Grab a copy fast!  I can guarantee that any culinary hobbyist, pro, or herbalist will want to keep CHINA BAYLES BOOK OF DAYS close by.  My copy is not leaving my kitchen for any reason!  Shame on anyone that tries to "borrow" it!

For those who do not read mysteries, China Bayles is Susan Wittig Albert's delightful sleuth who happens to own a store specializing in herbs.  The mysteries are packed with tidbits of information on both popular and lesser known herbs, their uses, craft tips, and more than a handful of recipes.  If you've never "met" China Bayles, you really should!

CHINA BAYLES BOOK OF DAYS is quite different, yet just as fascinating.  There is no murder to solve; no crime to conquer.  Instead, this book celebrates a full year of herbs.  Common herbs, plants, and flowers such as parsley, rosemary, geranium, and sage are discussed in length with many recipes for both food, drink, and body/hair treatments.  There are also some plants that are not as well known--wattleseed (I definitely need to find some!) and bush tomatoes.  The book is packed with recipes, medicinal uses, gardening tips, astrological uses, and much more.

I'm not exactly where to start with Susan Wittig Albert's latest.  Half of me is dying to go into the kitchen to sample some recipes (like Carolee's Cranberry Cordial or the Mint Butter Cookies.)  The other half, well that part is thinking that it is time to sit down and start planning a Christmas list because there are so many goodies that could be made and then given as gifts in inexpensive containers or bottles (Spiced Pear Liqueur, Miss Beecher's Famous Ginger Beer, or herb jellies.)  It's an exceptional book that should be on every shelf!