"chronicle books" news and stories

'Nirmala's Edible Diary: A Hungry Traveler's Cookbook with Recipes from 14 Countries'
by Nirmala Narine
Photos by Diana DeLucia
Chronicle Books -- 2009
Buy it on Amazon

Nirmala Narine, founder of the spice company Nirmala's Kitchen, heads to South America in her latest cookbook, "Nirmala's Edible Diary," a colorful travelogue covering 14 countries, including the one of her birth, Guyana.

With snippets about her travels in each nation, Narine whets a reader's appetite and then satiates it with a handful of recipes.

See what we tested and whether the book's worth buying after the jump.

Photo: Hyperion

'A Beautiful Bowl of Soup: The Best Vegetarian Recipes'
by Paulette Mitchell
Photos by William Meppem
Chronicle Books-- 2004
Buy it on Amazon

A good bowl of soup is a wondrous thing, providing a warmth and satisfaction that only well-executed comfort food can supply. And "A Beautiful Bowl of Soup: The Best Vegetarian Recipes" does just that, dishing up a variety of recipes for slurps that are endlessly appealing on both visual and taste levels.

Carnivores, fret not: With soups this flavorful you won't be missing anything. These are soups for all occasions, from a refreshing Chunky Gazpacho for lazy summer suppers, to a Cream of Tomato Soup with Puff Pastry Crowns to end a long, cold day, or even the light Gingered Pear Soup to conclude a rich meal. And, perhaps more notable yet, each and every one boasts flavors so strong and textures so rich that the soups can serve as full meals on their own.

See what we tested and find out whether the book's worth buying after the jump.