California Fresh Harvest: A Seasonal Journey through Northern California (Hardcover)

by Junior League of Oakland-East Bay (Author), Steven Brandt (Author), Gwen Prichard (Author), Alice Waters (Author), Gina Gallo (Author) "Family, friends, community, and tradition..." (more)
Key Phrases: wasabi cream, chopped zest, broccoli raab, San Francisco, Northern California, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"...an honest book, something you can't count on in celebrity chef cookbooks." -- Contra Costa Times, June 2001

"explores... of Northern California in a format as worthy of a cocktail table as a kitchen counter." -- Los Angeles Times, Nov. 7, 2001

"takes readers on a tempting tour-via pictures and recipes-of what to see and do in the area." -- Oakland Tribune, June 6, 2001

Product Description
Arranged by season, this cookbook highlights the abundance of fresh foods cultivated in Northern California. In addition to our members' favorite recipes, which have been triple-tested in our own kitchens, California Fresh Harvest provides fascinating food lore, inspirational menus, wine pairings, cooking tips, and information on local events and special destinations. In the tradition of the treasured, original California Fresh cookbook, again the Junior League of Oakland-East Bay has created a classic for Northern California residents and visitors alike.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 228 pages
• Publisher: Favorite Recipes Press (FRP) (June 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0961374411
• ISBN-13: 978-0961374419
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 9.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #310,740 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #44 in	Books > Cooking, Food & Wine > Regional & International > U.S. Regional > California
  #83 in	Books > Cooking, Food & Wine > Special Occasions > Seasonal

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Junior League Classic!, February 26, 2002

By	Music Lover (La Verne, CA United States) - See all my reviews

I originally received this cookbook as a gift. I was so delighted with it, I subsequently ordered four additional copies to give as gifts. The recipients are still thanking me! First, the recipes are creative and delicious -- fully enhancing the flavors of bountiful, diverse, fresh ingredients found in the San Francisco Bay Area and Wine Country. (It's hard NOT to eat well in this region!) Second, the cookbook itself is uncommonly successful in evoking this spectacular setting with gorgeous photos, sidebars of interesting sidetrips, local restaurants and wineries, and mind-boggling facts regarding the abundance of local agriculture. Food preparation tips, background information on local food and wine festivals/events, and delicacies such as Meyer Lemons are also highlighted. While it's fun to simply browse through this beautiful cookbook, it's even better to sample the Junior League's trade-mark "home cooking with flair." Full menus are offered here. My personal favorites are the Baja Guacamole, Savory Polenta w/Asiago Cheese, Garlic-Roasted Chicken, Pork Tenderloin w/Apricot Ginger Sauce, and Cherries & Berries Compote w/Crispy Puffed Pancake. The Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars are worth the price of admission all by themselves! I'm not surprised this cookbook is winning national rave reviews and awards. They are very well deserved! It is so beautifully rendered, it puts most commercially-produced cookbooks to shame.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Impress Guests with Simplicity and Elegance, February 25, 2002

By A Customer

I received this cookbook as a gift. I must admit, at first I found it so nice to look at that it sat on my coffee table on display. Recently, however, I hosted a baby shower and prepared several dishes which were simple yet elegant. Everyone was so impressed--I felt like Martha Stewart without any of the hassle. Another nice feature of this cookbook is that it recommends menus, which is great, b/c I never know what to serve together. This is one of my favorite cookbooks now!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Recipes and Easy to Follow, February 20, 2002

By	R-NYC (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This is only the second recipe book I have bought, and I have found it to be excellent. I am not a very experienced cook, but California Fresh Harvest has recipes that even I can turn into pretty impressive dishes. I have cooked for two dinner parties out of this book, both of which were great successes. I highly recommend this book to both experienced and beginning cooks.