired with fresh greens, the salads and appetizers can more than hold their own for an easy weeknight supper that is healthy, filling, and beautiful. Entrées such as Harissa meatless meatballs with Aromatic Turmeric Broth and Sweet and Savory Quinoa Stuffed Eggplant do double duty for everyday or holiday. With detailed explanations of Middle Eastern foods, and suggestions on the best way to build up a home pantry of staples, you'll discover a world of flavor. Once you begin cooking from Tahini & Turmeric, you'll find yourself experimenting with pistachios and pomegranate syrup--and, of course, tahini and turmeric." (from Amazon.com)

"Inspired by the landscape and flavors of his childhood on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Timothy Pakron found his heart, soul, and calling in cooking the Cajun, Creole, and southern classics of his youth. In his debut cookbook, he shares 125 plant-based recipes, all of which substitute ingredients without sacrificing depth of flavor and reveal the secret tradition of veganism in southern cooking. Finding ways to re-create his experiences growing up in the South--making mud pies and admiring the deep pink azaleas--on the plate, Pakron looks to history and nature as his guides to creating the richest food possible. Filled with as many evocative photographs and stories as easy-to-follow recipes, Mississippi Vegan is an ode to the transporting and ethereal beauty of the food and places you love." (from Amazon.com)

And in honor of National Lawn & Garden Month...

Since its original publication in 1989, The New Organic Grower has been one of the most important farming books available, with pioneer Eliot Coleman leading the charge in the organic movement in the United States. Now fully illustrated and updated, this 30^th Anniversary Edition is a must-have for any agricultural library.
Eliot Coleman’s books and innovative methods have helped innumerable organic farmers build successful farms in deep accordance with nature. The wisdom in this seminal book holds true even as the modern agricultural canon has grown―in large part due to Coleman’s influence as a wise elder with decades of experience. New information has been included in this edition to showcase the new tools and techniques that Eliot has been developing over the last thirty-five years.
Inspired by the European intensive growers, The New Organic Grower, 30^th Anniversary Edition, offers a very approachable and productive form of farming that has proven to work well for the earth and its stewards for centuries. Gardeners working on 2.5 acres or less will find this book especially useful, as it offers proof that small-scale market growers and serious home gardeners can live good lives close to the land and make a profit at the same time. The New Organic Grower is ideal for young farmers just getting started, or gardeners seeking to expand into a more productive enterprise.
New material in this edition includes:

• Beautiful color photographs throughout, taken by master gardener and author Barbara Damrosch (Eliot’s wife and co-farmer)
• Updated information throughout on how Eliot’s practices have changed through his experiments over the years
• A new section from Damrosch about incorporating flowers on the small farm
• More information on new tools Eliot has invented that don’t appear in any of his other books

New Cookbooks for Those with Special Dietary Needs

     The library gets quite a few cookbooks every year and I must admit that I can't wait for them to arrive! Many of our patrons--myself included--love to try new recipes and we genuinely love to cook. Unfortunately, if you are like me, then there are some foods that just don't sit well on your stomach. What do you do when there are certain foods you absolutely can't (or won't) eat? Well, we have all sorts of cookbooks for people who have special dietary needs. Most recently we have acquired three new titles that have recipes to hit the spot with those who are vegetarian or those who have food allergies.

     The first book is the Idiot's Guide: Gluten-Free Eating by Elizabeth King Humphrey and Jeanette Hurt. It seems everywhere you turn these days someone is talking about going "gluten-free," but what does that really mean? If you are looking for the answer to that question (and many more), then this is the book to begin your journey. You will learn the difference between celiac disease, gluten allergy, and gluten intolerance. Included are tips for spotting glutenous foods at the market, at restaurants, and when traveling. The authors offer guidance on how to feed gluten-sensitive children--even picky eaters--as well as meal plans to help the whole family thrive on a gluten-free diet. Although this book doesn't have any color photographs of its more than ninety recipes, readers will enjoy them nonetheless. Personally, I have always had good luck with the books from Idiot's Guides, they are always informative and, for those who are just learning about a new subject, they are quite easy to follow and understand. Also included are lists of glossary of terms, product and shopping websites, delivery websites, communities, smartphone apps, support organizations, and other instructional sites. You will also find the shopping list and and food log pages helpful when you are just starting your gluten-free lifestyle.

     The next title in this group is from Good Housekeeping; it's called Vegetarian: Meatless Recipes Everyone Will Love. Before you get to the recipes, there is a short introduction about what a vegetarian diet is, which foods are featured, and tips to help busy people make the most of their time and dollars. With more than sixty recipes--each with a full color photo--this book is arranged into six informative chapters. You can choose from classic vegetarian dishes like Vegetarian Chile, Ratatouille Rigatoni, or Eggplant Parmesan. Perhaps you prefer a hearty bowl of soup or stew. Choose from recipes for Hot and Sour Soup, Chunky Vegetable Chowder, or a classic French Onion Soup. For those who crave the lighter fair that a salad offers, then why not choose one of the Main-Dish Salad recipes? Try the White Bean Panzanella Salad or the Toasted Ravioli Salad. Maybe you're pressed for time. Then you may want to try one of the Quick Dinners or One Dish Meals. Mouth-watering dishes like Broccoli Pesto Spaghetti, Fast Fried Rice, Vegetable Phyllo Pizza, and Cauliflower Mac and Cheese are contained in the last two chapters. Because these recipes come from Good Housekeeping, you know the recipes are fine tuned for flavor and ease of cooking.

     The final book I'll talk about is Cooking Allergy-Free by Jenna Short. This book of one hundred fifty recipes was developed for those who have food allergies. Each recipe is labeled wheat-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, etc., so that you will know which of these recipes will satisfy the sensitive tummies in your family. The author also offers simple substitutions to convert each recipe for an individual's food allergy. She also denotes whether a recipe is vegetarian or vegan. All of the recipes contained here are kosher. You will find dishes such as Kale and Barley Soup, Rosemary Skillet Chicken with Mushrooms and Potatoes, Edamame Sliders, and Blueberry Lemon Crumble Pie. The author also includes an entire chapter devoted to giving you the essential information about grocery shopping, stocking your pantry, and tricks for setting up your kitchen to be allergen-friendly. She also offers menu suggestions to make it quick to plan weeknight dinners or even a party!
     All three of these books (and many more) are available for check-out from the library. They can be found in the non-fiction section around the 641.563 call number. For non-fiction books, you may check out four of the same subject at one time and keep them for three weeks. If no one has requested any of your books, then you are more than welcome to renew them by coming in to the Circulation Desk or call us at (601) 636-6411. Bon Appetit!

Make the Best Burger in Town...

I am a big fan of hamburgers. To me, there is nothing more American than a big, juicy burger, crunchy french fries and a Coke. I know that burgers are not something you should eat every day, but the library has received a book that can enable you to eat burgers more often but in a healthy way. Joni Marie Newman's The Best Veggie Burgers on the Planet contains 101 globally inspired vegan creations that showcase fresh flavors and exciting exotic tastes. The book contains twelve chapters of burger recipes, each from different regions of the world. The book also contains chapters on condiments and sauces, buns and breads, sides and salads and a few desserts. The burger substitutes include tofu, split peas, couscous, wheat gluten flour, and a variety of vegetables. This recipe book is a great inspiration for all cooks and the photographs make every recipe look tasty and may inspire you to invent a few culinary geniuses of your own!