For the past few years, whenever my family is invited to a friend’s house for a meal, we dip into our favorite cookbook- The Forest Feast– and find something that is easy, fresh, healthy, and delicious that all of us can take part in making. The book (which is now an entire series) was created by Erin Gleeson, a photographer and mom who understands what it takes to attract people to a plate and how to help them make their own dishes that delight. Using the original book and The Forest Feast for Kids, our efforts from the Forest Feast has inspired many of our friends to get copies and to try their own hands at beautifully-presented clean cooking.
The latest in the series is The Forest Feast- Mediterranean. Taking as many cues from the beauty of this region as from the proven benefits of its legendary diet, the book offers everything from a suggested travel itinerary and suggested menus to samples of the spectacular sweet and savory surprises you will find throughout your trip (even if you only get as far as the local farmers market).
From snacks like burst tomatoes and torn Mozzarella, stuffed figs, and an all-veggie charcuterie to drinks like the Provence-inspired lavender lemonade and the Spanish Cava Sangria to a rainbow of salads and sides featuring such healthy treats as honey-fried eggplant, cucumber capponata, and quinoa and fresh fruit, to a small plates menu that easily tops your favorite tapas bar and a pasta menu that rolls on longer than homemade fusilli, The Forest Feastis just that- a lush collection of combinations that will draw you in until you are happily lost among the tasty trees.