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| Holiday Season in the Woods |
Ideas by Robin and Friends
'Tis the gift-giving season, and cookbooks make fun and practical prezzies for seasoned chefs
as well as folks just starting out on their own. I still have the rather
bedraggled copy of Joy
of Cooking given to me by an employer circa 1982. I had wrapped up a copy
for my then-boyfriend (who liked cooking) with a sigh, “it’s the best cookbook ever!”
My employer overheard me and made me a happy camper by surprising me with the
same gift. Of course, it’s a bit more risky to pick out a book for someone with
an established cookbook collection. If you can’t check their bookshelves
personally, and haven’t heard a hint about a book they’d like, try giving a bookstore
gift certificate tied to an apron,
silicone
spatula set, metal BBQ
spatula, or other kitchen
gadget.
1. Joy
of Cooking by Irma Rombauer and Marion Rombauer Becker. Not only was this
my first serious cookbook, “Joy” was top vote-getter among the suggestions on
Facebook. Steve calls it the bible…and I agree. It contains basic instructions
for cooking just about anything. I prefer the 1975
edition though I understand the All-new
Update is almost as popular. Readers might also enjoy Stand
Facing the Stove, the fascinating story of how this cookbook got published
in the first place—against all odds!
2. Cooking
by the Seasons: Simple Vegetarian Feasts, by Karri Ann Allrich. I turn to
this book time and again because every recipe is exceptionally delicious and
many can be prepared in under an hour. Each season has its selection of
beverages, appetizers, soups, main dishes, sides, and desserts, along with a
bit of reference for Celtic seasonal celebrations. There’s also a section on
stocking a “Goddess’ pantry.”
3. Cooking
by Moonlight: A Witch’s Guide to Culinary Magic, also by Karri Ann Allrich.
My favorite of favorite cookbooks, full of exceptional recipes just like Ms.
Allrich’s “Cooking by the Seasons.” Besides recipes there are sections on
Developing Seasonal Food Intuition, Love Foods and Practical Magic, and
Stocking a Moonlit Pantry. Each moon (month) of the year has its own set of menus
and recipes, and all are delicious.
4. Feasts
for All Seasons by Roy Andries de Groot. A lesser-known old-school classic,
this 1966 volume focuses on cooking like an everyday gourmet. Organized by
season, and with both “during the week” and celebratory recipes, this book also
contains information on choosing ingredients and planning party menus. Seasonal
fish and meats as well as produce are covered. Though many of the recipes are
time-consuming, a creative cook can make alterations to trim the time. The
menus and recipes celebrate holidays of many ethnic and religious groups.
5. Recipes
from a Kitchen Garden and More
Recipes from a Kitchen Garden by Renee Shepherd & Fran Raboff. I pledge
to blog more of these recipes by local Santa Cruzans Fran and Renee during the
next year. Organized alphabetically by veggies typically grown in family
gardens, the recipes are super-delicious, but often require significant prep
time and a number of ingredients. Both cookbooks have sections on edible flowers
as well as vegetables, and “More Recipes” has a separate salad and dressing
section. Tuscan Pizza, Island Sin Salad, Butternut Gnocchi with Sage Butter,
Creamy Calendula Soufflé, and Pumpkin Cobbler could well make their way into
future posts.
6. A
Midwest Gardener’s Cookbook by Marian K. Towne. Good, simple food made with garden produce,
seasonal fruits, harvested nuts, and ingredients commonly found in the kitchen.
Organized by season, cultivation and general use tips for each veggie are
included with the recipes. More of these recipes will make their way into
future posts. Carrot Potato Burgers, Four Bean Salad, Spanakopita, and Cornish
Pasties are intriguing possibilities. And where else could one find recipes for
Elderflower Cocktail, Dolmades with Homegrown Grape Leaves, and Violet Flavored
Yellow Cake?
7. Greens
Cookbook: Extraordinary Vegetarian Cuisine from the Restaurant and Field
of Greens: New Vegetarian Recipes from Greens Restaurant by Annie
Sommerville. “Greens” is the original book, and “Field of Greens” the update
with lighter recipes. Both feature recipes from Greens
Restaurant, arguably the first West Coast restaurant to elevate vegetarian
cuisine from tasting healthy to tasting sensational (1979). Both books have a
pleasing combination of easy and more complicated recipes, unlike many restaurant cookbooks.
8. Recipes
from the Root Cellar: 270 Fresh Ways to Enjoy Winter Vegetables by Andrea
Chesman. All seasonal cooks know that winter is the toughest time to come up
with creative recipes. I added this book to my collection last winter, have blogged
at least 4 recipes already, and am ready to continue exploring. Spicy Turnip
Stir-fry, Festive Fruity Coleslaw, Tortellini with Kale, Chicken Pot Pie with
Sweet Potato Biscuits…I can open the book to just about any page and find an
intriguing idea. Everything that I’ve tried has been delicious and surprisingly
easy to prepare. Highly recommended!
Recipes from the Root Cellar recipes:
10. The
Art of Simple Foods: Notes, Lessons, and Recipes from a Delicious Revolution
by Alice Waters. Long-time seasonal chef and local foods advocate’s latest
cookbook shows us how to master basic cooking techniques for maximum flavor and
freshness, then leads us into a more traditional index of recipes. She gives
hints for how to vary/improvise each recipe. A good mixture of easy and
more complex recipes. Of course, Ms. Waters and her restaurant Chez Panisse have long been celebrated
in song
and fable.
Top Ten Seasonal Cookbooks
Here are 10 cookbooks that I like to use, several of which
are also recommended by my Facebook friends and fans.
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| Joy's Often Needed at My House |
Joy of Cooking Recipes:
Easy
Stir & Roll Piecrust (with Blackberry Pie)
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| Potluck Favorite: Apple Cake |
Cooking by the Seasons Recipes:
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| Southwest Three Sisters Stew: Beans, Squash, and Corn |
Cooking by Moonlight Recipes:
Feasts for All Seasons Recipes:
Cream of Pumpkin Soup coming soon!
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| Simple Recipe adds Zing to Salad |
Recipes & More Recipes from a Kitchen Garden recipes:
Parsley Pesto with Baked Potatoes coming soon!
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| Midwest Preserve Recipes for Gift Giving |
Midwest Gardener’s Cookbook recipes:
Pennsylvania Dutch Hot Potato Salad coming soon!
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| Tangerines in Winter Salad |
Field of Greens recipes:
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| Root Veggies Never Looked Better |
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| One More Root Cellar Recipe |
9. The
Moosewood Cookbook: Recipes from Moosewood Restaurant by Mollie Katzen. I’d
forgotten this classic till Lynn reminded me of it. I need to get it onto my
cookbook shelf pronto. A former roommate owned it, and we made some fantastic
vegetarian meals with wholesome ingredients back in the day. I’m particularly
recalling a salad of lightly steamed green beans and carrots tossed with a
lemony dressing.
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| Classic (American) Greek Salad |
Art of Simple Foods recipes:
Bonus Books
These cookbooks were suggested by my Facebook friends and
Seasonal Eating fans. I haven’t seen most of these, so will be checking them
out in the New Year.
1. The
Silver Palate Cookbook by Sheila Lukins. Recommended by my culinary
superstar cousin Elizabeth. “Very 1970s but toothsome recipes,” according to
Elizabeth, this book is rated 4.5 stars with 120 ratings on Amazon. One
reviewer says it’s as relevant today as it was when published, uses fresh
ingredients and basic cooking techniques, and that she has cooked just about
every recipe in the book successfully. Sounds like a winner!
2. California
Fresh: A Seasonal Journey through Northern California by Junior League of
Oakland-East Bay. Obviously written mostly for Californians, my friend Irene says
this is “so
pretty that it almost could be a coffee table book but every recipe that I have
made has turned out perfectly.” The book contains recipes, menus,
in-depth descriptions and tips for handling various Northern California
seasonal specialties. Irene’s favorite recipes: Asparagus with Sun-dried Tomatoes,
Roasted Chicken with Ricotta & Herbs, Curry-Poached Prawns with Cucumber Noodles
and Caper Lemon Brussels sprouts.” Go ahead and add this one to my Christmas list!
3. The
Thrill of the Grill: Techniques, Recipes, and Down-Home Barbecue by
Christopher Schlesinger and John Willoughby. Friend and frequent dinner host
James recommends this because he likes to grill and the authors emphasize using
fresh and seasonal ingredients. The book has been reviewed as a unique blend of
exotic spices, American favorites, humor, and infectious enthusiasm. Favorite recipes include Caribbean Style
Grilled Seafood Soup, Grilled Zucchini with Thyme, Red Onions with Rosemary and
Balsamic Vinegar, and East Coast Lemonade. I think my husband (the family
griller) would like this book.
4. In
Season: Cooking with Vegetables and Fruit by Sarah Raven. Suggested by Mel,
this book is divided into two-month sections of seasonal produce, with each
section highlighting 5 – 15 foods with both vegetarian and meat recipes. The
author is a gardener and locavore. The list of recipes on Amazon looks
appealing: Cranberry Bean Hummus, Squid, Pea, and Chorizo Stew, Spaghetti with
Green Beans and Tomatoes, Pears Poached in Saffron Syrup, and Basil Custard.
Definitely going to check this one out.
5. The
Cake Bible by Rose Levy Beranbaum. We began with one bible, so it’s fitting
to end with another. Monique suggested this cookbook, and while it’s not entirely
seasonal, every day is someone’s birthday, graduation, or retirement, and an
occasion for cake. Every cake imaginable is carefully detailed, including
wedding cake. Be prepared to weigh your ingredients and use plenty of butter
and eggs for outstanding results. I’ve borrowed this book from the library, and
the Perfect All American Chocolate Butter Cake can’t be beat, if you’re into
that sort of thing. I had no idea that so many different kinds of cakes can be
made.
Thanks all who made suggestions, and sorry that I’m unable
to research and report on all titles. Please leave a
comment if we’ve left out your favorite, and be sure to tell us why you like it.
Enjoy the season, and consider giving someone a cookbook—or asking for one for
yourself!
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| Potluck Success: Pineapple Ginger Cake from Cooking by Moonlight |
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