Janie Hibler is a Northwest author of distinction. You can find berry books here and there but nothing has ever matched this 2004 tome. You know this an exceptional book right there in the first chapter: The A-to-Z Berry Encyclopedia. Yes, we all know about strawberries and raspberries. But how about:
- Arona or Black Chokeberries
- Olallie Berries [cousins to blackberries]
- Blue Honeysuckle Berries
- Cloudberries
- Jostaberries
- Thimbleberries
Janie explains all those berry types — and of course the “regular” ones — so you know their history and their availability. And how to use them if you are lucky enough to score a quart of Jostaberries.
Then come nine chapters telling a bounty of ways to enjoy them:
- Coolers, Cocktails, Smoothies and Other Drinks
- Breads
- Soup and Salads
- Main Courses
- Sauces
- Ice Creams, Sorbets, and other Frozen Treats
- Pies, Tarts, Cobbler, and Such
- Cakes
- Pastries, Pudding and Other Sweet Treats
Wait a minute! Breads? Main courses?
Yes, consider these ideas:
Brioche French Toast with Sauteed Strawberries, Raspberries, and Blueberries
Ginger Scones with Lemon-Blueberry Filling
Raspberry and Marcona Almond Coffee Cake
And for the mains? Well, we have:
Prosciutto Prawn with Huckleberry Balsamic Glaze
Panfried Quail with Sage in Huckleberry Sauce
Hot Smoked Turkey with Blackberry Barbecue Sauce
Jalapeno-Stuffed Leg of Lamb with Blackberry-Chile-Mint Preserves
Oh, you’d rather just drink your berries. Then you can choose among:
Loganberry and Cantaloupe Smoothie
Papaya-Strawberry-Banana Smoothie
Blackberry Martini with Vodka and Triple Sec
Sicilian Strawberry Liqueur
There is an elegance and a sophistication in The Berry Bible that has easily withstood the test of time. This is book to enjoy throughout the year, but surely now as the berries deliver the final punches of summer heat and sweetness.