Most of us, including me, never got to meet Judy Rodgers...
But I would humbly suggest that you all take a look at her wondrous book, The Zuni Cafe Cookbook. It is everything that's right about food. I turn to it constantly for inspiration. The top shelf in the bookcase nearest my kitchen is the "pride of place" shelf, holding the books and authors I turn to most often: Julia, Joy, Julie Sahni, Deborah Madison, Sheila Lukins, Giuliano Bugialli, Thomas Keller... and Judy Rodgers.
Once, I got this bee in my bonnet to make sage into pesto. I know, I know, it sounds scary to everyone but me... but I wondered who might have hints about such a thing. I turned immediately to the top shelf... to Deborah Madison (founder of the miraculous Greens Restaurant in San Francisco) and Judy Rodgers... and guess what... Judy Rodgers had a recipe.
And it was wonderful.
Even though she died recently, the spirit in her book and in the legendary Zuni Cafe are still with us. Read This Book! Cook from it! Eat at Zuni if you're in San Francisco...
And celebrate generous American food made with conscience and passion, and a palate not many are blessed with.
She will be missed.