Local Dirt: Seasonal Recipes for Eating Close to Home

Dishing Up the Dirt author Andrea Bemis returns with a new cookbook, Local Dirt, featuring over 80 recipes using farm-fresh ingredients and produced within 200 miles of her home. The book is organized by season and includes dishes like Fennel Gratin, Kohlrabi Yogurt Salad, and Winter Squash Toast. Bemis challenges herself to cook and eat only local food for 30 days, and the recipes can be adapted to utilize any local fare. She found the experience to be an opportunity to go back to basics, slow down, and connect more deeply with her community.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 12 November 2020
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

The acclaimed author of the widely acclaimed farm-to-table cookbook, Dishing Up the Dirt, makes a remarkable comeback with a captivating compilation of innovative recipes that showcase the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, driven by her unwavering dedication to supporting the local food movement. For Andrea Bemis, embracing a local eating lifestyle is an integral part of her daily routine. As the proprietor and operator of an organic vegetable farm nestled in the picturesque Pacific Northwest, she and her husband cultivate a diverse range of produce, including kale, kohlrabi, beets, butternut squash, and many more, which form the foundation of the delectable meals they prepare and savor at their dinner table. To complement their bountiful harvest, they source food from their neighboring farmers, who provide them with meat and fruit, further enhancing the flavors and sustainability of their culinary endeavors.

Throughout her life, Andrea has proudly identified herself as a conscious consumer, committed to sustainable practices. However, one fateful day, as she opened a can of coconut milk, a realization struck her—she had no idea where it originated. This prompted her to delve deeper into her pantry, meticulously examining the other ingredients that might have traversed considerable distances to reach her Northern Oregon kitchen. Reflecting on the energy required to transport avocados, olive oil, and lemons to her culinary sanctuary, she conceived an idea—a 30-day challenge to exclusively cook and consume food grown from local soil, utilizing ingredients sourced within a 200-mile radius of her home.

In her captivating book, Local Dirt, Andrea embarks on a journey through narratives, photographs, and over 80 delectable recipes, recreating a bygone era when the ingredients used for cooking and consumption were produced within local communities. The book is organized by season, presenting a delectable array of dishes that showcase the versatility and richness of local fare. From the aromatic Fennel Gratin to the refreshing Kohlrabi Yogurt Salad with Smoked Salmon, the Winter Squash Toast with Honey & Hazelnuts, and the hearty Zucchini Swiss Chard & Chickpea Stew, each recipe is designed to tantalize taste buds and promote a sustainable culinary experience. What sets this cookbook apart is its adaptability, allowing readers to customize the recipes to suit their local culinary offerings.

Through her culinary adventure, Andrea discovered that the "challenge" she embarked upon was not merely about restricting her diet but rather about reconnecting with the origins of her food. She delved into the stories behind the farmers, ranchers, and orchardists who cultivated the ingredients, fostering a deeper appreciation for the hard work and dedication that went into producing each item. Moreover, she realized that by choosing locally sourced food, she was not only supporting her community but also contributing to the preservation of the environment and the well-being of her fellow humans.

In conclusion, Andrea Bemis's Local Dirt is a testament to her unwavering commitment to sustainable eating and her passion for supporting the local food movement. Through her innovative recipes and captivating storytelling, she invites readers to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the flavors and benefits of locally grown food. By embracing the challenge of cooking and consuming only local food grown from local dirt, readers can reconnect with the origins of their food, promote sustainable practices, and savor the deliciousness of dishes that are truly inspired by the earth.

Weight: 990g
Dimension: 193 x 237 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780062970275