Malibu Farm Cookbook: Recipes from the California Coast by Helene Henderson (Author), Martin Lof (Photographer)

Malibu Farm Cookbook: Recipes from the California Coast by Helene Henderson (Author), Martin Lof (Photographer)

Situated at the end of the pier, Malibu Farm is a restaurant beloved for its spectacular Pacific Ocean views, the freshly sourced ingredients on its ever-changing menu, and its warm vibe. Chef-owner Helene Henderson opened the space after the once-intimate dinners she hosted on the grounds of her home grew too large. Now, in Malibu Farm Cookbook, she invites you celebrate the coast and mountains of Southern California with dishes like Ricotta and Pea Frittata, Butterfly Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish, Seared Fava Beans, and Grilled Chocolate Cake with Caramel Sauce. Helene captures the spirit of her own farm with recipes using the morning’s fresh eggs, the catch of the day, the luscious vegetables that grow all around, honey harvested steps from where it’s enjoyed, and olive oil straight from her grove.  Punctuated with luscious, vibrant photography, Malibu Farm Cookbook is a stunning sensory experience that transports you right to the edge of the Pacific.

Hardcover: 304 pages

About the Author

Helene Henderson is an African-American, Swedish-born chef; that is where she learned to cook. In 1997, she started Lavender Farms Catering in LA, specializing in organic food. Malibu Farm began in her backyard with cooking classes and catered farm dinners. Now, she is the chef-owner of Malibu Farm Pier Cafe and Restaurant, which use her own produce and that of other local farmers. She lives there with her husband, screenwriter and director John Stockwell, and their three children.

My Review

Malibu Farm Cookbook: Recipes from the California Coast by Helene Henderson (Author), Martin Lof (Photographer) is a interesting cookbook. It is split into sections based on ingredients. For instance the chapters are From the: coop, farm and vegetable beds, hive, dairy, grass-fed beef, sea, olive grove, hen house, vineyard, baker and pastry maker. The organization of the book was a bit different from most cookbooks, but ti worked well for this book. The recipes were well written using as few words as possible (no unneeded instructions or directions). For instance there is a recipe of espresso ice cream shots. The recipe pretty much reads make a shot of espresso, put two scoops of vanilla ice cream on top and enjoy. This recipe takes up maybe half a page and has a photo of the completed recipe. I really liked this approach to recipe writing. I also liked that almost every recipe had a photo to go with it. I found that some of the recipes were a little out there for me, but I could see some of my friends and family wanting to try them so I could see myself making them in the future. I was sent a free copy of Malibu Farm Cookbook: Recipes from the California Coast by Helene Henderson (Author), Martin Lof (Photographer) for only my honest and unbiased review.