Library Loot XIX

Library Loot is a weekly blog event that encourages bloggers to share what books they borrowed from the library that week. To participate, simply make your Library Loot post on your blog and link it using the Mr. Linky link at Marg's blog Reading Adventures or Eva's blog A Striped Armchair. This week's link up is at Eva's.

Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater

I only checked out one fiction novel from the library this week and it's even a re-loot. I had this one checked out a while ago but had run out of renewals so had to return it a week or so ago. Last night I went back and borrowed it again. I actually started reading it the day before it was due, but didn't get more than 50 pages in or so. I'm promising myself to read it in it's entirety this month.

In non fiction, I'm getting inspired for the bountiful growing season that has just started up in my Zone 6 area. I love the abundance of seasonal fruits and vegetables that late spring and summer provide whether it be from my organic co-op, farmers markets, local farms or my own backyard garden. These three books will give me food preparation and gardening inspiration for the next several weeks for sure.

Well Preserved by Mary Anne Dragan

The first book is actually another re-loot, but I had to have it again because tomorrow I'm going strawberry picking with my friend (the one who borrowed Lover Mine from her library for me last week)! ... and you know what that means? Strawberry Jam!


Seasonal Fruit Desserts by Deborah Madison

I have at least two of Deborah Madison's cookbooks on my shelf, so I know the recipes will give reliable results, be healthy and taste fresh and delicious. As per the author's style, the recipes are familiar yet with special and unique twists and presentations. I just love summer fruit desserts-- I can't wait to try some of these recipes. Don't those raspberry tarts look mouthwatering? Mmmm!

The Kitchen Garden by Alan Burkingham

I merely had to flip through this informative book to know that I needed to bring it home and study it. It has loads of beautiful, clear, and helpful photos throughout and is formatted month by month and details what to do for your garden at that time from sowing by seed, harvesting information, pest and disease identification, and so much more. I'm already a good two weeks late planting a few key summer vegetables, but I'm still going to tackle a vegetable garden this year. Although I can already say the deer are going to be a huge problem.

What's your favorite summer fruit dessert?

Mine is probably strawberry shortcake early in the season and any kind of berry tarts mid and late season. And my Oma's peach küchen for which I have no recipe, so it's just a favorite by memory alone.

What's your favorite summer vegetable to get fresh either in your backyard garden or at the farmer's market?

Nothing beats home or local grown tomatoes. I love the big, full flavored beefsteak tomatoes... cut in thick slices and sprinkled with kosher salt and all kinds and colors of grape and cherry tomatoes on salads or sauteed in a bit of olive oil. Sungold cherry tomatoes are one of my favorite varieties. I also love really good local corn on the cob. And lots and lots of basil.