Mediterranean Harvest 

Mediterranean Harvest: Vegetarian Recipes from the World's Healthiest Cuisine By Martha Rose Shulman, Rodale; 2007. Hardcover. $40; 398 pages

Inspired by her travels, Martha Rose Shulman shares more than 500 produce-packed recipes. Deep-Dish Eggplant Torta is a standout—a magnificent column of olive oil pastry encasing layers of eggplant, tomato sauce, and mozzarella. Traditionally, fish define many dishes from the region, but they're not missed here. Shulman maintains, after all, that the true heart of the cuisine is the produce. She embraces the spirit of the great seafood soup bouillabaisse, with not a fish in sight: One version features poached eggs on garlic-rubbed toast with a gentle saffron-tomato broth. Shulman is conscious of health and notes that she uses only enough oil to make the flavors sing; no need to lay on excess when the vegetables shine so bright.

GIVE THIS TO: Farmers' market junkies looking for tasty inspiration. —Adam Hickman