Bill Jones’s The Deerholme Foraging Cookbook: Wild Ingredients and Recipes from the Pacific Northwest is a captivating blend of culinary artistry and nature exploration. This revised and expanded edition from TouchWood Editions showcases Jones’s deep-rooted expertise in foraging and his passion for the wild bounty of the Pacific Northwest.
As a Michelin-trained chef based at Deerholme Farm in British Columbia’s Cowichan Valley, Jones brings over two decades of experience to this work. The cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes; it’s a comprehensive guide that includes identification tips, harvesting advice, and preparation techniques for a variety of wild foods, such as mushrooms, sea vegetables, and edible plants. https://www.deerholme.com/
The book is thoughtfully structured, beginning with an engaging introduction to foraging that emphasizes safety and environmental awareness. Jones candidly states, “Just to make things clear, this book is not designed to be a field guide to foraging. It is a handbook on the use of wild foods for harvesting, tips for developing a pantry, and recipes for creating wonderful meals” This approach makes the book accessible to both novices and seasoned foragers.
The recipes themselves are a testament to Jones’s culinary creativity, blending global influences with local ingredients. Dishes like Potato and Wild Onion Latkes and Spaghettini with Wild Greens and Mushrooms demonstrate how wild ingredients can be transformed into gourmet meals. Jones also provides guidance on preserving wild foods, ensuring that readers can enjoy their foraged finds year-round. Springtime means enjoying lunches on the back deck with a glass of wine and what better meal to serve your guests but Jones’ Thai Crab Cakes with Wild Mint found in our Recipe section.
One of the standout features of the cookbook is its rich photography, which not only showcases the beauty of the dishes but also aids in the identification of wild ingredients. Jones’s personal anecdotes and foraging stories further enrich the reading experience, offering insights into the joys and challenges of sourcing food from nature.
While the book is tailored to the Pacific Northwest, its principles and recipes can inspire foragers and food enthusiasts elsewhere to explore their local environments. However, readers should note that the book is not a comprehensive field guide; those new to foraging may need to consult additional resources for detailed identification information. Purchase a copy of the book at https://touchwoodeditions.com/products/the-deerholme-foraging-cookbook or win this valuable guide in our Giveaway section.
The Deerholme Foraging Cookbook is a valuable resource that bridges the gap between the wild and the kitchen. Bill Jones’s expertise and enthusiasm shine through, making this cookbook a must-have for anyone interested in foraging and cooking with wild ingredients.
Contents and images used with permission by TouchWood Editions. https://touchwoodeditions.com/products/the-deerholme-foraging-cookbook
