A Taste of Ojai

A great little collection of 'small plates', simple to sophisticated celebrating some of the harvests that grow plentifully right here in the Ojai Valley. Small and usually shared dishes based on foods I have tasted, Tapas in Spain, Mezze, in both Turkey and Greece, Italian Antipasti, as well as Moroccan and Middle Eastern dishes, with the emphasis on savory spice.The thought behind this book is to present some ideas of foods that can be served as small plates for any time of day, just one plate or a collection of a few. Recipes include Small Plates- Baked Sweet Potato Falafel with Lemon Tahini, Onion-Fennel Fritters with Cucumber Tzatziki, Tuscan Frittata, Gorgonzola Stuffed Figs. Condiments, Sauces & Spreads - Balsamic-Black Pepper Jam, Pomegranate Glaze, Orange Fennel Mostarda, Fig & Olive Tapenade. Crackers and Breads - Sea Salt & Olive oil Crackers, Focaccia with Caramelized Fennel and Onion."I believe that preparing food is about great ingredients, and it's about everything that goes into making a great meal. For me it's about sourcing well grown, local organic vegetables, the time I set aside to prepare a great dish, the music playing in the background, the tools I use in the kitchen, the vintage server and the beautiful plates I have collected over the years. It's about community and closeness and sitting at the table and enjoying the meal together with thanks" with Gratitude, Chef Robin