The Berkshires Cookbook

Book excerpt: Western Massachusetts is a food hub and a pioneer in the sustainable food movement. Building on a history of family farms and soil enriched by the glaciers, “old is now new.” Centennial farms, still utilizing traditional and innovative farming methods, are incorporating sophisticated marketing practices to bring their food to markets and their customers to the farm. Long a cultural mecca, the area is now drawing visitors to farms and new restaurants. Food artisans are making breads, roasting coffees, growing wines, and laying tables end-to-end to create “pop up” restaurants in the midst of fields. The Berkshires & Pioneer Valley Cookbook showcases 60 recipes, organized by season and featuring local foods and special ingredients that will transform dishes from mundane to extraordinary with subtle twists and flavors.