Vineyard Seasons: More from the Heart of the Home

by Susan Branch

"Vineyard Seasons ... was inspired by the four seasons on the New England island of Martha’s Vineyard where I live. In this one, the fans go crazy for the Lemon Noodles and my mom’s yummy Spareribs and Juice, just to mention two. Vineyard Seasons also has a special section for Tea, which is where you’ll find the recipe for my famous delectable melt-in-your-mouth Orange Cake, with Orange Icing, and Orange Filling. 2-die-4!" - Susan Branch

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Food, Nonfiction, Art, Reference

160 pages, Hardcover

First published October 19, 1988

About the author

I'm the author of the Heart of the Home series of hand-written and watercolored books, and most recently, a three-part illustrated memoir that begins with The Fairy Tale Girl (as the appetizer), goes to Martha's Vineyard, Isle of Dreams (for main course), and then (for dessert) it's A Fine Romance, Falling in Love with the English Countryside. (You can take the girl out of the cookbook, but you can never take the cookbook out of the girl.) Hope you love them. I've been waiting a long time to tell this story.

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Reviews

[GoldGato · Rating 4 out of 5]

Susan Branch is the creator of a series of several lovely cookbooks (Heart Of The Home) that combine recipes plus colorful illustrations with a cursive text that makes the book seem like an addition to the home. Here, she has recipes and ideas for each season, a celebration of the New England climate she enjoyed after moving from almost-seasonless California. It’s a unique cookbook, one which certainly is likely to become a member of a booklover’s printed page family.

No matter what the seasons be
My books bring sunshine home to me.

The book starts with a selection of appetizers, such as Yam Chips and Salmon-Stuffed Pumpernickel. It then segues into Spring, the first season. Here, she has two pages of ideas for making a home more Spring-like, such as airing your blankets and quilts or making Sun Tea. It’s all about welcoming the fresh air and the sunshine to make your home a bit fresher. There’s a chapter on Salads, all of which looked yummy, then it continues through Summertime tips, Veggies, Autumn ideas, Soups, Winter, Child Dishes and Main Entrees. I especially loved the chapters on Desserts and Tea Time, as the recipes worked out well.

For me, I especially loved the way the book was put together, as it’s very cozy. One of the last illustrations is of a fireplace with a basket full of quilts. It just gives off really nice vibes and made me want to cook something (which I did). The watercolours are wonderfully combined with the handwritten recipes so that it seems to be someone’s personal recipe collection. Very enjoyable, this would also be a very nice gift idea for someone moving a new home or flat.

Book Season = Year Round (time for all things)

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Susan Branch. Her cheery watercolors and friendly tone are just lovely. I reduced a star only because the recipes have not stood the test of time. Stuffed grape leaves, sun-dried tomatoes, potato skins, and escargot are like a dietary time capsule, but salmon stuffed pumpernickel and cooked celery cannot be forgiven.

[Linda Hartlaub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Branch's books always make me so happy, like a big hug from a very good friend. I finally figured out why - they remind me of the picture books by Gyo Fujikawa that I read to my girls when they were small, with recipes. And good recipes too I might add. Whenever I feel down or blue, or even if it's a cloudy day in need of sunshine, I pull one of her books off the shelves and leaf through. Reading her words, looking at the wonderful art work and meditating on the poetry quotes is often enough to make everything ok.

Susan's tested recipes are homey and delicious. The apple muffins are at the top of my list to re-create in my kitchen soon.

This is a wonderful book.

[Julie Durnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully done! The recipes are comfort food at their finest, with most ingredients found in the pantry or garden. The drawings, as always, drawn from the heart!

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sequel to Heart of the Home with additional homespun recipes based on the seasons. The recipes are all good and the illustrations delightful.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

As others have said, some of the recipes are not timeless, but others are or who knows they may stir up a wonderful reminder of nostalgia. The watercolors and hints & tips for seasonal entertaining are timeless and wonderful. As with all Susan Branch books, my favorite part is the wonderful quotes.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book went thru the seasons which I love.

[Arliegh Kovacs · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like all of Susan Branch's books. Adorable illustrations and lots of terrific, easy recipes. I recommend it for anyone who loves to cook.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Susan Branch cookbook I have never made a recipe from, but do so enjoy looking at.
There are a few recipes in this one that I would attempt - some of the soups and desserts.

[SonataReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodness!

I am so glad that I bought it.

[Juli Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

More nostalgic fun.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books that I fall back on time and time again. I have been cooking from it for 10 years plus and will keep cooking from it forever! Ha ha! It is one of my staples. Branch's recipes are the perfect combination of homey and gourmet. They are elegant yet approachable. I love Angel Hair and Shrimp, anything in her vegetable section, Chicken in Phyllo and there's a whole section on tea time. Susan Branch cooks with love and teaches you how to too!

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Susan Branch's books. The three book memoir is great. This one is a cookbook which, like all her books, is handwritten and illustrated so beautifully! It is rich with ideas about food and living. The recipes look scrumptious, but I'm changing my diet permanently and heavy cream and butter are no-nos. Still glad I own this one!!!

[Aleta Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book is larger in format than the rest, which I do not prefer, it is still a delight to read and the recipes, again, do not disappoint. I hope she keeps writing these wonderful cookbooks!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner from my favorite cookbook author.

[Brandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

the soups sound delicious...I can't wait to try some of the teatime treats. fun book as always. :)

[Dane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some very promising recipes in this that will be tried this year, along with Susan Branch's beautiful art.

[Barbara Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent cookbook. The recipes are easy & very good but Susan's art work makes this a very charming book.

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved reading this book when I was in vineyard land.:) What fun!

[LaRena · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cookbook full of classic recipes!

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good one too, but less my taste.

[Arline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all of Susan Branch's books!

[Christa Lyons Jaillet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book from Susan Branch that got me hooked. They are just happy, feel good books. A mix of food, happiness and pleasure. I love them all.

[Cat]

Simply wonderful!