Book description
Jekka McVicar's passion for herbs has evolved over 40 years. In this,
her first cookery book, 'queen of herbs' Jekka offers over 250
original recipes using simple garden herbs, along with tips for
growing and maintaining them.
Herbs have long been a part of British culinary history, yet few
people utilise them to their full potential. Incredibly versatile, not
only do herbs impart flavour, aroma and texture to dishes, they are
extremely beneficial to our health.
Much more than a cookbook, Jekka's Herb Kitchen features 50
herbs with a chapter and recipes devoted to each - Jekka's huge
knowledge of each herb's history, cultivation and medicinal and
culinary uses is unsurpassed. Her recipes are simple and economical -
she shows how herbs can transform a cheap cut of meat, enliven a pasta
sauce, and even add delight to desserts. She also offers suggestions
for how best to combine herbs and what parts to use, gives ideas for
using up a glut of a specific herb, and advises on how to preserve
your herbs for the winter months.
Moreover, this volume is a family affair - many of Jekka's recipes
are inspired by her grandmother and mother, and the stunning
illustrations are by Jekka's daughter, Hannah McVicar. With colour
photographs throughout, this is a unique and beautiful volume from the
UK's foremost authority on herbs.
'Queen of herbs' Jekka McVicar has run her herb farm outside Bristol
for over 20 years. She has published four books on herbs and contributes
to numerous gardening magazines. She has appeared in many television
programmes including BBC TV's
Rick Stein's Food Heroes
and
Gardeners' World,
and Jamie Oliver's series for Channel 4. She regularly broadcasts on BBC
Radio, including
Woman's Hour
and the
Food Programme
. She is President of the West of England Herb Group and is a member of
RHS Council and the Fruit, Vegetable and Herb Committee. Jekka's farm
has won over 60 RHS gold medals.
