When height-of-the-season farmers' market offerings are irresistible; when backyard gardens are exploding with what appear to be hundreds of perfect tomatoes; or when the same old methods for cooking green beans or corn don't offer enough flavor, Andrea Chesman is ready with a bounty of creative recipes that bring out the best in fresh produce.

Chesman knows what it's like to be facing pounds of perishable vegetables, and as she developed 175 recipes that place garden freshness center stage, she followed these guidelines: Simple. Delicious. Harmonized with the growing seasons.

The vegetables are organized by crop-readiness, with many recipes following the wisdom that vegetables that ripen together taste good together. Popular techniques such as roasting and grilling bring out the flavor in recipes such as Grilled Chicken and Asparagus Salad, Roasted Leek Tart, Soy-Sesame Grilled Eggplant, and Maple Roasted Carrots. Main-dish and side salads abound: Beet and New Potato Salad, Warm Mushroom Salad, Spinach Salad with Feta and Pecans, Everyday Tomato-Cucumber Salad. And the deep flavors of autumn are celebrated in Braised Belgian Endives, Holiday Brussels Sprouts with Pecans and Cranberries, and Chocolate Chip Carrot Cake.

Serving Up the Harvest is an inspirational collection for everyone who wants to enjoy fresh, local, seasonal vegetables with every meal.