Filed under: Books, Cookbook of the Day

Gerry Garvin is a chef with one of the most popular TV shows on TV One. His first cookbook Turn Up the Heat with G. Garvin share's the show's name, giving it instant recognizability for fans. Garvin has an impressive resume, especially considering that many TV chefs often are criticized for a lack of experience, having worked at the Ritz-Carlton, as executive chef at Morton's, at Kass Bah and Reign and (of course) as co-owner/executive chef of G. Garvin's, his restaurant in Los Angeles. But his style is relaxed, "maximum flavor and minimal effort" and the 200 recipes in the book reflect the idea of simple, but tasty, food. The recipes, all of which are clear and concise, touch on French, Italian, Cajun, Indian and American cuisines and include Stuffed Pork Chops with Ricotta and Spinach, Cornbread Mashed Potatoes and Sweet Potato Pie.

Isn't it nice to see someone else providing recipes like this, offering a new perspective to the "busy home chef" genre from some of the same old Food Network personalities?