From the Earth

From the Earth is a celebration of 50 unique and exotic heirloom vegetables and plants through the seasons. Some the author grows himself in his experimental garden on Sydney’s northern beaches, while others come from suppliers he has developed close and lasting relationships with over his 15 years as executive chef at Quay.
 
The book includes botanical illustrations, as well as full-colour photography by Brett Stevens, as well as key information about each vegetable (family group; history and origin; traditional cooking uses; growing conditions; anecdotal stories; and why the author loves them!) and a recipe inspired by the vegetable.

The recipes range from simple – about the cooking technique with little adornment – to more complex dishes that may feature at Peter's restaurants Bennelong or Quay. All are approachable and achievable in the home kitchen, but in some cases assume a level of competency. The key, always, is celebrating the organic beauty of the vegetables and allowing them to shine. In the chef's words: 'Simplicity is key, with a little bit of complexity thrown in'.
 
Recipes include Fried puntarelle chicory, Kyoto red carrot salad (sheep’s milk feta, smoked almond, sherry caramel), Slow braised roveja peas (fermented mushroom and black garlic purée) and Slow cooked galeux d’ eysines pumpkin (aged comte cream, truffle).

In addition, the book profiles, in words and pictures, chef Gilmore's home garden and the evolution of his now abiding passion for it, as well as five of his most loyal growers and seed suppliers.

About the Author

Peter Gilmore is the Executive Chef at two of Australia’s most exciting and dynamic restaurants; Bennelong at the Sydney Opera House and Quay Restaurant across the harbour in The Rocks. Peter is one of the most awarded chefs in Australia taking the helm of the kitchen at Quay in 2001. Quay has been awarded three chefs hats for an unprecedented 16 consecutive years and named Restaurant of the Year six times in The Sydney Morning