Science and Technology

Currently more prevalent in Europe but growing in popularity in North America, green roofs (roofs that feature growing plants) help preserve green space, control storm water runoff, reduce a building’s energy costs, and provide beauty. Together, Edmund Snodgrass, a pioneer in this gardening form in the United States, and wife Lucie, a writer-gardener, provide an overview of green roofs, from their benefits and challenges to their design and construction to plant selection. Their plant selection guide, arranged by genus, describes green-roof plants that are suitable as ground covers or accent plants within USDA hardiness zones 2–9. Each plant entry includes a color photograph and indicates flower/foliage color, bloom period, hardiness zone, whether the plant is suitable as a groundcover or accent plant, height, spread, medium depth required for planting, and sun or shade needs. Appendixes divide plants by flower color, foliage color, and plant type. Complementing Nigel Dunnett and Noël Kingsbury’s Planting Green Roofs and Living Walls, this useful guide targeted to green-roof industry professionals will also interest a general audience. Recommended for botanical, academic, and public libraries.—Sue O’Brien, Downers Grove P.L., IL

Polio was the AIDS and tuberculosis of its day; today, it is almost forgotten. At age four, disability activist and creative writing instructor Finger (Past Due: A Story of Disability, Pregnancy, and Birth) contracted the disease, and in this elegiac autobiography, she interweaves science with her own life experiences “to write about the social experience of disability.” History of medicine enthusiasts will find engrossing facts about Australian nurse Elizabeth Kenny, who pioneered a treatment for infantile paralysis; the Salk vaccine; gruesome therapeutics; and the March of Dimes health charity. But overall, readers will find themselves caught up in a disabled woman’s coming to terms with herself, her dysfunctional family, and society. Finger is at her best when vividly delineating the Fifties and Sixties; her chapter on working-class London in the Sixties is a literary gem awaiting future anthologizing. This unsentimental, grippingly told story will captivate readers and sensitize them to the world of the disabled. Highly recommended for public libraries and for all collections including materials on the disabled.—James Swanton, Harlem Hosp. Lib., New York

First-time writer Hansen once took desperate measures to quit smoking, spending a week of vacation time chained to her dining room radiator. Here, she recounts her story in seven chapters, one for each day spent “in lockdown.” This is more a pretext to relay the milestones of her life—a troubled childhood, descent into and recovery from alcoholism, and dysfunctional romances, all culminating in the evolution of an increasingly stable, middle-aged adult ready to shed her last addiction. Cigarettes were integral to helping Hansen avoid her emotions and to keeping her from living her truth. Though she is unable to quit after her seven-day ordeal, the drama of confinement spurs her to take more substantive steps toward overcoming this powerful addiction. Along the way, readers come to know Hansen’s relationships with her mother, husband, and son. Creative similes (e.g., “Profanities tumbled from her soft mouth like the dice from a Yahtzee cup”) contribute to this compelling read, in which the drama of Hansen’s life far outweighs the drama of being chained up. Published to coincide with the Great American Smokeout, this is recommended.—Elaine M. Lasda Bergman, Healthcare Assn. of New York State, Rensselaer

Hirsch (Riot and Remembrance: America’s Worst Race Riot and Its Legacy) is a former New York Times reporter who has lived with Type 1 diabetes for 25 years. Additionally, his brother is a diabetic, and his own child was recently diagnosed with the disease. Not surprisingly, then, this work is written with both craft and passion. Hirsch details the sad, short lives of diabetes sufferers before 1922, when insulin first became available for patient use, and describes the limitations and unintended consequences of insulin therapy. Despite advances in glucose monitoring and insulin delivery systems, controlling blood sugar remains an uncertain enterprise. With more than 20 million Americans having diabetes, Hirsch argues that the search for a cure, possibly through stem-cell research, is increasingly urgent. The figure of 20 million, however, includes all forms of the disease. Ninety percent of diabetics have the Type 2 variant that comprises “America’s biggest epidemic.” In fact, most of his narrative deals with Type 1. The sensationalist title may thus be misleading to prospective readers. Nevertheless, this book makes its case with skillful writing and emotional impact. Recommended for most libraries.—Kathy Arsenault, Univ. of South Florida at St. Petersburg Lib.

Cardiovascular disease has long been the leading cause of death in many industrial nations. Hubbard, a neurology specialist, discusses underlying lifestyle stressors that are often major contributing factors to heart disease and stroke. His holistic approach to treatment emphasizes prayer (read: meditation) and a greater understanding of the mind-body connection and the effect of stress on the body. The book’s brevity and simple explanations may attract readers looking for a quick, booklet-sized introduction to the subject. But the text lacks clear practice guidelines to help readers incorporate the holistic practice described. For larger collections only.

Spence (neurology & clinical pharmacology, Univ. of Western Ontario; director, Stroke Prevention & Atherosclerosis Research Ctr., Robards Research Inst.) offers a well-organized and engaging narrative with just the right amount of information to help readers make informed decisions regarding cardiovascular disease prevention. Arranged in two parts, the book gives the impression that the author is involved in a discussion with the reader. Spence presents preventative measures in a matter-of-fact, nonjudgmental manner that sustains interest. He closes with a short list of his favorite cookbooks and easy-to-make recipes. Libraries that purchase Hubbard’s book should consider complementing it with titles on the physiology of stress and its effect on health as well as titles providing practice guidelines for dealing with stress (see Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and David R. Shlim’s Medicine and Compassion). Spence’s book is highly recommended for all consumer health and public libraries.—Howard Fuller, Stanford Health Lib., Palo Alto, CA

Cardiovascular disease has long been the leading cause of death in many industrial nations. Hubbard, a neurology specialist, discusses underlying lifestyle stressors that are often major contributing factors to heart disease and stroke. His holistic approach to treatment emphasizes prayer (read: meditation) and a greater understanding of the mind-body connection and the effect of stress on the body. The book’s brevity and simple explanations may attract readers looking for a quick, booklet-sized introduction to the subject. But the text lacks clear practice guidelines to help readers incorporate the holistic practice described. For larger collections only.

Spence (neurology & clinical pharmacology, Univ. of Western Ontario; director, Stroke Prevention & Atherosclerosis Research Ctr., Robards Research Inst.) offers a well-organized and engaging narrative with just the right amount of information to help readers make informed decisions regarding cardiovascular disease prevention. Arranged in two parts, the book gives the impression that the author is involved in a discussion with the reader. Spence presents preventative measures in a matter-of-fact, nonjudgmental manner that sustains interest. He closes with a short list of his favorite cookbooks and easy-to-make recipes. Libraries that purchase Hubbard’s book should consider complementing it with titles on the physiology of stress and its effect on health as well as titles providing practice guidelines for dealing with stress (see Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and David R. Shlim’s Medicine and Compassion). Spence’s book is highly recommended for all consumer health and public libraries.—Howard Fuller, Stanford Health Lib., Palo Alto, CA

Clinical physical therapists Moffat (NYU) and Lewis (geriatrics, George Washington Univ.; founder & president, Premier Physical Therapy) provide excellent, easy-to-understand guidance for baby boomers looking to assess their level of physical fitness in five domains: posture, strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance. Chapter 1 sets the scene, explaining changes that take place as our bodies age. Simple tests, well illustrated with clear black-and-white drawings and photographs, enable readers to assess their capabilities and lead to a personal profile for physical fitness in each of the five domains. Many of the strengthening and stretching exercises use the Thera-Band® resistive band; others use only wrist or ankle weights and a sturdy chair. The benefits of each exercise are listed, while charts and work sheets allow readers to track their progress. A great resource for determining one’s fitness level and custom-tailoring a program; highly recommended for public libraries, though selectors should note that a bound-in insert contains the Thera-Band®.—Jodith Janes, Cleveland Clinic Fdn. Lib.

In this sequel to their best-selling You: The Owner’s Manual, Roizen and Oz draw on current research trends in stressing healthy dietary and exercise choices that can lead to sustained loss of dangerous abdominal fat. In Part 1, readers encounter a quiz and personalized body ideal parameters, then rather complex overviews of relevant organs (e.g., the intestines), chemical messengers (e.g., hormones), and organ/chemical interrelations. The book’s second, more approachable half translates the above material into pragmatic guidelines for specific exercise and eating plans and contains sound advice on personal dieting-aid decisions (e.g., weight control drugs, surgery). A glossary (for terms like macrophages and norepinephrine) and resource list (cataloging other diet plans, professional/medical organizations, informative web sites) are badly needed. Though this book dispels many of the same myths as Jane Kirby’s Dieting for Dummies and Weight Watchers Weight Loss That Lasts, it is less comprehensive. Still, it is a fascinating, informative read recommended for public and consumer health libraries for its unique biomedical basis, adaptability to any lifelong plan, and best-seller potential. (Index and illustrations not seen.)—Janice Flahiff, Univ. of Toledo, Lib.

The popular author of well-respected cookbooks like New Food of Life and A Taste of Persia has turned her attention to the tradition of wine at the Persian table. Contrary to popular belief, wine has been featured in Persian literature and history for thousands of years. Shiraz, which many people associate with the wines of Australia and France, was an ancient Persian wine-producing city. This work will interest a wider audience than a general cookery book owing to its introduction carefully tracing the history of wine as it relates to Persian culture; there is a thoughtful chapter on wine in Persian poetry. The recipes, ranging from appetizers to desserts, specify both the preparation and the cooking time, a useful inclusion for the home cook. Batmanglij also provides a list of contacts for hard-to-find ingredients. The book’s large format and lavish illustrations make it an attractive addition to larger public libraries and perhaps academic ones, too.—Shelley Brown, New Westminster P.L., B.C.

Resilience—the ability to recover from setbacks, rise above difficult circumstances, and learn from mistakes—is a trait with which all children are born, yet it diminishes in today’s pressure-filled world. Ginsburg (pediatrics, Children’s Hosp. of Philadelphia, Univ. of Pennsylvania Sch. of Medicine), along with Jablow (coauthors, But I’m Almost 13!: Raising a Responsible Adult), approaches this topic both as a doctor and as a parent. Defining the seven “C’s” of resilience—competence, confidence, connection, character, contribution, coping, and control—he teaches parents and other adults how to help kids become more capable of meeting life head-on. This is a thorough, sensible book filled with commonsense solutions for daily life. Many of today’s parents are too connected, writes Ginsburg, hovering like “helicopters” around their children. One of his helpful ideas is a nightly check-in between parents and kids; not an interrogation, just an “I’m home, good night!” approach. He also looks at terrorism, divorce, death, and fears. As good as Robert Brooks and Sam Goldstein’s Raising Resilient Children: Fostering Strength, Hope, and Optimism in Your Child and an excellent addition for public libraries.—Linda Beck, Indian Valley P.L., Telford, PA

Kamp, a writer for Vanity Fair magazine, chronicles the rise of gourmet eating in America, ranging over the introduction of French cooking, the rise in popularity of the neighborhood bistro, and the growth of gourmet markets and celebrity chefs. While not a definitive history of American eating habits, this book covers the last 75 years of the country’s growing fascination with food, food journalism, restaurant reviews, and food television, profiling the “big three” who started it all (James Beard, Julia Child, and Craig Claiborne) and continuing with Alice Waters, Dean and DeLuca, the Zagats, and Wolfgang Puck. Filled with juicy, salacious bits of gossip, Arugula offers readers the secrets of the chefs and restaurants that brought gourmet cooking to the general public. For those who have ever wondered how Americans went from eating mass-produced supermarket white bread to artisanal, organic, whole wheat bread from farmer’s markets, this cultural history is essential reading. Highly recommended for all collections.—Pauline Baughman, Multnomah Cty. Lib., Portland, OR

This is the third volume of Rossant’s memoirs, after Memories of a Lost Egypt and Return to Paris. All three include recipes sprinkled throughout the text. A prolific author of cookbooks, Rossant recounts her arrival in New York as a new bride and her acclimation to the New York way of life. It’s a great read about the city, full of the social history of the neighborhoods in which Rossant lived from the perspective of a newly arrived immigrant. Entertaining and warmly recounted, her stories give us insight into the character of a French woman and budding chef. Recipes are easy to follow and for the most part useful, including Watercress Soup, Apple Mousse, Cheese Soufflé, Mushroom Consommé, and the obligatory Crêpe. Libraries owning Rossant’s other works will want to purchase this. A good addition for popular cooking and biography collections in most public libraries.—Elizabeth Rogers, CEF Lib. Syst., Plattsburgh, NY

Schaffer, a former criminal appellate lawyer and author of two legal thrillers (Misdemeanor Man and I Right the Wrongs), has produced a memoir about coming to terms with his difficult upbringing. His father, known as Flip, abandoned his unstable wife and their four children when Schaffer was nine years old. In November 2002, Flip, now dying of lung and bladder cancer, calls Schaffer, asking him to participate in a baking class that is over seven months away. Schaffer agrees, never believing his father will make it to the class. Yet he does, and during a week of intense learning and baking, Schaffer finally gets his father to answer for his behavior. Through pain and rejection—at one point Schaffer and his two brothers are cut out of their mother’s will—the author retains a sense of humor that continues to the very end. Included here is Schaffer’s recipe for the bialys he made for his father while staying with him in South Carolina. For fans of well-written memoirs in the style of John Grogan’s Marley & Me; recommended for most public libraries.—Rosemarie Lewis, Broward Cty. P.L., Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Journalist Simpson’s (Jade’s World; Charlotte Church) latest book provides an inside look at the life of British chef Gordon Ramsay, star of both Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares and Hell’s Kitchen. In the first major biography of the chef, readers journey from Ramsay’s childhood to his attempt at playing professional football for the Glasgow Rangers to the present day. We get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Ramsay’s television programs; one caveat, however, is the book’s language. Since both the author and the subject are British, Americans may not pick up on some of the colloquialisms used. As in Ramsay’s television shows, profanity is also used liberally throughout. An enjoyable and easy read, this is sure to find its way onto the shelves of any library.—Nicole Mitchell, Birmingham, AL

Pigeons grew out of Blechman’s 2002 Smithsonian article about Brooklyn pigeon racer Orlando Martinez and his preparation for the Main Event, the Kentucky Derby of U.S. pigeon racing. Readers here encounter the oddballs and knuckleheads who make up the obsessive human subcultures of this bird’s universe: those who would save the bird, and those who would destroy it. In content and structure, the book reflects this split cultural profile of the species—on the one hand, the pigeon’s rich history of service to humankind and sublime emblematic status, and on the other, its more contemporary, urban reputation as “winged shit.” The tale is by turns hilarious and sickening. Hovering over it all is the ghost of the passenger pigeon, blasted into extinction in the early 1900s. Blechman’s light, self-deprecating style belies the book’s serious content (the species’ history and its biology, presented in easily digested snippets throughout). Photos are sorely lacking, and there is no list of the author’s print sources. Still, an enjoyable read for most public natural history collections.—Robert Eagan, Windsor P.L., Ont.

A Copernican scholar, Danielson (English, Univ. of British Columbia; editor, The Book of the Cosmos) here profiles the mathematician Georg Joachim Rheticus (1514–74), who studied with Copernicus in the last years of that great man’s life and oversaw the publication of his mentor’s paradigm-shifting De Revolutionibus. Working with a rather thin historical record, Danielson reconstructs with some success a life of the 16th-century scholar by weaving in material from well-documented events of the time, records of contemporaries, and Rheticus’s letters that were translated by the author. This portrait of a peripatetic and gifted Renaissance scholar and of the European universities and scholarly communities that embraced him provides a much-needed chapter in the Copernican canon. The importance of Rheticus in ensuring the publication of Copernicus’s work is well established, and this biography complements Owen Gingerich’s excellent The Book Nobody Read, which traced the physical progress of De Revolutionibus through the scientific communities of Europe. Recommended for academic and large public libraries.—Sara Rutter, Univ. of Hawaii at Manoa Lib.

Descendants of the steeds of lawmen and outlaws of the old West, the wild horses on New Mexico’s White Sands Missile Range lived through decades of water shortages and dangerous conditions until 1994, when equine veterinarian and wild horse expert Höglund was hired to move the horses off the range and rehabilitate them so that they could be placed in loving homes. It was also his job to lead a team of cowboys and soldiers in the rescue effort and make sure both the animals and the humans were safe. His account of the rescue of 1800 horses from the harsh conditions of the New Mexico desert is a tale of high adventure, complete with stampedes, escaping horses, injuries, helicopter chases, and a blind foal rejected by its mother. Emotions run high as cowboys, military personnel, and Native Americans are sometimes at odds with one another, but ultimately, their shared passion for the horses unites them. For equine buffs, animal lovers, and those who appreciate a riveting tale of the Wild West.—Deborah Emerson, Rochester Regional Lib. Council, Fairport, NY

Novelist (Mendel’s Dwarf) and biologist Mawer clearly draws on both of his professions in this brief, illustrated portrait of Austrian monk Gregor Mendel’s genetic experiments. The book’s first half is devoted to retelling Mendel’s life story, with Mawer often taking artistic license to set a dramatic tone (e.g., Mendel’s first lectures are described as taking place on a dark, chilly evening during which Mendel paced nervously). None of these details detracts from the story—in fact, they create an intimacy that immediately draws in the reader. In the second half, the author skillfully explains genetics at a level for non- or burgeoning scientists. The text is lavishly illustrated with photographs (both contemporary to Mendel and current), document reproductions, sketches, paintings, genetic diagrams, and colored botanical art plates. Although the storytelling style is similar to Robin Marantz Henig’s The Monk in the Garden, the sheer volume and the diversity of the images set this book apart. Recommended for academic and public library general science collections.—Marianne Stowell Bracke, Univ. of Arizona Lib., Tucson

Traver, a third-generation Cape Cod salt marsh inhabitant, has the distinctive and wonderful perspective that comes from loving—and sometimes leaving—a place of true natural wonder. Spending near-idyllic boyhood summers in Sippewissett, MA, Traver grew up exploring the natural world around him. Revisiting those childhood memories, now tempered by marriage and fatherhood, he looks at many vital and potentially contentious issues from both sides of the proverbial coin—that of the scientist/environmentalist and the local—and speaks with understanding and empathy for both. In this wonderful blend of natural history and memoir, Traver details both the ecology and the history of Sippewissett, describing the people and creatures that he encounters, and chronicles the daily turning of the tides. Educational, touching, and highly relevant in today’s changing ecological world, this marvelous book is highly recommended for public and academic libraries.—Susan E. Brazer, Salisbury Univ. Lib., MD

How many news stories have you seen about the latest consumer robot success story in Japan or advances by Japanese researchers in developing androids that mimic human movement or nonverbal communication? Science and technology journalist Hornyak explores the place of robots in Japan’s cultural history, from the Edo period to today, to explain why robots are so revered in that country. Beginning with medieval Karakuri dolls, the famous 1920s Buddha robot, and manga and anime robot characters, then moving on to early walking robots and consumer products like Sony’s Aibo robot dog, Hornyak examines robots as social machines. Cleverly contrasting Japanese and U.S. portrayals of robots in popular culture during different time periods, he reveals how culture influences technology innovation and advancement. This book will connect a lot of dots for U.S. manga and anime fans. Strongly recommended for all collections.—James A. Buczynski, Seneca Coll. of Applied Arts & Technology, Toronto

By Judith Sutton, New York

Allen and Kuna’s Dream Dinners franchise now has more than 150 shops across the country. Shoppers can sign up for sessions in which they put together prepared ingredients for that month’s main-dish recipes, then take them home to freeze for cooking later. Their cookbook is based on the same idea, with easy recipes for all courses of a meal. Each recipe lists the ingredients needed for just one dish to serve six and those needed to make three batches, one to serve that night and two to freeze for later. The recipes are fairly pedestrian and, overall, seem rather dated; many of them rely on convenience foods, e.g., canned cream soup. Buy for demand only.

Here are two new books from the Cook’s Illustrated publishing empire (40 or so titles are currently in print). The latest entry in the “Best Recipe” series includes more than 300 recipes for 30-minute meals, both for quick dishes, such as stir-fries and sautées, and streamlined versions of braises and other foods that usually require longer cooking. Many of the recipes include suggestions for organizing the prep work, and some offer ideas for variations or embellishments when time is not quite so limited. As in other titles, there are ratings of equipment and ingredients along with numerous tips on techniques and other culinary matters. For most collections.

The Best of is, presumably, the first in a new series, and it’s something of a recycling project: it features favorite recipes and content from the publisher’s two magazines, Cook’s Illustrated and the newer Cook’s Country, and five 2006 cookbooks—including The Best 30-Minute Recipe. The recipe head notes are new, each one explaining “What Makes This a Best Recipe,” as are notes on “Where Things Can Go Wrong” and “What You Can Do Ahead of Time.” Some readers may find this compendium an interesting sampler, while others may prefer to stick with the original sources. For larger collections.

In 1996, Appel and Torey opened Magnolia Bakery in New York City’s Greenwich Village, and they are the authors of The Magnolia Bakery Cookbook. Of course, eventually they parted ways, with Appel opening her own Buttercup Bake Shop six years ago. She is also the author of an earlier Buttercup cookbook, and now she presents more of her favorite homey treats, from Peanut Butter Cheesecake to Peach Pandowdy. Recommended for larger baking collections.

Torey’s (More from Magnolia) new book is not a dessert collection but an eclectic selection of savory recipes ranging from contemporary dishes such as Yellow Beet, Walnut, and Gorgonzola Salad to old-fashioned classics like Chicken Kiev and Three-Can Tuna Casserole, followed by a short chapter devoted to sweets. There are color photographs throughout of both the recipes and the author at her country house in upstate New York (à la the Barefoot Contessa). Fans of Torey’s bakery and earlier cookbooks may be disappointed that she has turned away from desserts here; for larger cookery collections and other libraries where her first two books have been especially popular.

Deen has a lot to celebrate: two wildly popular Food Network shows, three earlier best sellers, a new magazine, a line of sauces and seasonings, and, of course, her family and friends. Her latest book is organized by holidays and other celebrations, including “Elvis’s Birthday,” “An Easter Egg Hunt,” and “Fourth of July Low-Country Boil.” The introductions to the menus offer reminiscences and observations in Deen’s friendly, down-to-earth style, and there are photographs of family and friends scattered throughout. Sure to be in demand.

Tyler’s Ultimate is also the name of Florence’s current Food Network show, and this companion volume is likely to be as popular as his two previous cookbooks, Eat This Book and Tyler Florence’s Real Kitchen. It is filled with zesty, full-flavored, mostly uncomplicated recipes, from Watermelon Gazpacho with Chile and Feta Cheese to Pan-Fried Lamb Chops with Harissa. Gorgeous full-color photographs illustrate many of the dishes. Florence has a friendly, unassuming style, and his enthusiasm is contagious. For most collections.

Gand, pastry chef and co-owner of Chicago’s well-known Tru restaurant, is the author of three other dessert cookbooks, including Butter, Sugar, Flour, Eggs. Here she presents 60 mostly easy recipes featuring two of her favorite flavors: Hot Chocolate Pudding, White and Dark Chocolate S’mores, Late-Night Vanilla Flan, and more. Gand also includes information on the history of chocolate and vanilla, along with tips on buying and working with each ingredient. Full-page color photographs show off many of her mouth-watering treats. For all baking collections.

In this equally lively follow-up to their first book, Three Guys from Miami Cook Cuban, Lindgren and his Cuban brothers-in-law, Raúl Musibay and Jorge Castillo, offer a guide to entertaining Cuban style. They note that “every Cuban knows that you can create a party with five foods:…roast pork, black beans, white rice, fried plantains, and yuca with oil and garlic,” and they present recipes for these classics and many more. Head notes, written more or less as an ongoing conversation among the three, show that their shared corny sense of humor remains intact. They also provide background and other relevant information on selected Cuban holidays and celebratory events. Along with numerous color photographs of the food and various Miami scenes, there are a glossary of ingredients and a source guide. Recommended for most collections.

The Red Hat Society, which aims to “greet middle age with verve, humor, and élan,” has thousands of chapters around the world and more than a million members. Their new book is essentially a community cookbook, with recipes and anecdotes contributed by hundreds of members. It opens with more than 250 recipes for cakes, pies, cookies, and more, then moves on to “Everything Else.” Recipes are mostly simple (often relying on convenience foods), homey, and somewhat old-fashioned; the stories about cooking disasters, successes, and other such topics are fun to read. Sure to be in great demand, this is recommended for most collections.

Executive chef/owner of several restaurants in Hattiesburg and Meridian, MS, St. John also writes a syndicated food/humor column, and his new book is entertaining indeed, with amusing essays on such topics as “The History of the Party.” But he also provides invaluable tips for entertaining, along with delectable recipes for party food. Some of these, such as Smoked Beef Tenderloin with Chive-and-Tarragon Sauce, are more sophisticated, while others are updated versions of Southern favorites or imaginative riffs on traditional Southern flavors, such as Black-Eyed Pea Cakes with Roasted Red Pepper Aïoli. (There are also three versions of Pimento Cheese, which St. John calls “the pâté of the South”). Recommended for all collections on entertaining.