Thanks to all who leapt with gusto into the contest for a copy of Deborah Madison’s Vegetable Literacy! You named over 30 different favorite vegetables and specific varieties, but it’s clear I ran this giveaway in the summer because tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and corn were at the top of your list. Further proof that people who eat by the season live in the moment.
Before I announce the randomly selected lucky recipient of Deborah’s newest master work, I’ve got to share a few highlights from your enticing descriptions and cooking ideas. Grill master Dave sears thick slabs of oxheart tomatoes as you would a tuna steak, fast and rare. I can hear the sizzle of Paul LoNigro’s cauliflower and taste the “silkiness” of Hae Jung Cho’s perfectly cooked lima beans; she elevates a misunderstood legume to new status. Has anyone else tried Kathy Turk’s fresh carrot juice and cream concept? I am very curious!
Then there are the comments that prove you are not only vegetable literate but literary too. For Alison, the humble cucumber unlocks an entire drawing room scene from Oscar Wilde, and Cathleen Sullivan echoes Tom Robbins sentiment that “the beet is the most intense of vegetables.” I’m with you, Cathleen; I used his opening to Jitterbug Perfume to start a story on beets, “the ancient ancestor of the autumn moon, bearded, buried…the dark green sails of the grounded moon-boat stitched with veins of primordial plasma.”
Yes, you’ve provided much food for thought with your answers. You’ll find more in the comments section of the original post (It was hard for Deborah and me to wait until the conclusion of the contest to weigh in!)
And the winner of Vegetable Literacy is…Kris, who wrote, “Right now I’m going to say my favorite vegetable is sweet Carmen peppers. But, I could probably choose many others.” Congratulations, I’ll be in touch about sending the book!
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