Dishing Up the Dirt by Andrea Bemis

A book review of Dishing Up the Dirt by Andrea Bemis.  Post may contain affiliate links.

Let me begin this cookbook review by stating that I have over 200 cookbooks.  So, when I say that Dishing Up the Dirt is one of my favorites that is really saying something.   Having a food blog, I cook a lot.  I try to cook healthy, but with easy, simple recipes.  This cookbook is exactly how I want to cook!  I just told my husband a few weeks ago that we are going to be eating lots of grain bowls or salads, that all I needed to do was focus on the sauces and dinner would be so easy.  I was so thrilled to see that after the introduction, the very first chapter in this book is titled, “An Ode to Sauce!”  She opens it with the line, “Sauces are the gateway to eating more vegetables.”  I agree completely.  I think with a handful of sauces, you can put together an easy dinner.

The book is divided into 5 sections, I want to make practically everything in this book, or at least use the recipes for a stepping off point.  I’m going to mention a few titles, so that you can get an idea of the range of the recipes offered.

An Ode to Sauce - I expect that this will be my most used chapter.   With a few of these sauces, some veggies, a grain and a protein, you’ve got the formula for an easy meal.  Some to try:  Dijon Tahini Dressing, Smoky Cashew Sauce, and Miso Harissa Sauce.

Spring.  Definitely going to try:  Spring Veggies with Garlic Scape Herb Butter and Smoked Salmon Argula Salad with Crunchy Lentils.  I have already made the Ginger Sesame Sauce from a bokchoy recipe, it was perfect for a cold chicken and veggie bowl.

Summer.  I can’t wait for summer so that I can try the Corn Salad with Walnuts & Feta and Roasted Vegetable & Chickpea Tacos with Herbed Tahini Sauce.

Autumn.  I love the sound of:  Beet, Walnut & Kale Pizza and Butternut Squash Kale Salad with Maple-Bourbon Dressing.

Winter.  I want to try Tumbleweed Farm Winter Panzanella  and for a yummy winter cocktail - a Country Girl Old-Fashioned.

I read this cookbook almost like a novel.  Each season opens up with a description of what’s happening on their farm.  I am amazed at the hard work and dedication that it takes to be a farmer.  All the love and effort that they put into growing the food.  That respect for food carries over into the recipes.

I expect that I will be using this cookbook a lot, taking bits and pieces from it.  That is the beauty of a cookbook like this, it’s as much about the ideas for cooking as it is the recipes.   The recipes themselves are simple and let the flavors of the food shine through.

I am hosting this for the TLC Book Tours, please check here to see all the other bloggers who are hosting and check out their reviews!

Purchase Links

HarperCollins | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About Andrea Bemis

Andrea is the writer, recipe developer, and photographer behind the food blog DishingUp TheDirt.com. Her recipes and Tumbleweed Farm have been featured in publications such as the New York Times, Well and Good NYC, and Eating Well Magazine. She lives on her farm in Oregon with her husband and dog.

Connect with Andrea on Instagram†and†Facebook.

Usual disclaimer:  I received no compensation for this review, other than a copy of the book.  All opinions are my own.