Cookbook of the Month – June 2018

Summertime, the season of fresh fruits or so we all think. I quickly learned that is not the case because there are four seasons. Not everything is available in each season or better in another. When I became interested in cooking as a kid in a family who canned and froze as many fresh fruit and vegetables possible. Nothing beats the taste of fresh from the vine like tomatoes, corn, strawberries and blackberries. Notice, I mentioned both fruits and vegetables because each has a season. So I thought what better way to help my fellow foodies take advantage of fresh fruits when in season. My Cookbook of the Month – June 2018 is just the cookbook you need. Learn to make fabulous desserts that are deliciously simple, easy to follow directions and sure to satisfy any appetite.

Cookbook of the Month – June 2018

I learned the seasons because most often Summer Saturdays meant I had to help with bushels of tomatoes and buckets of blackberries for canning and freezing. If I was eating it, I better be helping prepare it. Mom made homemade tomato sauce and Dad his famous hot sauce just to name a few. Blackberries grew wild near our house and Dad would pick bucket upon buckets for homemade blackberry jam. Absolutely the greatest breakfast indulgence.

Cookbook of the Month – June 2018

So when it comes to fruit desserts I recommend you check out Seasonal Fruit Desserts: From Orchard, Farm, and Market by Deborah Madison. Published in 2010 by the author of The New Vegetarian Cooking For Everyone (revised edition). Deborah has a way with cooking in general that can make even an amateur cook feel like they have been cooking their whole life. Her recipes are all full of flavor and also easy to follow without intimidation. Deborah’s recipes can be easily adapted to things you and your family enjoy. That’s what I think cooking is all about, adaptation to what you love.

Cookbook of the Month – June 2018

Because dinner can be quite heavy yet you still crave that little sweet something, something. Fresh fruit with a dollop of whipped cream or moist pound cake topped with fruit maybe the answer. But hold the phone this cookbook has so much more, like containing more than 175 recipes that are healthy and help you incorporate servings of fruit in your diet. You’re saying, how can that be? If you know anything about Deborah Madison, you know she is about eating healthy but without sacrificing flavor but sourcing local. Known as an expert on local produce, Cookbook of the Month – June 2018 shows you the best fruit pairings in any season, combinations for cheese platters, along with exotic to heirloom varieties. This book is magical because we are in farmers market season. Deborah says dessert may just become your favorite meal of the day and I totally agree. Be adventurous…

Cookbook of the Month – June 2018

Since I love fruit desserts, some of my favorites to try from Seasonal Fruits is Apricot Fold-Over Pie (page 112), Hazelnut-Stuffed Peaches (page 78), Dark Chocolate Pudding (page 186), Black Walnut Brown Sugar Cookies (page 171), and Berry and Peach Cobbler (page 101). Each is just as dreamy as the other. You be the judge as I suggest one of these to serve family and friends. Most importantly, visit your local farmers markets this summer and try something new. You may just surprise yourself. Take a trip to your local bookstore or browse online for my Cookbook of the Month – June 2018 recommendation. I bet you won’t leave without a copy.

Enjoy the happy seasons of fruits!