This cookbook has a copyright of 2006. I don't know where I got this book. I have never cooked from this before. I have used the book for reference in buying produce.
Though I have perused the Ferry Buildings permanent marketplace, I have never actually made it to the Saturday Farmers Market. I remember buying this book thinking I would get up there soon. Maybe someday.
This book has a forward by Alice Waters, a section on the history of the market and Ferry Building, an introduction that kind of tells you about the current running of the market and a page of websites of vendors you might find at the market (which is now two years old).
The book is divided into Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Each section lists those products you would possibly come across during those seasons. Each produce (or item) is then broken down with general information, what is the optimum season (say early May until mid-July), how to choose the vegetable, how to store, prepare, and if applicable, how to freeze. The book then gives you two or three recipes using that produce. Lots of good photographs so if you have no idea what Swiss Chard looks like there is a photo.
Though the "seasons" part of the book probably wouldn't work for someone in a Northern cold region, the info on buying and storing will work for any area. I buy most of my produce from a grocery store and this book has helped me choose the best available. I admit, since I live in an area where we can pretty much get any fresh produce all year round, I don't exactly follow the "season" part either (I am going to try to do better...buy in season and locally). Most of the recipes are pretty straightforward, don't call for a lot of weird ingredients and seem fairly easy to make. Though a majority of the recipes are vegetarian, there are a few for things like Sorrel-and-Rice Meatballs or Beef Stew with Carrots. Since you can find some non-vegetable items at the market you will find a brief section on lamb, poultry etc.
There are many books (just by checking amazon) that deal with buying produce. If you live in the bay area, I would say this would still be a good book to buy. If you live out of this area, you might want to get a general produce book.
I love those kind of cookbooks.
Posted by: peabody | May 25, 2008 at 04:58 PM
i love the ferry building market. we should take the train up sometime!!!
Posted by: barbie2be | May 27, 2008 at 12:53 PM