KEVIN WEST begins his newest book, called “The Cook’s Garden,” like this: “This is a book about flavor,” he writes. “It is a book about how to become a better cook by stepping into the garden.” His is not just a cookbook, though. It’s also a book about how to grow edible crops, from seed to harvest—so a cookbook and a gardening book all in one, highlighting exceptional varieties to cultivate and enjoy. Since this is the start of serious winter squash season, and Kevin and I both delight in them, growing and cooking winter squash was our topic for a recent conversation. Kevin West grew up in East Tennessee as part of a strong farming and gardening lineage, and today lives and gardens organically in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. He is author of “Saving the Season: A Cook’s Guide to Home Canning, Pickling and Preserving,” and now of “The Cook’s Garden” (affiliate links). Plus: Comment in the box near the bottom of the page for a chance to win a copy of “The Cook’s Garden.” Read along as you listen to the Oct. 13, 2025 edition of my public-radio show and podcast using the player below. You can […]

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