Hot date! Sweet & savory recipes celebrating the date, from party food to everyday feasts

The stunning cookbook debut from poet and artist Alkhatib (King Crab, a board book) sings the praises of dates. She provides a mouthwatering history of the "holy fruit," extolling it as a symbol of survival and bounty for many cultures. With more than 3,000 varieties, the date is a remarkably versatile ingredient, as Alkhatib ably demonstrates in recipes drawing from her Indian and Palestinian roots. Crispy sautéed dates on a saffron and ricotta "cloud" are "a messy pleasure" perfect for eating with the hands. For a more modern take, there are tater tots tossed in date butter, while breakfast options include date and tahini granola. Vegetarian mains abound--among them bulgar mujadarra, "a hearty rustic tangle of caramelized onion, earthy lentils, bright lemon juice, and smoky cumin-scented rice or bulgur"--as do chicken, beef, lamb, and seafood dishes. For lighter meals, soups and salads take center stage. Rounding things out is a dessert chapter with such offerings as black tahini chocolate chip cookies with medjool dates. Many recipes require hard-to-source ingredients (e.g., lime leaves, mastic, nigella, and Turkish chili), but a helpful section on "where to shop" will guide home cooks over this hurdle. Alkhatib's sumptuous paintings, narrative anecdotes, and illustrated poetry make this more than just a cookbook. It's a powerful ode to a multifaceted fruit. (Feb.)