A triumvirate of local culinary authorities will be speaking, signing, and basking in the admiring glow of home chefs this Friday evening (September 20th) at the City of Books. Powell's downtown location will host Diane Morgan, a local author who released her latest book this past week, Ken Forkish of Ken's Artisan Bakery, and Julie Richardson of Baker & Spice. Here's the skinny on each new publication:

Roots: The Definitive Compendium with More than 225 Recipes—Diane Morgan's newest book has a pretty self-explanatory title. In her book, she will instruct you in cooking all kinds of vegetables that grow in the ground. You've never even heard of a few of these plants... she had some of them grown specifically for testing recipes. You know you'll see them on menus around town this fall, though; odd roots like galangal will likely be Portland's next designer ingredients.

Flour Water Salt Yeast: The Fundamentals of Artisan Bread and Pizza—Ken Forkish now has a bakery, a pizzeria, and a baking book. Steal secrets of artisan baking at home and read about Forkish's personal experience as an entrepreneur in Portland's growing food scene.

Vintage Cakes: Timeless Recipes for Cupcakes, Flips, Rolls, Layer, Angel, Bundt, Chiffon, and Icebox Cakes for Today's Sweet Tooth—Co-owner and head baker at Baker & Spice, Julie Richardson has already co-authored Rustic Fruit Desserts and now moves on to a collection of classic cakes to make at home. Offering a nostalgic and comprehensive collection of recipes to celebrate a variety of occasions, Richardson's first solo cookbook promises focused indulgence and all the frosting you could wish for.

Buy 'em, get 'em signed by the very professionals that worked so hard to perfect them, and support our local industry members that have finally achieved a permanent testament to their passions. Maybe even try out some of the awesome recipes inside.

These cookbook authors will be speaking at 7:30 pm at Powell's City of Books, located at 1005 W Burnside.