acknowledgments

My garden is the foundation for my books, photography, and recipes. For nearly twelve months of the year we toil to keep it beautiful and bountiful. Unlike most gardens—as it is a photo studio and trial plot—it must look glorious, be healthy, and produce for the kitchen all year. To complicate the maintenance, all the beds are changed at leas twice a year. Needless to say, it is a large undertaking. For two decades a quartet of talented organic gardener/ cooks have not only given it hundreds of hours of loving attention, but they have also been generous with their vast knowledge of plants. Together we have forged our concept of gardening and cooking, much of which I share with you in this series of garden cookbooks.

I wish to thank Wendy Krupnick for giving the garden such a strong foundation and Joe Queirolo for maintaining it for many years and sharing his view of Italian cooking with me. For the last decade, Jody Main and Duncan Minalga have helped me expand my garden horizons. No matter how complex the project, they enthusiastically rise to the occasion. In the kitchen, I am most fortunate to have Gudi Riter, a very talented cook who developed many of her skills in Germany and France. I thank her for the help she provides as we create recipes and present them in all their glory.

I thank Dayna Lane for her steady hand and editorial assistance. In addition to day-to-day compilations, she joins me on our constant search for the most effective organic pest controls, superior herb varieties, and the best sources for plants.

Gardeners are by nature most generous. I want to thank Carole Saville, who keeps me up to date, and helped with the more esoteric Italian plants and recipes; and Renee Shepherd of Renee’s Garden Seeds and Shep Ogden of the Cook’s Garden, who are always available to provide vegetable variety information and allow me to prowl their gardens.

I would also like to thank a large supporting cast: my husband, Robert, who gives such quality technical advice and loving support; Nancy Favier for her occasional help in the garden and office; and Susan Freeman for sharing her library of Italian cookbooks.

Many people were instrumental in bringing this book project to fruition. They include Jane Whitfield, Linda Gunnarson, and David Humphrey, who were integral to the initial vision of this book; Kathryn Sky-Peck for providing the style and quality of the layout; and Marcie Hawthorne for the lovely drawings. Heartfelt thanks to Eric Oey and to the entire Periplus staff, especially Deane Norton, Jan Johnson, and Sonia MacNeil, for their help. Finally, I would like to thank my editor, Isabelle Bleecker, for her gentle guidance, attention to detail, and thoughtful presence.