Shout Outs

A special thank you to a certain someone who gave me a Barnes & Noble gift certificate for my birthday.

Today I ordered:

Hints and Pinches: A Concise Compendium of Aromatics, Chutneys, Herbs, Relishes, Spices, and Other Such Concerns

FROM THE PUBLISHER
A heap of food facts;
A pinch of folklore;
A dash of humor - mix well.

Why is cinnamon good for chasing away the blues? What kind of seed can cleanse your breath? This award-winning compendium of herbal recipes, history, legend, and anecdote will answer these questions and more. Among its entries for over 150 herbs, spices, chutneys, and relishes and more than 125 recipes, you'll discover:

* How to prepare rose geranium leaves for fruit pies
* The history of gin
* How to make hellfire mustard
* The ingredients of chinese five spices
* What parts of the day lily are edible
* Why medieval magicians put celery seeds in their shoes
* How to cook with beer

With sparkling illustrations by the author, this entertaining and often irreverent alphabetical reference to the flavorings that make all the diference in fine food is a must for every kitchen library.

AND

Ultimate Beer

Ultimate Beer is a lavishly illustrated exploration of beer from its historical origins to the present day. Jackson writes about the various brewing methods and distinctive characteristics associated with all beer types. Why do certain beers taste the way they do? What does a stout, ale, or pilsner taste like? What is the best time to enjoy a specific beer? These questions and countless others are answered as Jackson reveals fascinating aspects of beer history while guiding readers to more than 500 individual beers.

FROM THE PUBLISHER
Ultimate Beer is a complete guide to every aspect of beer. Just as any wine can be consumed at any time, so can any beer, but like the grape, the grain has its favored moods and moments including the right beer for every occasion. Written for the novice as well as the connoisseur, Ultimate Beer elevates beer to the lofty status of wine and cigars. Encyclopedic presentation of more than 1000 beers from around the world. Includes sections on beer and food and cooking with beer.

More than a novel, right now I'm looking forward to learning more about particular things I enjoy... not quite a connoisseur, but having some specialized knowledge about things. Any other recommendations from the floor?