Ripe: A Cook In The Orchard
by Nigel Slater

Publisher: Ten Speed Press
ISBN 978-1-60774-332-3

“Growing your own is as addictive a drug as almost anything out there.”

What it’s about: Yes, it’s a cookbook with deliciously mouthwatering sweet and savory recipes, but Nigel Slater has also filled it with beautifully written prose about growing, caring and preparing the fruit from his 40-foot London garden. A follow up to his book “Tender: A Cook And His Vegetable Patch.”

Who Should Read This: Each of the 24 chapters is a carefully crafted paean to a single fruit… he even includes a few eclectic items that we rarely see. Heard of damsons? How about medlar? Me neither. Regardless, if you like to cook, most of the recipes are relatively easy (and incredibly informative). And if you just like to look and imagine cooking, you’ll be more than rewarded.

Crisp pork belly, sweet peach salsa
Image by Jonathan Lovekin

Why You’ll Like This: This cookbook truly transports you to the reality of cooking. The images are bold and beautiful. The prose, incredibly visual: “The sudden sight of a cherry orchard in flower, perhaps as you turn a corner on a twisting country lane, can take your breath away.” This is adventure reading!

Favorite Part: I like cookbooks that teach me something, beyond learning how to make a new dish. This book really gets into the nuances of fruit: when it’s at its peak, how to store it and offers up some delightfully interesting pairings. Pears with salty bacon… yes please!