THE 10 BEST SUMMER COOKBOOKS

To me, summer is about being able to go into the garden, grabbing a sun ripened tomato and making a delicious meal based solely on the flavors of the season.  This is a concept that has been reinforced throughout my life from when I was younger and would steal warm golden raspberries off the bush or a white peach from the tree and eat them right there in the yard, juice dripping down my face and all.  Now with the first outdoor space I've had to call my own, until we get our full garden set up, that means cutting fresh herbs from the pots on my porch and willing our cucumber, beans, and tomato plants to grow.

Summer cooking should be about fresh ingredients, simple flavors, and refreshing treats all while eating al fresco.  Especially towards the end of summer when the harvest is at its most bountiful, that is the time to preserve those flavors to enjoy throughout the year.  These cookbooks capture the essence of summer flavors, vegetables, grilling, cold treats, delicious sweets, preserves, and the good old American favorites.  

What are your favorite summer cookbooks or recipes?