My Brother's Farm: Reflections on Life, Farming, and the Pleasures of Food

This self-effacing book steps outside the ordinary with humorous essays on topics such as mail ordering beneficial insects and the author's attempts to become a vegetarian, which end in his metamorphosis into a ""cheeseatarian"" and gaining 11 pounds. Jones (whose vegetable delivery service in New York City brings fresh produce--much of it grown by his brother, an organic farmer--to city dwellers) succeeds because he's never afraid of looking foolish, whether recounting how he found himself living with his parents at age 31 or how his scheme to make money by selling abandoned copper wire went bust when the wire turned out to be steel. Recipes are a mix of his own creations (Little Duggie's Creme Sandwiches are a variation on the packaged Little Debbie treats he loves) and dishes from restaurants that purchase his brother's wares. All are relatively simple and unsurprisingly rely heavily on fresh produce: Poached Trout in Almond Milk with Green Beans and Vermicelli Noodles, for example, makes liberal use of tarragon and parsley. Many of the dishes are comforting, such as Soft Polenta with Asparagus, Prosciutto, Garlic, and Ramps (wild leeks), made silky with mascarpone cheese. Offering fresh-flavored recipes from many well-known restaurants (Babbo and Gramercy Tavern, among others), the unpretentious Jones is sure to win over readers. (Aug.)