Fresh from the Farm: A Year of Recipes and Stories

 

I love a good cookbook! I do especially one that is filled with information and stories. That is one of the reasons I was drawn to Fresh From the Farm A Year of Recipes and Stories when I saw it on NetGalley. Plus I knew that I would be traveling to visit some family next month and having a good cookbook on my tablet was a must. I couldn’t be happier that I selected this particular one.

Written by the “Queen of Fresh” Susie Middleton, Fresh from the Farm goes beyond traditional “fresh” cookbooks by sharing the engaging story of one woman’s quest for a simpler life. Susie gave up her high-powered corporate job, bought a farm on a rural island, and started planting and growing vegetables and fruit in the hopes of finding a more satisfying life. And did she ever! This inspirational, memoir-type cookbook features 125 seasonal recipes that highlight Susie’s homegrown produce. Although the recipes aren’t all vegetarian, they are healthful, simple, and, of course, delicious. Fresh from the Farm chronicles how growing and harvesting fruits and vegetables, and honoring them in the kitchen each day, continue to shape Susie’s life.

I must say that as the story of Susie and Roy Middleton is told in this superb collection of farm fresh recipes cookbook I was amazed. As a Southern girl I have had farm fresh food from time to time and always loved it but I discovered through this book that I am maybe missing out something here. Susie and Roy started with a small stand and a few harvested items that reminded me of a small stand we have in town.

While the cook is laid out like a regular cookbook, the sidebar has the wonderful narrative of how the venture began and grew. I found that I really liked that. Another great thing is that not only are the preparation instruction easily readable but the photographs are clear and stunning. Another great thing is that at the end of the book there is an appendix that contains different designs for your personal or market gardening which I might even give a try.

A few of my favorite recipes in the book include Deviled Eggs with  Spinach,Basil, & Toasted Pine Nit Pesto, Tomato, Corn, & Leek Potato Gratin, and Spicy Stir-Fried Green Beans. Don’t they all sound delicious? There are several that I can’t wait to try out with the family. Fresh from the Farm is a book that I highly recommend.