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freshfromthefarmI remember the first time I drove through New York. I was a sophomore in high school, headed out to a youth convention in Rhode Island. I remember seeing the rolling hills and farmland and thinking, “This is New York?”

I have since learned that New York is home to a lot of beautiful farmland, and my sister lives with her family at Word of Life Bible Camp near Schroon Lake. I haven’t made it out there to visit yet (she comes “home” quite regularly), but when I do I am definitely taking this book along!

Fresh from the Farm: Great Local Foods from New York State has a sub-subtitle that is worth paying attention to: A guide to the best shops and farms, with recipes. The emphasis is definitely on the shops and farms, and the recipes are almost an afterthought.

The publisher’s description:

With farmstands, markets, vineyards, and signature recipes, this is the ultimate food-lover’s guide to the sumptuous natural bounty available in and around the world’s greatest city. As the interest in local foods and the trend of culinary tourism continue to grow, Fresh from the Farm takes gourmets and hungry travelers on an idyllic tour of the Empire State. Trekking from the apple orchards and dairy farms of the Hudson Valley to the vineyards and oyster bays of Long Island, the authors explore the breadth of New York state’s homegrown and homemade food renaissance. New York’s agrotourism industry is booming. Vacationers flock to the state’s charming inns, picturesque farms, and seaside bed-and-breakfasts to sample local cuisine. Among the many well-known producers and foodie destinations profiled are the renowned Blue Hill at Stone Farms, Blue Moon Fish, Cattle Corn Farm, Berkshire Berrries, and Satur Hill Farms. You’ll learn the secret behind Briermere Farms’ famous fruit pies, how to make pizza using Coach Farms’ goat cheese, and a savory preparation of Long Island duck braised in Wolffer Estate Cabernet Franc wine. With stunning photographs, tantalizing recipes, and helpful practical information about planning getaways to all of these regions, Fresh from the Farm is an essential and inspiring gift for guests and hosts alike.

Likes:

  • Gorgeous photos
  • History and profiles of local farms and business owners
  • Contact info
  • A “tour guide” feel, content is divided by region
  • Intriguing recipes (Lavender Panna Cotta, Lobster Cake, Pumpkin and Cheese Crostini)

Dislikes:

  • Would have liked to see more recipes
  • The tone of the writing is guidebook-like, which doesn’t lend itself to sitting down to devour.

Overall, I give this book a B-. If you live in New York, you’ll want to get a copy. If you don’t, you’ll either be disappointed or inspired to visit.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. Also, if you order Fresh From the Farm: Great Local Foods From New York State by following the link on my website, I will get a few cents from Amazon.com. This in no way influenced my opinion of this cookbook.

Win a Copy

To enter, simply leave a comment below saying why you’d like to win.

For extra entries (you MUST leave a separate comment for each entry):

  • Tweet this contest, and comment letting me know that you did
  • Subscribe to The Local Cook on email or RSS, and comment letting me know that you did (see that button way at the top of my site on the right, just above the FoodBuzz badge?) If you already subscribe, leave a comment letting me know that you’re already a subscriber.

Be sure to include your email in the comment box so I can contact you if you win! And if you don’t win, you can purchase your own copy at Amazon.com using the link above.

Note: Drawing will close at midnight on Friday May 7 EST.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. L. Hernandez

    I’m a native New Yorker, and it’s taken me 30-plus years to appreciate New York agricultural products, but I’m trying to make up for it, and the book would be a big help.

  4. ToyLady

    Hello! I followed your link from the Marx Foods blog and saw this post, so I had to chime in!

    I’m in upstate NY (and have driven through Schroon Lake on the way to Vermont) – I’d love a copy of a book like this to help get us outside our immediate comfort zone, yet stay close to local.

  5. Carol

    I’d like to win because I live in NJ, have family in NY, and LOVE to read cookbooks, I devour them like novels, and like trying recipes.

  8. Megan

    I’d like to win this as a gift for my sister-in-law.

    mearley1979 at gmail dot com

  9. Amber G

    I would love to win because I am interning in NYC this summer and would love to learn more about the fresh local foods so I know what to buy!

  10. Katie K

    I’m a Michigan native transplanted to the Finger Lakes in NY. I’d love this book!

  11. janeh

    I collect cookbooks, and this one sounds like it has many marvelous dishes made from fresh ingredients.

  13. alycep

    I love to cook and eat both organic and locally and frequent several local farmers markets. This will help me utilize the produce better and edicate me as well on the products.

  15. Ellie

    I’d love to win this book because we have family who live in different parts of NYS, all of whom are foodies and cooks!
    thorandellie[att]gmail[dott]com

  17. Carol Harrity

    I am always on the alert for new recipes and regional cooking. I would really like to win this cookbook.

  22. Trudy

    I enjoy making homemade dinners; it would be fun to see what recipes this book has:)

  24. Margaret

    We have spent the last 4 years enjoying the bounty of New York state as my daughter attended college on the Finger Lakes region. Our visits will be fewer as she is graduating in just a week! would love to win as a nice memory of our time there! Especially love those salt potatoes!

  26. Benita

    We make it our business to eat the best we can, farmers markets, CSA, fresh food. We live in NY and well we’d love to read this book.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

  28. Jason

    I love learning about local foods and local products. It could come in handy when i visit that area

    jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com

  31. Sheila Calabretta

    I’d like copy because we have a farm and I’m sure there are tons of things written about that could teach me how to grow my veggies better. Thanks for this opportunity!

  33. Angela Garland

    I would like to win because I collect cookbooks. This one looks great!

  37. Veronica Garrett

    I would like to win because i want to learn more about New York and the great foods found there. I lived in Brooklyn for nine years but didn’t explore the rest of New York.