HARVEST by Stefani Bittner and Alethea Harampolis, Photography by David Fenton, Ten Speed Press, 215 pages

"Harvest is a practical, inspirational, and seasonal guide 

to living with an edible landscape." 

Introduction

Harvest is beautifully photographed by David Fenton with vibrant-colored subjects that jump right from the page. 

Now that I have shared one of favorite parts, let me share other portions of this book.

Stefani and Alethea share several projects for garden plants and garden enthusiasts that may be used in everyday living situations. For lilacs, they suggest a Lilac Flower Cream to use on "your skin or to flavor sweet dishes." Also, there is a recipe for Bachelor's Buttons flower to create a flavored butter to enhance the grilled fish, flank steak, or grilled vegetables.

The Scented Geranium recipe presented is a flavoring to rim a glass of pear brandy which can be utilized for your favorite liqueur.

Other projects include Lemon Bee Balm Tea, Rosewater Facial Toner, a Persimmon Wreath, Turmeric Dye, and Calendula-Infused Essential Oil. 

All recipes in this book are creative, useful, and with easy-to-follow instructions for the person who does not prepare their own concoctions on a regular basis.

I recommend this book to persons who enjoy creating and preparing from their garden plants other than the ordinary floral arrangement. 

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an unbiased opinion and review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.

GATHER around the AMISH TABLE by Lucy Leid

"Enjoy the stories and the good food. May God bless your fellowship 

around your own table with the ones you love." 

The Editors, Introduction

Gather around the Amish Table is one of the better recipes books I have read in a while. Most recipes have a short 2 to 3 paragraph story from the PlainCommunity "horse-and-buggy people" who contributed their recipes for this compilation.

All recipes are plainly written and have easy-to-follow instructions for all cooks at any culinary level. There are ten sections that include everything from Breakfast to Snacks, Beverages and Extras to Meats and Main Dishes. I will share a few sections with you to show recipes that may spike your interest as did mine.

The Breakfast and the Breads & Spreads sections you will find casseroles, granola, flavored oatmeal, pancakes and waffles, No-Knead Refrigerator Rolls, doughnuts, and drop biscuits.

The Salads & Pickles section have Red Beet and Apple Salad, Ella's Zucchini Relish, Bread and Butter Pickles.

Snacks, Beverages & Extras share Kitchen-Made Apple Butter, Chocolate Syrup, Homemade Tea Concentrate, Four-Hour Root Beer, Homemade Baby Wipes, and Amazing Cleaner.

How do you end an amazing cookbook perfectly?  With a full menu under 'Food to Prepare for a Barn Raising (enough food to feed 180 men).'

There is nothing that is not included in Gather around the Amish Table and with community stories added, it definitely completes this well-rounded recipe book. 

I highly recommend this recipe cookbook if you are seeking made-from-scratch, down-home recipes with flavor, pizazz, and natural ingredients.

I received this book from the Litfuse Group in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.