cover image The Vineyard Cookbook: Seasonal Recipes & Wine Pairings Inspired by America's Vineyards

The Vineyard Cookbook: Seasonal Recipes & Wine Pairings Inspired by America's Vineyards

Barbara Scott-Goodman. Welcome Books, $24.95 (159pp) ISBN 978-1-59962-064-0

In this collection of 60 seasonally-themed dishes, with wine suggestions, cookbook writer Scott-Goodman (The Beach House Cookbook, Sensational Salads, The Diabetes Menu Cookbook, etc.) gives readers a virtual tour of U.S. wine country. Presented as a dozen multi-course meals, organized by season, and interspersed with short profiles of various American wineries, Goodman keeps the book moving. Whether it's a Lobster, Corn and Tomato Salad for summer, a creamy Linguine with Asparagus and Peas in the spring, or vanilla-scented poached pears in the fall, virtually all the dishes come together fairly quickly and with a minimum of fuss. As for the wines, Chardonnay and white wine fans will find a lot to like here, though merlot and cab lovers won't feel too left out. Regardless of wine preference, Goodman's suggestions for wine and cheese pairings will be of particular interest, making a complex subject easily digestible over the course of just a few pages. Gourmands may find recipes like warm mixed olives, wild mushroom soup and guacamole rather simplistic, but those new to wine or cooking in general will find this an encouraging compilation with practical suggestions for memorable meals the year round.