Once we started getting an organic, local vegetable box each week, I decided I had to be more knowledgeable about ways to use all these (sometimes) unique vegetables. Julia, in writing up the Ladybug Newsletter, often included recipes inspired by the Victory Garden Cookbook, which all worked out well, so I thought this would be a good book to add to my collection.
Originally published in 1982 by Marian Morash, the Victory Garden Cookbook is a product of Marian and her husband Russell’s experience in the garden. The experience started when Russell, a TV producer, was asked to produce a new gardening show, with Jim Crockett, a well-respected gardener and TV host. Crockett’s Victory Garden stayed on the air, and now as The Victory Garden on PBS, is in its 34th season.
Marian got her first start in the kitchen with the help of Julia Child, the host of one of Russell’s first television shows. Can you imagine working along side Julia? What an experience! As Marian’s interest in the kitchen grew, so did Russell’s vegetable garden and subsequently, her repertoire of vegetable recipes. Along with Judith Jones of Alfred A. Knopf publishers (yes, the same company that produced Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking), Marian created this lovely cookbook with loads of vegetable recipes for anyone.
I like the the book because it is laid out alphabetically and includes almost every vegetable you could imagine (Salsify, anyone?). Along with cooking tips, Marian and Russell include growing tips, in case you are interested in reproducing their garden at your home. She covers everything from basic cooking of each vegetable to more elaborate ways to use the harvest. A quick box of special information for each vegetable includes the highlights on storage, preparation (including canning and microwave) and special hints. And both sweet and savory recipes, as well as recipes with animal protein are included.
Some of my favorite recipes from this cookbook include Braised Fennel, Leek and Potato Soup, Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage, and Lamb, Kale and Barley Stew. The chapter on Summer Squash and Zucchini alone could keep you busy for weeks!
Fennel, Bean and Tomato Soup
Fennel, Bean and Tomato Soup
My one complaint about this book is perhaps the quantity of information – there is so much on each vegetable that sometimes I am overwhelmed with choice. If you are a cookbook reader (like I am) it is a wonderful book to curl up with over a cup of tea – just be sure to bring your Post-It notes to highlight your favorite recipes.
If you are moving towards a more vegetable filled diet, or are looking for new inspiration, I heartily recommend this book!
Meyer Lemon and Cranberry Buckle (recipe)
Family Dinner Plan: Still with the freezer
In the Kitchen with Chez Pim: Marmalade
2 Comments
My first copy of this book fell apart from overuse, and I quickly replaced it. The second copy is getting on in years, too, but it’s got some of the best basic vegetable info anywhere, and I use it constantly.
Twitter: kitchengirl
yes, a hard backed or spiral bound version would have been great – I am always having to put something on the pages to keep them open. The Fennel, Bean and Tomato soup pictured above was a big hit with my kids…