"Outstanding in the Field"

This week I had the good fortune to discover this book in our state's library system. "Outstanding in the Field," is a cross between a cookbook and travelogue. 

"Jim Denevan's traveling open-air dinners treat guests to an unforgettable experience: a meal cooked with farm-fresh ingredients served right where they were grown--in fields, ranches, vineyards, and community gardens across the country. In 'Outstanding in the Field' he brings his philosophy to readers everywhere, sharing the experience of what it's like to walk the land before each dinner to touch, smell, and taste what's growing and to plan a menu based around what's ripest.

"He profiles regional American farmers as well as seasonal ingredients, offering 100 original recipes culled from these spectacular yet uncomplicated feasts. From a simple chilled broth of tomatoes at the peak of their season to squash blossoms filled with lavender ricotta, all of these dishes offer opportunities to use the freshest, most flavorful local produce, meats, and cheeses.

"Both a cookbook and a guide to supporting farms in your region, 'Outstanding in the Field' is a celebration of farmers, the natural world, and the sensory pleasures of creating and eating good food."

Denevan also has an incredibly beautiful and informative blog at http://www.outstandingontour.blogspot.com

His book dovetails nicely with Barbara Kingsolver's book, "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life," which seems to have launched the "Eat Local" movement.