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Fresh from the Farm: A Year of Recipes and Stories
More than a cookbook...it’s also the story of how a farm came to be. Written by the “Queen of Fresh” Susie Middleton, Fresh from the Farm goes beyond traditional “fresh” cookbooks by sharing the engaging tale of one woman’s quest for a simpler life. In between the recipes, Susie shares the story of how she left the corporate world, started a farm on Martha’s Vineyard, and created a satisfying new life on this rural island. 121 seasonal recipes featuring homegrown produce. Fresh from the Farm is divided into three growing late spring and early summer, high summer, and what the author refers to as a bonus season, Indian summer and early fall. Here’s just a taste... Perfect for vegetarians and carnivores alike . Fresh from the Farm is for anyone looking for exciting new ways to prepare vegetable-centric dishes that range from starters to mains to desserts. While the emphasis is on recipes, this book is also a great read. As one reviewer “...the stories that Middleton shares make the book feel like an old
family cookbook that has been passed down from your great grandmother
with stories of her farm, and why she made each recipe. Middleton
embraces the family farm angle.”
family cookbook that has been passed down from your great grandmother
with stories of her farm, and why she made each recipe. Middleton
embraces the family farm angle.”
256 pages, Hardcover
First published February 11, 2014
4 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 16, 2015
This was probably not the best cookbook to read when it's an ice storm outside. For one, you gets hungry. For two, it makes you want to grow things. And damn it..I'm still hungry.
This is a beautiful book. The photos through out it are so pretty that you can use this as a coffee table book.
Seasonal recipes are one of my favorite kinds of cookbooks since I garden and always get a bit carried away with how much I grow.
I want a hard copy of this book before springs hits here.
Food porn from the book: If I must suffer so must all of you
Swiss chard, fresh peas and ham with a maple balsamic sauce
Quinoa salad
Gingery Strawberry/Rhubarb crisp
Deviled eggs with pesto (I never thought to put pesto in them..I have some pesto frozen and I'm making these suckers soon)
And then just a clip of the illustrations from this lovely book
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a beautiful book. The photos through out it are so pretty that you can use this as a coffee table book.
Seasonal recipes are one of my favorite kinds of cookbooks since I garden and always get a bit carried away with how much I grow.
I want a hard copy of this book before springs hits here.
Food porn from the book: If I must suffer so must all of you
Swiss chard, fresh peas and ham with a maple balsamic sauce
Quinoa salad
Gingery Strawberry/Rhubarb crisp
Deviled eggs with pesto (I never thought to put pesto in them..I have some pesto frozen and I'm making these suckers soon)
And then just a clip of the illustrations from this lovely book
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 20, 2015
Beautiful book, the pictures were lovely and related well to the content. I garden a lot and this book is exactly what you would expect to find using fresh produce from the farm.
The layout on the other hand wasn’t very user friendly. The authors background story was written on the side margins, with recipes in the body alongside it. This wouldn’t have been so bad if it happened occasionally instead of pages and pages of it, making it a bit confusing.
And although the recipes consisted of nice fresh ingredients, nothing really spoke to me, and if it did, they were slight variations of recipes that I already make. All in all, not a book I would seek out to purchase. Maybe start with the library first.
I received an arc copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley!
The layout on the other hand wasn’t very user friendly. The authors background story was written on the side margins, with recipes in the body alongside it. This wouldn’t have been so bad if it happened occasionally instead of pages and pages of it, making it a bit confusing.
And although the recipes consisted of nice fresh ingredients, nothing really spoke to me, and if it did, they were slight variations of recipes that I already make. All in all, not a book I would seek out to purchase. Maybe start with the library first.
I received an arc copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley!
April 7, 2014
I found this cookbook to be a lot of fun. Not only was it chock full of delicious looking recipes, but the pictures were beautiful and the memories strewn throughout made this book mean even more. I also loved the tips and gardening notes throughout (and their are garden designs in the back). I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to begin making these recipes.
Note: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Note: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
September 3, 2016
First, I will say that this is a lovely book. The book is worth purchasing just for the pictures alone. They are exactly what you would expect from a book about farm produce. Second, I love that the recipes are arranged seasonally - and I mean, really seasonally. I've seen other cookbooks which group recipes by the season in which the main ingredient is available. But, too often,the recipes include many other ingredients which are not in season - which defeats the purpose a bit, in my opinion. Middleton does not do this. Her recipes literally seem to be derived from whatever was fresh in the garden that day. In addition, she heralds the use of a wide variety of produce many people are not familiar with (but none that are too exotic). Some of her preparations are extremely simple and straightforward - others are more complex. But, all of them seem appropriate for a farm table - nothing your average steak and potatoes guy would turn his nose up at, anyway. The background stories are well written and quite entertaining - so much so that they, in fact, detract a LOT of attention away from the recipes due to the layout.
I freely admit that I am a bit unforgiving about cookbook layouts. I actually like to cook out of my cookbooks, so I feel VERY strongly that the layout of the cookbook should make this as easy as possible for me. I am sad to say that this is one of the worst layouts I've seen for a cookbook that I have ever seen. The background stories - which, as I said are very engrossing - are printed along the side margins across multiple pages of recipes. When one story begins, another simply begins on the same page. If you are trying to read the narrative, you have to skip through all of the recipes in order to maintain the flow. I could forgive this a bit if the narrative applied directly to the recipes (say if her story about green beans flowed across several pages of green bean recipes), but this is usually not the case. As for the narrative itself, being chopped up across so many pages like this makes it difficult to read, and I feel a lot is lost.Additionally, since some page space on EVERY recipe page is devoted to the narrative (not including, mind, the narrative about each recipe), almost every recipe flows across more than one page. I realize that some recipes are simply too long or complex to keep on a single page, but even short recipes flow to another page, and this gets really annoying to me when I am trying to cook. Worse, some of the recipes don't continue for SEVERAL pages - you have to flip through 2 or 3 pages of pictures to get to the end of the recipe. It is so problematic, I gave what could have been a 5 star cookbook 3 stars. I might purchase it for the pictures - and I really do like the recipes, but I probably would not find myself cooking out of it too much because of the layout.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and Taunton Press in exchange for my review - but my opinions are my own.
I freely admit that I am a bit unforgiving about cookbook layouts. I actually like to cook out of my cookbooks, so I feel VERY strongly that the layout of the cookbook should make this as easy as possible for me. I am sad to say that this is one of the worst layouts I've seen for a cookbook that I have ever seen. The background stories - which, as I said are very engrossing - are printed along the side margins across multiple pages of recipes. When one story begins, another simply begins on the same page. If you are trying to read the narrative, you have to skip through all of the recipes in order to maintain the flow. I could forgive this a bit if the narrative applied directly to the recipes (say if her story about green beans flowed across several pages of green bean recipes), but this is usually not the case. As for the narrative itself, being chopped up across so many pages like this makes it difficult to read, and I feel a lot is lost.Additionally, since some page space on EVERY recipe page is devoted to the narrative (not including, mind, the narrative about each recipe), almost every recipe flows across more than one page. I realize that some recipes are simply too long or complex to keep on a single page, but even short recipes flow to another page, and this gets really annoying to me when I am trying to cook. Worse, some of the recipes don't continue for SEVERAL pages - you have to flip through 2 or 3 pages of pictures to get to the end of the recipe. It is so problematic, I gave what could have been a 5 star cookbook 3 stars. I might purchase it for the pictures - and I really do like the recipes, but I probably would not find myself cooking out of it too much because of the layout.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and Taunton Press in exchange for my review - but my opinions are my own.
November 3, 2014
I just read this book and feel like I have been on an adventure with Susie. She gave up a career and city life for life on a farm. I was very interested when I first saw this book thinking it would have many recipes i could use. I found that and so much more. I absolutely love all the stories and recipes. The pictures are beautiful and gives us a charming view of the farm. In her stories, She talks about her start from a farm stand next to the road to one that was larger one closer to the house. We also get a glimpse of the area and how trusting everyone is. She sells her produce on a good faith system. I learned about her husband and step daughter, their dreams, and goals. I feel as though Ive been on a trip to their farm. The recipes are made up of fresh ingredients you grow on a farm and have inspired me to make many of them. This is not your average cookbook, but so much more. You want be disappointed. Most of the recipes have simple ingredients and look very easy to do. She gives us instructions on how to plant seedlings, build greenhouses, and chicken coops the cheapest way possible. Im very impressed. And i love her outlook on life. I look forward to reading more cookbooks by her.
February 23, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is absolutely beautiful. The pictures, the recipes, the layout - just gorgeous. When I started looking through this book, I immediately started bookmarking pages with recipes to make, and I ended up with quite a lot of bookmarks! There are three parts to this book (I wish there were more, but since it's a farm based cookbook, it goes with the seasons, understandably) - Late spring and early summer, high summer, and Indian Summer and Early Fall. Each of these sections contains a variety of delicious recipes, such as Indian Summer Minestrone with Late Tomatoes and Beans, Fiesta Fajitas with with Grill-Roasted Steak, Peppers, and Onions, Roasted Tomato Rustic Tart, and desserts, such as Backyard Berry Ice Cream Pie, and Honey-Vanilla Roasted Pears.
This book is a great book for those who grow their own fruits and vegetables, as well as for those who visit their farmer's market often and are trying to eat healthier, more natural foods.
This book is absolutely beautiful. The pictures, the recipes, the layout - just gorgeous. When I started looking through this book, I immediately started bookmarking pages with recipes to make, and I ended up with quite a lot of bookmarks! There are three parts to this book (I wish there were more, but since it's a farm based cookbook, it goes with the seasons, understandably) - Late spring and early summer, high summer, and Indian Summer and Early Fall. Each of these sections contains a variety of delicious recipes, such as Indian Summer Minestrone with Late Tomatoes and Beans, Fiesta Fajitas with with Grill-Roasted Steak, Peppers, and Onions, Roasted Tomato Rustic Tart, and desserts, such as Backyard Berry Ice Cream Pie, and Honey-Vanilla Roasted Pears.
This book is a great book for those who grow their own fruits and vegetables, as well as for those who visit their farmer's market often and are trying to eat healthier, more natural foods.
November 25, 2014
Its that time again where I get obsessed with cookbooks!!!!
And netgalley has quenched my need and rocked it!
This review covered fresh from the farm
5 Fresh Stars!
This cookbook is so different from any others Ive read lately because it focuses on seasons and using that seasons freshest ingredients! Which trust me ive made food with out of season veggies and no thank you
This cookbook has almost a beautiful picture for every recipe. It stars out extremely easy to make and then it starts letting you show off your skills! I will be refereeing back to this bad boy in my cooking!
And netgalley has quenched my need and rocked it!
This review covered fresh from the farm
5 Fresh Stars!
This cookbook is so different from any others Ive read lately because it focuses on seasons and using that seasons freshest ingredients! Which trust me ive made food with out of season veggies and no thank you
This cookbook has almost a beautiful picture for every recipe. It stars out extremely easy to make and then it starts letting you show off your skills! I will be refereeing back to this bad boy in my cooking!
January 18, 2014
A beautifully designed cookbook packed with great images and recipes. But what I loved the most was the stories and side notes in the book. In reminds me of when I sit around and talk to my family about our recipes. Though we always come back to the food, there are also stories and anecdotes that go with them. There is much more to this book than just the recipes, so if you pick it up make note of that. This is definitely a cookbook that should make it on your shelf. - See more at: http://www.vmc-artdesign.com/vmc-foru...
November 2, 2013
This is a wonderful cookbook that showcases farm fresh, in-season ingredients. I very much enjoyed all the beautiful, mouth watering photos. The recipes appear simple and unfussy yet produce show stopping results that would be great for entertaining. I definitely will be trying many of the recipes in this book and have a feeling it will become one of my favorites!
October 9, 2019
This is a lovely book with endearing stories throughout, and by that I do literally mean scattered throughout, like somebody threw a handful of seeds across the garden and said grow! I do love the stories, I love the photos and maybe even some of the recipes, although there is an awful lot of affection for salad at her house that is not present at mine. I did find it very odd the way the book was laid out, distracting for sure. I found the only way I could enjoy the book was to start by reading only the short blurbs of the "story" along the sides of each page and totally ignore the recipes on those pages, will have to look only at the recipes next I suppose. That is not my preferred way to read a book and I am surprised the publisher allowed it to be printed that way, please don't do that again.
May 9, 2017
Received this book from NetGalley for review.
The author is a former editor in chief of Fine Cooking magazine who chronicles her transition from corporate world to farm living. This is a wonderful cookbook for those looking to eat healthy and enjoy "off the farm" living. Makes me want to start a garden of my own!
The author is a former editor in chief of Fine Cooking magazine who chronicles her transition from corporate world to farm living. This is a wonderful cookbook for those looking to eat healthy and enjoy "off the farm" living. Makes me want to start a garden of my own!
June 11, 2017
Beautiful book with photos, sidebar stories and inspiring recipes. Susie really loves her vegetables. She even layers vegetable sauces and toppings on other vegetables! Love it.
May 3, 2018
Loved this book! Can’t wait to try everything! Kudos to Susie for doing what she loves.
October 6, 2015
I would like to thank The Taunton Press, Inc. for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an open and honest review.
Let me start by saying I loved the concept of this book. Definitely agree with fresh from local farm (or home grown) produce and adore cook books that cook within the seasons so only use fresh, whole food ingredients that are available at those times of the year. So, in that respect this book was fantastic. We need more books that run along those lines.
However, sadly, the formatting and layout really let me down. I was thoroughly enjoying Ms Middleton’s story about how she got the farm, the trials of growing, selling and evolving with the farm and I actually found this story being squished into the margins rather distracting. It made me stop paying attention to the actual recipes. Then, the way the recipes were spaced over several pages, and broken up with large (beautiful) but totally unrelated to the recipe pictures – it didn’t work. Really, it made it all seem too cluttered and confusing and put me off the book a little.
For me, this book would have worked better if Ms Middleton’s story took pride of place at the beginning. Set the scene and got the reader knowing more about her and connecting with her ideals. The gorgeous pictures could have been spaced out amongst this work. Then there should have been a second half to the book that focussed solely on the recipes and pictures related just to them. But, that’s just my opinion. ;-) And I will add that my ARC was an electronic version. Possibly, as a paper book these formatting issues wouldn’t be obvious as the reader has the ability to flip from page to page more easily. My electronic version was clunky and very hard to navigate.
I did enjoy this book, but not as much as I’d hoped I would. And none of the recipes had me oohing and aahing and making notes to try them when in season. I don’t think the recipes were bad or boring… I just felt I was too busy enjoying the story to actually stop and pay them the right amount of attention.
Would I recommend this book to others? If they were going to read it just as an ‘in season’ cook book and (if Australian like me) know to swap the months of the year around to suit our local growing times… possibly. If they wanted to read Ms Middleton’s fantastic story and connect with her passion – probably not. The formatting/layout just makes doing that really difficult.
Would I buy this book for myself? Probably not the way it is currently formatted. If it was changed so the book’s layout is story, then recipes – then yes I would probably buy it as I enjoyed the read.
In summary: A fantastic concept, the right sort of mindset we should all be following – buying/growing local and cooking and eating in season. I loved the personal tale that comes with it all too. However, for me, the formatting/ layout let it down.
Let me start by saying I loved the concept of this book. Definitely agree with fresh from local farm (or home grown) produce and adore cook books that cook within the seasons so only use fresh, whole food ingredients that are available at those times of the year. So, in that respect this book was fantastic. We need more books that run along those lines.
However, sadly, the formatting and layout really let me down. I was thoroughly enjoying Ms Middleton’s story about how she got the farm, the trials of growing, selling and evolving with the farm and I actually found this story being squished into the margins rather distracting. It made me stop paying attention to the actual recipes. Then, the way the recipes were spaced over several pages, and broken up with large (beautiful) but totally unrelated to the recipe pictures – it didn’t work. Really, it made it all seem too cluttered and confusing and put me off the book a little.
For me, this book would have worked better if Ms Middleton’s story took pride of place at the beginning. Set the scene and got the reader knowing more about her and connecting with her ideals. The gorgeous pictures could have been spaced out amongst this work. Then there should have been a second half to the book that focussed solely on the recipes and pictures related just to them. But, that’s just my opinion. ;-) And I will add that my ARC was an electronic version. Possibly, as a paper book these formatting issues wouldn’t be obvious as the reader has the ability to flip from page to page more easily. My electronic version was clunky and very hard to navigate.
I did enjoy this book, but not as much as I’d hoped I would. And none of the recipes had me oohing and aahing and making notes to try them when in season. I don’t think the recipes were bad or boring… I just felt I was too busy enjoying the story to actually stop and pay them the right amount of attention.
Would I recommend this book to others? If they were going to read it just as an ‘in season’ cook book and (if Australian like me) know to swap the months of the year around to suit our local growing times… possibly. If they wanted to read Ms Middleton’s fantastic story and connect with her passion – probably not. The formatting/layout just makes doing that really difficult.
Would I buy this book for myself? Probably not the way it is currently formatted. If it was changed so the book’s layout is story, then recipes – then yes I would probably buy it as I enjoyed the read.
In summary: A fantastic concept, the right sort of mindset we should all be following – buying/growing local and cooking and eating in season. I loved the personal tale that comes with it all too. However, for me, the formatting/ layout let it down.
July 31, 2014
I like reading cookbooks, especially if they're filled with stories. Fresh From The Farm offers some fantastic recipes. It's too bad I don't live closer to Martha's Vineyard, because I would love to visit Susie Middleton's farm stand with fresh produce and taste some of the gorgeous products. The photographs in this book are amazing and I love how they make both the stories and the recipes come to life. Susie is a good narrator, I enjoyed reading about how she started farming very much and her tips and tricks for growing vegetables are quite useful for those who want to start doing something similar. I think it's great that she dared to leave her job and start a whole new adventure. It meant moving into a house that hasn't got many modern luxuries, but which is peaceful and romantic. Susie sounds happy and content and gives a clear insight into farm life. Of course there are obstacles, but she talks about them in a light and optimistic tone of voice and Susie and her husband always manage to find a solution. Each season brings a different kind of happiness and I really liked how Susie managed to enchant me with her vivid descriptions over and over again.
The recipes in this book are amazing. They're vegetable orientated and they've been arranged according to season. Everything has been prepared with fresh products and if you want to make full use of the recipes it's best to follow the seasons and do the same. I've tried to make two of the recipes and they tasted really good. The roasted ratatouille pasta is delicious! And the zucchini and corn pancakes with Greek yogurt and honey were great. Susie's Deviled eggs at the beginning look so tasty and the same goes for the cinnamon caramelized pears, so those two will be the next things on my list. I love the simple, but wonderful food. Everything is easy to make and the descriptions are clear with many understandable steps. There are cook's tips for every recipe. I liked those a lot! It's pretty obvious that in my opinion this is a fabulous cookbook.
The recipes in this book are amazing. They're vegetable orientated and they've been arranged according to season. Everything has been prepared with fresh products and if you want to make full use of the recipes it's best to follow the seasons and do the same. I've tried to make two of the recipes and they tasted really good. The roasted ratatouille pasta is delicious! And the zucchini and corn pancakes with Greek yogurt and honey were great. Susie's Deviled eggs at the beginning look so tasty and the same goes for the cinnamon caramelized pears, so those two will be the next things on my list. I love the simple, but wonderful food. Everything is easy to make and the descriptions are clear with many understandable steps. There are cook's tips for every recipe. I liked those a lot! It's pretty obvious that in my opinion this is a fabulous cookbook.
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March 27, 2016Title: Fresh From the Farm - A Year of Recipes & Stories
Author: Susie Middleton
Published: 2-11-14
Publisher: The Tauntan Press
Pages: 256
Genre: Non-Fiction
Sub Genre: Cooking; Food & Wine; New England; Cooking By Ingredient
ISBN: 9781600859045
ASIN: B00IN4V1E4
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
.
Book Blurb: "Part cookbook, part memoir; fresh from the Farm chronicles a year in of Susie Middleton's life on her farm as she nurtures both her seedlings and her soul, weathers life as a famer and creates 125 recipes that celebrate cooking with the seasons."
Leaving the hectic corporate life behind in search of a slower more simple and quiet life, Susie Middleton and her husband brought a farm and began growing their own vegetables and fruits. The then went on to experiment in her kitchen to perfect her recipes using the bounty of her labors. Included are stories of Susie Middleton's telling of her transformation and memories.
The recipes vary in fruits and vegetables which include many salad recipes which I cannot get enough of. I could eat them every day and never grow tired of them. You also need to try the Fiesta Fajitas with Grilled Roasted Steak, Peppers and Onions. At the end of the book there are basic drawings and instructions for constructing a farm stand and a chicken coop. The recipes are easy to follow full of flavor. Susie Middleton's story is one many of us wish we could live. 4 Stars
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fresh...#
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Author: Susie Middleton
Published: 2-11-14
Publisher: The Tauntan Press
Pages: 256
Genre: Non-Fiction
Sub Genre: Cooking; Food & Wine; New England; Cooking By Ingredient
ISBN: 9781600859045
ASIN: B00IN4V1E4
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
.
Book Blurb: "Part cookbook, part memoir; fresh from the Farm chronicles a year in of Susie Middleton's life on her farm as she nurtures both her seedlings and her soul, weathers life as a famer and creates 125 recipes that celebrate cooking with the seasons."
Leaving the hectic corporate life behind in search of a slower more simple and quiet life, Susie Middleton and her husband brought a farm and began growing their own vegetables and fruits. The then went on to experiment in her kitchen to perfect her recipes using the bounty of her labors. Included are stories of Susie Middleton's telling of her transformation and memories.
The recipes vary in fruits and vegetables which include many salad recipes which I cannot get enough of. I could eat them every day and never grow tired of them. You also need to try the Fiesta Fajitas with Grilled Roasted Steak, Peppers and Onions. At the end of the book there are basic drawings and instructions for constructing a farm stand and a chicken coop. The recipes are easy to follow full of flavor. Susie Middleton's story is one many of us wish we could live. 4 Stars
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fresh...#
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
February 25, 2015
(I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in return for my honest, sincere review.)
There should be a law against publishing a book filled with delicious recipes, gardening tips, and the most glorious pictures of vegetables and fruit during the cold, winter months. However, there is not, and as I read this recipe book/farming memoir I became more and more hungry for spring vegetables and corn on the cob and warm, sun ripened tomatoes.
More than that, this book reminded me how much I miss working in my garden with the warm sun on my back. Fortunately, spring is only a few weeks away (fingers crossed) and until then the gorgeous photos in this book will have to hold me over.
I'm not going to lie, the photographs are the best part of this book. Many of the recipes have an accompanying photo which is incredibly helpful when you are trying a new dish for the first time. There are also the most nostalgic and lovely photographs of chickens and vegetables and other farm-scape scenes that greatly enhance this book.
The recipes are also fabulous. Relying on quality produce, there aren't any gimmicky or hard to find items. The Spring Recipe section looked most appealing to me with dozens and dozens of recipes calling for salad greens, baby bok choy, and fresh peas. However, the other sections had recipes I can't wait to try as well. I really appreciate how these recipes are categorized to their various seasons which help the reader to eat the best fruits and veggies at the right time. That's my idea of organized food perfection.
All in all, this is a fabulous cook book that I will use over and over.
There should be a law against publishing a book filled with delicious recipes, gardening tips, and the most glorious pictures of vegetables and fruit during the cold, winter months. However, there is not, and as I read this recipe book/farming memoir I became more and more hungry for spring vegetables and corn on the cob and warm, sun ripened tomatoes.
More than that, this book reminded me how much I miss working in my garden with the warm sun on my back. Fortunately, spring is only a few weeks away (fingers crossed) and until then the gorgeous photos in this book will have to hold me over.
I'm not going to lie, the photographs are the best part of this book. Many of the recipes have an accompanying photo which is incredibly helpful when you are trying a new dish for the first time. There are also the most nostalgic and lovely photographs of chickens and vegetables and other farm-scape scenes that greatly enhance this book.
The recipes are also fabulous. Relying on quality produce, there aren't any gimmicky or hard to find items. The Spring Recipe section looked most appealing to me with dozens and dozens of recipes calling for salad greens, baby bok choy, and fresh peas. However, the other sections had recipes I can't wait to try as well. I really appreciate how these recipes are categorized to their various seasons which help the reader to eat the best fruits and veggies at the right time. That's my idea of organized food perfection.
All in all, this is a fabulous cook book that I will use over and over.
May 7, 2014
I dare anyone to spend time immersed in this cookbook/memoir without wanting to head off to their nearest farm stand or farmers market and then to the kitchen. I read cookbooks and this one is exceptional! Along the outside margins Middleton shares a narrative of a year on her Martha's Vineyard market farm. Tucked in the narrative are a multitude of ideas and hints for gardeners.
As an alumnae of The Institute of Culinary Education and former chief editor for Fine Cooking magazine Middleton brings culinary creativity to the 125 recipes highlighting seasonal fresh produce. Some of the recipes are super simple yet offer flavorful new twists - think Fresh Corn Vinaigrette, Roasted Carrot "Fries" or Honey-Vanilla Roasted Pears. A few recipes will only appeal to the home cook with plenty of time and energy. Nor surprisingly, fresh herbs enhance most of the dishes, including desserts. Useful "Cook Tips" appear periodically. A short narrative precedes each recipe giving the book a very personal quality; Middleton soon feels like a friendly neighbor.
I loved the exceptional photography by Alexandra Grablewski and Middleton. These ladies make an antique faucet, flat of seedlings or chicken coop a work of art. From pictures of freshly harvested produce to dishes ready for the table taste buds tingle with anticipation.
Although I've read every page and recipe I'm picking up my own hardback copy tomorrow for my overflowing cookbook shelves. Next stop the local farmers market.
An ARC was provided by Net Galley and Taunton Press in exchange for an honest review.
As an alumnae of The Institute of Culinary Education and former chief editor for Fine Cooking magazine Middleton brings culinary creativity to the 125 recipes highlighting seasonal fresh produce. Some of the recipes are super simple yet offer flavorful new twists - think Fresh Corn Vinaigrette, Roasted Carrot "Fries" or Honey-Vanilla Roasted Pears. A few recipes will only appeal to the home cook with plenty of time and energy. Nor surprisingly, fresh herbs enhance most of the dishes, including desserts. Useful "Cook Tips" appear periodically. A short narrative precedes each recipe giving the book a very personal quality; Middleton soon feels like a friendly neighbor.
I loved the exceptional photography by Alexandra Grablewski and Middleton. These ladies make an antique faucet, flat of seedlings or chicken coop a work of art. From pictures of freshly harvested produce to dishes ready for the table taste buds tingle with anticipation.
Although I've read every page and recipe I'm picking up my own hardback copy tomorrow for my overflowing cookbook shelves. Next stop the local farmers market.
An ARC was provided by Net Galley and Taunton Press in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2014
I received ARC to provide an honest review of this book.
This is a very attractive book. The pictures and recipes made my mouth water and are worthy of buying a copy alone. I loved that the recipes are arranged by season and introduce us to some not so common produce, at least new to our family. I have other cookbooks that claim to be cataloged by season, but I have found some recipes to include items that are not at their peak, which defeats the purpose of a seasonal book. This is not the case with this book, all of the recipes items appear to be available at the same time.
The recipes that I tried with out of season ingredients were easy to prepare and even my fussy eaters tried them, even though they did not look like the pictures…lol. I look forward to visiting our local farmers market/stand and repeating a few recipes with fresh ingredients. I promise not to be a lettuce thief.
The only negative thing that I can say is that during my first trip through the book the stories overshadowed the recipes. However, this just made me want to try the recipes even more. The witty narrative made me wish I had a green thumb. The added hints/tips and stories really showed the love and connection with the author has with her calling.
I have a feeling that this would be one of my go-to cookbooks and it would be a great addition to any cooks shelf.
This is a very attractive book. The pictures and recipes made my mouth water and are worthy of buying a copy alone. I loved that the recipes are arranged by season and introduce us to some not so common produce, at least new to our family. I have other cookbooks that claim to be cataloged by season, but I have found some recipes to include items that are not at their peak, which defeats the purpose of a seasonal book. This is not the case with this book, all of the recipes items appear to be available at the same time.
The recipes that I tried with out of season ingredients were easy to prepare and even my fussy eaters tried them, even though they did not look like the pictures…lol. I look forward to visiting our local farmers market/stand and repeating a few recipes with fresh ingredients. I promise not to be a lettuce thief.
The only negative thing that I can say is that during my first trip through the book the stories overshadowed the recipes. However, this just made me want to try the recipes even more. The witty narrative made me wish I had a green thumb. The added hints/tips and stories really showed the love and connection with the author has with her calling.
I have a feeling that this would be one of my go-to cookbooks and it would be a great addition to any cooks shelf.
April 7, 2014
The story of Susie and Roy Middleton is told in this wonderful collection of farm fresh recipes cookbook. They started with a small stand and a few harvested items.
As their story develops, the book is filled with great recipes. The format is similar to a regular cookbook, but in the sidebar is the continuing narrative of how this venture began and grew.
Fresh from the Farm contains beautifully crisp and clear photographs of recipes and ingredients. In addition, the preparation instructions are easily readable.
I picked my favorites to be Spring Celebration Salad with Crab Cakes and Avocado-Chive Dressing and Roasted Beet ‘Jewels’ with Cranberries, Toasted Pecans and Balsamic Butter. Of course, I would replace the pecans with pine nuts. I am not a big pecan fan. Caramelized Carrots and Shallots with Spinach and Citrus Brown Butter seemed an interesting combination. I would try this because of my love for carrots and spinach.
At the end of the book, there is an appendix on different designs for your personal or market gardening. If you like trying new and exciting recipes, this is the cookbook for you. I recommend this book for anyone who loves to cook and as a gift opportunity.
I received this book free from The Taunton Press, Inc. through the Net Galley Review Program for an unbiased and honest review.
As their story develops, the book is filled with great recipes. The format is similar to a regular cookbook, but in the sidebar is the continuing narrative of how this venture began and grew.
Fresh from the Farm contains beautifully crisp and clear photographs of recipes and ingredients. In addition, the preparation instructions are easily readable.
I picked my favorites to be Spring Celebration Salad with Crab Cakes and Avocado-Chive Dressing and Roasted Beet ‘Jewels’ with Cranberries, Toasted Pecans and Balsamic Butter. Of course, I would replace the pecans with pine nuts. I am not a big pecan fan. Caramelized Carrots and Shallots with Spinach and Citrus Brown Butter seemed an interesting combination. I would try this because of my love for carrots and spinach.
At the end of the book, there is an appendix on different designs for your personal or market gardening. If you like trying new and exciting recipes, this is the cookbook for you. I recommend this book for anyone who loves to cook and as a gift opportunity.
I received this book free from The Taunton Press, Inc. through the Net Galley Review Program for an unbiased and honest review.
July 14, 2015
This lovely cookbook comes from a woman who gave up her job, along with life in the suburbs and moved to an island. For those of us who long for a simpler life, reading about her adventures into farming is gratifying because through her, we can experience life on a farm. Besides being a heartwarming biography, this book is also a cookbook filled with mouthwatering recipes. The sections of the book are divided by seasons, so care has been taken to make sure that you are cooking the freshest foods at the optimum times of the year.
I always include an idea of the recipes you will find in my review, so here are some of them: mini spinach and shallot puff quiches; grilled salad pizzettes with balsamic drizzle and flavored oils; Colonel Mustard's not-so-mysterious greens, sausage and tortellini soup; roasted potato fingerling coins and arugula salad; spring celebration salad with crab cakes and avocado-chive dressing; Derby dressing; Chinese grilled chicken and bibb lettuce wraps; pan seared filet mignon with wilted chard and creamy thyme pan sauce; lobster salad rolls with fresh peas, lemon and chives; stir-fried baby bok choy with lemony sauce and simplest fresh peas with brown butter and chives.
This book is very colorful with lots of photographs. The recipes are bursting with flavor. I highly recommend buying this for yourself and as a gift.
I always include an idea of the recipes you will find in my review, so here are some of them: mini spinach and shallot puff quiches; grilled salad pizzettes with balsamic drizzle and flavored oils; Colonel Mustard's not-so-mysterious greens, sausage and tortellini soup; roasted potato fingerling coins and arugula salad; spring celebration salad with crab cakes and avocado-chive dressing; Derby dressing; Chinese grilled chicken and bibb lettuce wraps; pan seared filet mignon with wilted chard and creamy thyme pan sauce; lobster salad rolls with fresh peas, lemon and chives; stir-fried baby bok choy with lemony sauce and simplest fresh peas with brown butter and chives.
This book is very colorful with lots of photographs. The recipes are bursting with flavor. I highly recommend buying this for yourself and as a gift.
March 5, 2014
"...the vegetables-how we shaped our lives around growing and harvesting them and how we honored them in the kitchen-are the real stars. Here are their stories and ours."
Charming stories and recipes from a home gardener, Susie Middleton, who started it all with a small farm stand at the end of her driveway. She features interesting recipes with plants that she grows. I liked that the recipes were grouped by season, so plants that would be growing together at the time are in recipe together.
A lot of the recipes have new twists to it Gingery Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp with Brown Sugar-Pecan Topping that I can not wait to try! The Spicy Green Beans from the High Summer chapter also look interesting, and I always seem to grow a lot of green beans. I'm glad there was also a dessert recipe for all of those extra zucchini and a bunch of recipes for winter squash.
As a bonus, the end of the book contains design plans for a farm stand, indoor seed starting station, raised garden beds and a chicken coop.
A great book for any gardener who would like more recipes to use their in-season produce with or an indiscriminatory farmer's market shopper.
Charming stories and recipes from a home gardener, Susie Middleton, who started it all with a small farm stand at the end of her driveway. She features interesting recipes with plants that she grows. I liked that the recipes were grouped by season, so plants that would be growing together at the time are in recipe together.
A lot of the recipes have new twists to it Gingery Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp with Brown Sugar-Pecan Topping that I can not wait to try! The Spicy Green Beans from the High Summer chapter also look interesting, and I always seem to grow a lot of green beans. I'm glad there was also a dessert recipe for all of those extra zucchini and a bunch of recipes for winter squash.
As a bonus, the end of the book contains design plans for a farm stand, indoor seed starting station, raised garden beds and a chicken coop.
A great book for any gardener who would like more recipes to use their in-season produce with or an indiscriminatory farmer's market shopper.
April 4, 2014
A delightful dispatch from a "Magic Kingdom"
I was fortunate to receive a review copy of this delightful book. The photos are stunning and set the stage for the delights to be found in the stories the author relates and the recipes she shares.
The author relates her experiences living on Martha's Vineyard year round along with the expansion of her garden and farm stand. The stories are charming and make even those of us with no gardening talent wish for the backyard garden.
Fortunately for us non-gardeners, this book is a perfect companion to trips to the local Farmer's Market. The recipes are related in a seasonal chronology and will give you many ideas to prepare items you find in May or in October. The recipes certainly will encourage me to try items I haven't been certain how to use in addition to providing new ways to prepare old stand-by purchases such as radishes or chard.
The recipes are very clear and easy to follow. The "Cook's Tips" in the sidebars are very informative as well.
I was fortunate to receive a review copy of this delightful book. The photos are stunning and set the stage for the delights to be found in the stories the author relates and the recipes she shares.
The author relates her experiences living on Martha's Vineyard year round along with the expansion of her garden and farm stand. The stories are charming and make even those of us with no gardening talent wish for the backyard garden.
Fortunately for us non-gardeners, this book is a perfect companion to trips to the local Farmer's Market. The recipes are related in a seasonal chronology and will give you many ideas to prepare items you find in May or in October. The recipes certainly will encourage me to try items I haven't been certain how to use in addition to providing new ways to prepare old stand-by purchases such as radishes or chard.
The recipes are very clear and easy to follow. The "Cook's Tips" in the sidebars are very informative as well.
Read
October 10, 2014This book is part memoir & part cookbook.
It has beautiful, full color photographs and recipes strewn throughout the book. Middleton is obviously an accomplished writer & her recipes look delicious -
Unfortunately, there was ONE - count them folks, just ONE - recipe I'd actually make, and unfortunately, I already make something pretty similar (her recipe used mustard greens; mine uses kale). I have a lot of food issues/allergies, so I have this problem with most cookbooks anyway - though it doesn't stop me from buying them all! Most of the recipes include way too many things I can't eat, and by the time I substitute everything, nothing of the original recipe is left. There's way too many fancy things in here, too - things my family just wouldn't eat, things I'm just not interested in making - I'm too much of a simple, meat & potatoes gal at heart.
That being said - the chatty, "memoir" half of the book was fabulous, and I greatly enjoyed reading Susie's tales, and that made the book worth the 4 stars to me (that and the photography).
It has beautiful, full color photographs and recipes strewn throughout the book. Middleton is obviously an accomplished writer & her recipes look delicious -
Unfortunately, there was ONE - count them folks, just ONE - recipe I'd actually make, and unfortunately, I already make something pretty similar (her recipe used mustard greens; mine uses kale). I have a lot of food issues/allergies, so I have this problem with most cookbooks anyway - though it doesn't stop me from buying them all! Most of the recipes include way too many things I can't eat, and by the time I substitute everything, nothing of the original recipe is left. There's way too many fancy things in here, too - things my family just wouldn't eat, things I'm just not interested in making - I'm too much of a simple, meat & potatoes gal at heart.
That being said - the chatty, "memoir" half of the book was fabulous, and I greatly enjoyed reading Susie's tales, and that made the book worth the 4 stars to me (that and the photography).
June 13, 2014
Fresh from the Farm by Susie Middleton is charming. Her story of how she gave up her big city life, high heels and all, and came to eventually grow food and sell it in a in her own home-made farm stand is lovely.
The layout of the book is interesting - different than any other "cookbook" that I have encountered. The memoir part of this book runs along a column in the margin of pages. It wraps itself around inspiring recipes using farm fresh ingredients. This book is certainly a hybrid of personal memoir and cookbook. But it works well.
I love using fresh ingredients and this cookbook provides a collection of recipes using farm fresh food. I would love to work my way through this book and try every recipe! The pictures are delectable.
The layout of the book is interesting - different than any other "cookbook" that I have encountered. The memoir part of this book runs along a column in the margin of pages. It wraps itself around inspiring recipes using farm fresh ingredients. This book is certainly a hybrid of personal memoir and cookbook. But it works well.
I love using fresh ingredients and this cookbook provides a collection of recipes using farm fresh food. I would love to work my way through this book and try every recipe! The pictures are delectable.
April 12, 2016
I liked it! The recipes are enticing, esp. the simple fruit desserts that I am partial to, and not only did she go into some nice detail about how she ran the Farm Stand, but the diagrams at the end could be very helpful for someone who would like to build one themselves, along with a chicken coop, among other things.
Reading this book makes it all sound so easy, and it captures the excitement of discovering and growing your own favorites and taking them right into the kitchen to prepare in simple but interesting ways.
Reading this book makes it all sound so easy, and it captures the excitement of discovering and growing your own favorites and taking them right into the kitchen to prepare in simple but interesting ways.
April 19, 2014
This was an easy book to follow. Susie has some of the finest food pictures I have seen. I usually look at them and go Yeah, ok. With these I wanted to eat NOW! She tells her story as you read the pages. She will tell you what to do with your ingredients, how to keep them fresh, how to prepare them and how to cook and serve them. She actually makes me want to eat healthy. Please check out this book!
November 3, 2014
I picked this up at the library b/c I was interested in the seasonal, farm-fresh recipes, but I became entranced by her little margin-running memoir. She's an engaging writer and I kept reading, wanting to find out more about her family's adventures as new farmers. The recipes look delicious, although there didn't seem to be anything ground-breaking there, and the pictures are gorgeous. I am looking up her blog to hopefully subscribe to.
April 22, 2015
I received an ARC of this book.
Green Island Farm on Martha's Vineyard. Susie Middleton writes about her life what she loves to do. The stories are the best part of this book, along with many great recipes and marvelous photography.
As we live on an island off the coast of British Columbia, I have a great appreciation for our local farmers and market gardeners. There is nothing like eating locally sourced, delicious food!
Green Island Farm on Martha's Vineyard. Susie Middleton writes about her life what she loves to do. The stories are the best part of this book, along with many great recipes and marvelous photography.
As we live on an island off the coast of British Columbia, I have a great appreciation for our local farmers and market gardeners. There is nothing like eating locally sourced, delicious food!
May 27, 2014
The contents of this book are as delicious as the cover. Beautiful pictures accompany the recipes, which look delicious. They seem easy to prepare, and make you want to eat fresh and healthy.
There are great stories throughout the book, which makes this much more than a cookbook. It's about a lifestyle, memories, family and living healthy.
Ultimate verdict: a beautiful book.
There are great stories throughout the book, which makes this much more than a cookbook. It's about a lifestyle, memories, family and living healthy.
Ultimate verdict: a beautiful book.
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