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Melissa’s Great Book of Produce
By Yvonne Mason

Melissa’s Great Book of Produce, Everything You Need to Know About Fresh Fruits & Vegetables, March 2006, Author Cathy Thomas; Co-creators: Sharon Hernandez, Corporate Chef Ida Rodriguez, “Produce Expert” Robert Schueller, and Melissa herself; Photographer Nick Koon, Publisher John Wiley & Sons, $29.95.

This is a book I’ve not only always wanted, but a book I’ve needed. I love fruits and vegetables, they are so alive with flavor and they make me feel great. If I see exotic or new varieties of fruits or vegetables, I immediately pick them up to see what I can do with them. Sometimes with success and sometimes not. So, to have Melissa’s Great Book of Produce demystifying 500 varieties of fruits and vegetables is a blessing.

The down to earth language used in the book tells how each item looks and shows in beautiful color photos, how the item tastes and everything else. How to cut it up, how to store it and easy ways to serve it. Complete information about when each item is available, both globally and domestically. It’s both a reference book and a cookbook in one volume.

Mango Salsa :

• Combine 2 cups finely diced mango with 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro,
• ½ t minced jalapeno (seeded), juice of lime, and salt to taste.
• Gently toss With ¼ cup finely diced red onion and, if desired a splash of fresh orange Juice.
• Add a little minced ginger if desired.
• Use with grilled poultry, pork, Or seafood or toss with cooked rice, couscous or other grains.
• Refrigerate and use within 24 hours.

Melissa’s Great Book of Produce is available at 1-800-588-0151 or visit www.melissas.com

Last update Wed May 5, 2010 7:13 PM