The "Fabulous Beekman Boys" of the Cooking Channel and three cookbooks are an inspiration for anyone embracing good food and community.
In 2008, Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell founded their farm, Beekman 1802, in Sharon Springs, in New York State's Mohawk Valley. They vowed to promote a community of local artisans, and their "mecca" includes a lifestyle company. Their fourth cookbook, A Seat at the Table, collects more than 115 recipes, organized by season.
Written with their neighbor Rose Marie Trapani, whose Sicilian heritage influences many of the recipes, the book includes stories of friends and colleagues from the community. Alongside Christian's Lentil Soup, readers learn about the book's photographer; the honey-sweetened Struffoli honors the local beekeeper. The authors even profile Kip, the artisan who made their chairs. Rose Marie's Essential Biscotti was served at Ridge and Kilmer-Purcell's wedding. Home cooks will appreciate the thoughtful reflections as much as the accessible recipes. --Cheryl Krocker McKeon, manager, Book Passage, San Francisco