The Abundant Table : Recipes from the Bishop's Ranch Kitchen

The Abundant Table is a beautifully designed, hardbound book that will delight anyone who appreciates a good cookbook. With favorite recipes formatted one per page and binding that allows it to lie flat when open, cooks follow a recipe without smudging the pages with sticky fingers. It is filled with beautiful illustrations that compliment the recipes.

The goal in The Bishop's Ranch kitchen has always been to nourish, both nutritionally and spiritually. The food presented on the table really begins in the field. It is our wish to honor the earth that nourishes us by supporting agricultural practices that are renewing and sustaining rather than depleting of the soil. Because good food begins with good ingredients, as much as possible we use local organic produce.

Food is creative artistry. We consider how the ingredients will work together and if they fit the season and weather of the day. We imagine the visual appearance of the meal and work both toward compatibility and contrast of flavors. We ask if the meal has balance in color, taste and texture. All of these components are integral to a fantastic meal --- one that will be throughly enjoyed and not soon forgotten.

Elizabeth Schmidt began cooking at an early age and never looked back. In addition to twenty years at The Bishop's Ranch, she has cooked for mining camps in the Yukon, eco-tourist lodges in Alaska, and outdoor education programs in Colorado. She loves the teamwork of the kitchen and the art of making food that is both aesthetically appealing and tasty.

Ariel Ross began her culinary career as soon as she could reach the stove. As a child, she returned from restaurants eager to recreate her favorite dish and perfect it. She fueled her passion and honed her skills with trips to Europe, culinary classes, and worked with renowned chefs in a multitude of Sonoma County venues. She has also taught food classes at Relish Culinary School and continues her quest to source local, organic products and frequently cooks for her friends and family in Healdsburg, California.