cover image Fragrant Vegetable P

Fragrant Vegetable P

Martin Stidham, Stidham. Jeremy P. Tarcher, $11.95 (224pp) ISBN 978-0-87477-378-1

Despite the subtitle, this book is not easy to penetrate. Going one step beyond such familiar dishes as spring rolls and simple stir-fries, Sidham offers recipes using winter melon, fermented tofu, garland chrysanthemums, Chinese pumpkin and a host of other exotic ingredients. While most of these foods are readily available at Chinese markets, and Sidham offers substitutes, the recipes are for the dedicated cook, not the dabbling beginner. Beyond this cautionary note, the recipes are clearly written, the commentary is informative, and such dishes as spiced pressed tofu with peanuts, garland chrysanthemum with wine and soy sauce, and spinach and tofu potage with black bean sauce evoke the flavor of China. (July)