Comparing Two Herb Cookbooks
For many home cooks, herbs are often an afterthought—a stray sprig of parsley or a pinch of dried basil tossed in at the last second. But if you really want to transform your cooking, you have to treat herbs as the main event.
Today, I’m comparing two heavy hitters in the herbal culinary world: "Recipes from the Herbalist’s Kitchen" by Brittany Wood Nickerson and "Herb: A Cook’s Companion" by Mark Diacono. Both books promise to elevate your kitchen game, but they take wildly different paths to get there.
The Soulful Healer: "Recipes from the Herbalist’s Kitchen"
Brittany Wood Nickerson doesn’t just see herbs as flavor; she sees them as medicine. Her book is a beautiful, holistic deep dive into how what we eat affects how we feel.
What’s Great
- The "Why" Behind the Flavor: Nickerson excels at explaining the therapeutic properties of common herbs. You aren’t just adding rosemary for the scent; you’re learning how it aids digestion. It turns your kitchen into a sanctuary of well-being.
- Accessible Magic: Despite the "herbalist" title, the recipes aren't intimidating. Dishes like Baked Eggs with Parsley Pesto or Cilantro Lemonade are refreshingly simple and rely on ingredients you can actually find at a standard grocery store.
- Stunning Visuals: The photography is lush and soulful, making it as much a coffee-table book as a functional guide.
It is more than just a recipe book. It’s heavy on philosophy and "wellness”. Additionally, while the recipes are delicious, they lean toward the rustic and simple—if you’re looking for high-concept, restaurant-style techniques, you won't find them here.
The Garden Artist: "Herb: A Cook’s Companion"
Mark Diacono is a gardener-cook, and his book feels like a conversation over a garden fence. It is vibrant, witty, and unapologetically focused on the joy of growing and eating.
What’s Great
- The Plot-to-Plate Guide: This is arguably the best resource for anyone who wants to grow their own ingredients. Diacono provides masterclass-level advice on sowing, propagating, and harvesting that even a "black thumb" can follow.
- Adventurous Palate: Diacono isn't afraid to get weird (in the best way). He suggests pairings you might never consider, like Tarragon and Olive Oil Ice Cream. It’s a book for the culinary explorer.
- Practical Preservation: His sections on herb salts, vinegars, and infusions are gold for anyone trying to avoid the "sad, wilted supermarket bunch" syndrome.
Where It Falls Short
Diacono describes himself as a "bouncer at the door," meaning he only includes herbs he personally likes. If you’re a fan of lemon balm, you’re out of luck—he’s not a fan. Moreover, the book assumes a certain level of access to outdoor space. While apartment dwellers can certainly use the recipes, a large chunk of the book’s value (the gardening) might feel like "window shopping" for those without a backyard.
The Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Choosing between these two depends entirely on your "Kitchen Personality":
Both books succeed in making you realize that herbs are so much more than a garnish. Nickerson will help you heal with them; Diacono will help you live with them.
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