Farmstead Chef [Paperback]

John Ivanko (Author), Lisa Kivirist (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 11, 2011

Join Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko, proprietors of the award-winning Inn Serendipity, as they launch a return to our roots of independence, self-sufficiency, and frugality, blended with the spice of modern living. Farmstead Chef whips up a quirky, homespun tale of how we can eat well, nourish our bodies, and restore the planet. Rediscover the benefits of homegrown food and homemade cooking, preserving the harvest, and stocking the pantry, all while building community.
From breakfasts to mouth-watering desserts, Farmstead Chef showcases the creative and budget-friendly side to eating lower on the food chain more often while taking responsibility for the food we put into our bodies--by growing it, sharing it, and savoring it. Recipes include:

• Zuchini Feta Pancakes
• Winter Squash Fritters
• Herb-Infused Spare Ribs
• Peppermint Biscotti
• Homemade Graham Crackers

After your meal, pull up a chair and enjoy inviting slice-of-life "Kitchen Table" features, such as interviews with local food heroes and visionaries transforming our food system. Farmstead Chef also shares practical cooking tips and lively short essays inspired by John and Lisa's organic, self-reliant homestead and bed and breakfast. This fully illustrated cookbook will show you how to reconnect with nature through food, especially when shared with friends.
Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko are co-authors of the award-winning Ecopreneuring and Rural Renaissance. Lisa is also a distinguished Kellogg Food and Society Policy Fellow, and John is co-author and principal photographer for six multicultural children's books. John and Lisa are innkeepers of the award-winning Inn Serendipity Bed & Breakfast.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The Farmstead Chef is compelling, practical and sumptuous. Kivirist
and Ivanko prove that you can eat local - and well - year round,
even in a four season climate.
— Brian Halweil, author of Eat Here and senior fellow with the worldwatch Institute

This book put a big smile on my organic farmer face. Why? With playful people like Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko kissing off corporate America, the serious nature of taking back our food supply becomes a belly-laugh, belly-full party that even the most skeptic will want to attend. For good food and good laughter, Farmstead Chef is the place to be.
— MaryJane Butters, Publisher of MaryJanesFarm

About the Author

John Ivanko: is an innkeeper of the award-winning Inn Serendipity Bed & Breakfast. Together with his wife, Lisa, John is a national speaker, marketing consultant and co-author of the award-winning ECOpreneuring as well as Rural Renaissance. He is also the co-author and photographer for six award-winning multicultural children's books for the Global Fund for Children. As a freelance writer and photographer, John contributes to Urban Farm, Mother Earth News, Natural Home and E Magazine, among many others. For more information about Inn Serendipity, visit www.innserendipity.com.

Lisa Kivirist: is an innkeeper of the nationally recognized Inn Serendipity Bed & Breakfast, completely powered by the wind and the sun. Together with her husband John, Lisa co-authored the award-winning ECOpreneuring as well as Rural Renaissance. Lisa is a distinguished Kellogg Food and Society Policy Fellow and leading national advocate for women in sustainable agriculture. She directs the Rural Women’s Project for the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES).For more information about Inn Serendipity, visit www.innserendipity.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: New Society Publishers; Original edition (October 11, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9780865717039
• ISBN-13: 978-0865717039
• ASIN: 0865717036
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 0.9 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #619,562 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great recipes October 20, 2011

By B. Carus

Format:Paperback

I was gifted with a copy of "Farmstead Chef", and I am enjoying trying the different recipes. This book is more than just a cookbook. It also has the stories behind the food and lives of the authors, making it my favorite type of cookbook. It is the type of book that I will pull out just to read every once in a while, at the same time stumbling across a recipe that I've yet to try. In some ways, it reminds me of Daniel Leader's "Local Breads" because of these stories.

The heart of any cookbook, however, is the recipes. The ones that I have tried from "Farmstead Chef" so far have been excellent. The Creamy Leek Pastries feel like a riff off of the an artichoke dip, a lovely change of pace from that standby recipe. They are great as written, but I've also used the leek topping as a dip with thin wheat crackers. The Spinach Cheese Bites were so popular with the kids, and, as a bonus, they freeze well. I haven't had time yet to try the Italian Sausage Risotto, but that is on my must make list. Love the Spanakopita (though I added a little nutmeg to the spinach filling). The cookbook features wonderful world cuisine recipes like Roti, Lamb Shish-kabobs with Tzatziki sauce, and Spring Rolls, but also recipes for simple old-fashioned favorites that many people have lost the knowledge on how to make: real lemonade, caramel sauce, crouton, salad dressing, and sweetened condensed milk. It is a great addition to any cook's collection.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Best-used cookbook in my collection December 9, 2011

By BanjoNinja

Format:Paperback

I have never used a cookbook this often. True, I have marked up the pages of cookbooks with place-savers and stick-it notes to note the recipes I *want to* make someday, but often all I end up with is a marked up (stuck up) cookbook. In Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko's book, I have made more recipes than ever before. To date, I have made: Winter Squash Bisque, Grecian Leek Pasta, Herb Infused Spare Ribs, Carrot Cake, Mocha Biscotti, Spring rolls, Warm Zucchini Dip, Bacon Wrapped Jicama, Spinach Cheese Bites, Leek Pastries, Chicken Satay skewers with Peanut butter Thai Sauce, Artisan Bread, Winter Squash Rolls, and Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bread. I'm sure you can tell I purchased the book in Fall!

The nice thing about it is, the directions are so clear and the recipes turn out so great that I just keep trying new ones out and returning to the ones I have made as well (you should see how messy I have gotten the page on Herb Infused Ribs)!

I cook for a living and especially find their advice on how to stock your dry pantry very helpful! I am practically using it as my regular catering inventory. It's one of the more useful cookbook "extras" I have ever seen. I should also add that I have had so much luck with these recipes at home, I have added some to my catering menus (lookin' at you spinach cheese bites!) and they are now customer favorites as well.

Good luck finding a better cookbook than this. It's taking it's place on the shelf with the best reference cookbooks I have (if I ever put it on the shelf). Honestly, it has it's own little spot on the kitchen counter.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Farmstead Chef Celebrates Local Products & Seasonal Cooking November 13, 2011

By Sarah Lamb

Format:Paperback

Many cookbooks just leave you frustrated with their long list of ingredients and time consuming recipes. My criteria for a cookbook is how many recipes am I interested in trying when I first read through it and how available are the ingredients locally. Have Post-Its on a number of pages in John Ivanko & Lisa Kivirist's "Farmstead Chef"! Like the information that accompanies the recipes, as well as the more in-depth background on today's food world. The authors' style makes this a fun book to read that's both informative about using seasonal foods from local farmer's markets and gardens, as well as helping the reader to rediscover homegrown and homemade cooking. This book is a delight to use.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Farmstead goodness all around October 25, 2011

By hardykiwifruit

Format:Paperback

I heard Lisa and John share insights, recipes, and stories about their new book Farm Stead Chef during the Reedsburg Fermentation Festival in October. I thoroughly enjoyed their talk and tasty recipes shared from their book. This warm hospitality is extended into their writing and organization of the cookbook. Reading through Farmstead Chef is like having a conversation with Lisa and John while enjoying a warm cup of soup.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars fun & functional cookbook! November 15, 2011

By EEP

Format:Paperback

I have many, many cookbooks, so wasn't sure if I needed another. However, I am so glad that I went ahead and purchased Farmstead Chef!!! Not only are the recipes interesting and straightforward, but the book offers so much more. It is fun to read bits and pieces of Lisa, John and Liam's journey as well as the stories of farmers and food entrepreneurs. I also appreciate the tips and suggestions that make my life easier like "stocking the pantry" and "carving up a tomato". This book exudes a feeling of warmth and comfort. I've made a few of the breakfast items so far - Peanut Butter Pumpkin Bread, and Tomato Breakfast Pie - no problem & yummy, and look forward to trying more recipes!

4.0 out of 5 stars Bought it as a gift, but kept it! December 20, 2012

By Erika Andrea

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I bought this for my sister in law, but decided that it belonged in my household. It's a homey country kitchen book with lots of healthy recipes that relate to the home garden. Just what I needed. I enjoy the friendly style and the hearty food approach - healthy but not obsessively so.