Handsomely designed, each Short Stack volume is written by a culinary pro with appropriate expertise, offering simple, imaginative recipes suitable for weeknight cooking. The books are attractive and serious and happen to make great gifts, especially for anyone you know who is swamped by a bountiful garden or a hyperactive CSA.

Some sample recipes: Banana cake with buttermilk buttercream frosting; curried okra fritters; fresh buttermilk cottage cheese.