Fresh food fast Delicious, seasonal vegetarian meals in under an hour

At the outset of this superb guide to cooking uncomplicated vegetarian fare, Berley asks a rhetorical question: "Stylish, sophisticated, home-cooked meals without a fuss-is that too much to ask for?" If this cookbook is any indication, it isn't too much to ask for; in fact, it's a very simple request that Berley happily fills. The former executive chef of New York's Angelica Kitchen and chef and co-owner of the city's Miette Culinary Studio lays out healthy, quick meals requiring minimum effort. He divides the book by season and gives 12 menus for each. In a minimalist style reminiscent of Mark Bittman's, Berley describes key ingredients to keep in the pantry (herbs, grains, beans, oils, etc.) and important tools (he's particularly fond of the pressure cooker). As the title suggests, the recipes draw on seasonal produce; Berley reminds readers that buying vegetables in season will save money and ensure the best quality. Each menu consists of at least two dishes-a main course and a side-and some include a third accompaniment or appetizer. Although simplicity reigns, the dishes do encompass a variety of ethnic cuisines, including Asian, Caribbean, Italian and Mexican flavors. Berley gives a brief intro to each dish (e.g., before giving the recipe for Wild Mushroom Fricassee over Farro, he explains what farro is and how to cook it; he also makes a case for saving some Rhubarb Crisp for the next day, since "leftovers are great for breakfast; just substitute yogurt for the whipped cream"). (Mar.) Forecast: Berley's book is perfect for cooks who are too busy to spend two hours cooking dinner but want delicious, healthy meals-that is to say, almost anyone. A national broadcast and print media campaign, 25-city radio campaign and author appearances in New York; Portland, Ore.; San Francisco; and Seattle will target buyers. (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Fresh Food Fast Delicious, Seasonal Vegetarian Meals in Under an Hour Chilled Avocado Soup with Lime and Jalapeño Yield: 4 servings This creamy, mousselike avocado soup can be served with tomato tortillas for an excellent color contrast. you can make it a day ahead of time; the lime juice will preserve the soup's bright color. Ingredients 3 limes 3 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted 1 garlic clove, chopped 1/2 small jalapeño pepper, with seeds, chopped 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt or kosher salt, plus additional to taste 2 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 large flour tortilla (8 inches), cut into 2-inch x 1/4-inch strips Sour cream for serving Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish Instructions Squeeze the juice from 2 1/2 of the limes and cut the remaining half into 4 wedges for garnish. In a blender, combine 3 cups of ice water (a mixture of water and ice) with the lime juice, avocados, garlic, jalapeño, and the salt and blend until smooth. Chill the soup until ready to serve. Heat the oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the tortilla strips and fry until they are crunchy and golden-brown, about 2 minutes. Drain the strips on paper towels and sprinkle them with salt. Spoon the soup into bowls, and place a dollop of sour cream in the center of each bowl, top with tortilla strips, and garnish with cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side. Roasted Winter Squash With Curry Butter and Apple Cider Yield: 4 servings My favorite winter squash are delicata, red kuri, buttercup, and hokkaido. all have smooth, dense flesh and tender skins, which do not require peeling. Ingredients 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons unrefined brown sugar, such as Sucanat (see page 8) 1 tablespoon hot curry powder 1/4 teaspoon coarse sea or kosher salt 2 pounds winter squash, peeled if necessary, seeded, and cut into 2-inch chunks 1 cup apple cider Instructions Preheat the oven to 450°F. Select an ovenproof casserole or skillet large enough to hold the squash in a single layer. Melt the butter in the casserole over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, curry powder, and salt, and cook, stirring, until the butter melts. Add the squash and toss to coat. Gradually pour the cider down the side of the pan without pouring it directly over the squash. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil. Transfer the casserole to the oven and roast for 30 minutes, basting midway through the cooking time. The squash is done when the tip of a knife does not meet with any resistance when inserted into the squash. Fresh Food Fast Delicious, Seasonal Vegetarian Meals in Under an Hour . Copyright © by Peter Berley. Reprinted by permission of HarperCollins Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Available now wherever books are sold. Excerpted from Fresh Food Fast: Delicious, Seasonal Vegetarian Meals in under an Hour by Peter Berley All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.