Around the Table

By Andrea Blum ( @myamericanpantry ), Montalvo Culinary Artist Ten years ago, Eden Israel started growing salad greens for the culinary artist at the Lucas Artists Residency. The little leaves she grows thrive in the Santa Cruz mountains at her home garden, hugging the side of a steep mountain. It was former Lucas Artists Culinary Fellow and Chez Panisse alum Michele Fuerst who found Eden, and a lasting relationship between Montalvo, a farmer, and the land was born. “The idea at the time was to know your farmer,” Eden told us at the lunch table when she visited this week. “It’s important…

By Andrea Blum ( @myamericanpantry ), Montalvo Culinary Artist (Clockwise, left to right): Monica de la Torre, Nina C. Young, Lori Wood, Howard Hersh, Gregory Sale, Mrugen Rathod, Julian Talamantez-Brolaski, and Sandhya Bordewekar Gajjar ​Why do we enjoy eating outdoors so much? What is it about eating beyond the confines of the dining room? The first thought that comes to mind is the feeling of freedom ; the cool air of dusk, the gentle breeze, the sound of crickets and the relaxed mood that naturally comes when sitting at a picnic table. The day’s work is done. The insects come out…

​ By Andrea Blum ( @myamericanpantry ), Montalvo Culinary Artist Students from the Crafting Hydrosols & Essential Oils class ​Photo: Andrea Blum The redwood is my absolute favorite tree in so many ways. It’s a powerful symbol and a living, breathing organism that defines a place. Oh California, how I appreciate you. It’s the tallest tree in the world that only grows in the coastal foggy climate of the west. It’s not only a pleasure to gaze at in all its wonder, but it also has a scent that brightens the dark forest. Last week, I invited Alice Duvernell, an ethnobotanist…

By Andrea Blum ( @myamericanpantry ), Montalvo Culinary Artist ​It’s been over a year since I started working on my first cookbook, Ciderhouse Cookbook , and a lifetime of learning to make it happen! It’s also been a year since I gave birth to Lucienne Claire, a revelation of inspiration and happiness. The two together became the reason why I wanted to write this book—to make simple recipes that let the seasonal and special flavors of my family’s ciderhouse shine and to celebrate the love one feels when one shares a delicious meal with friends and family. This is also…