Sonoita Seasons Cookbook

Only half in jest, I often say that I am not a cook, I am a ‘recipe follower’. As a result, you can imagine that I’m always looking for interesting, useful cookbooks. It is not often that I encounter a cookbook that is full of really scrumptious recipes that are easy to make, but is also so beautiful and high-quality that it can double as a coffee-table book. Sonoita Seasons by Karen Callaghan is in this category.

Head east on I-10 out of Tucson, take exit 281 and Highway 83 to Sonoita, Arizona. Nestled among the rolling hills blanketed with rich green vineyards is Karen’s Wine Country Café. Just up the road is Karen’s family-owned winery, Callaghan Vinyards.

Sonoita Seasons is a book of recipes from Karen’s Wine Country Café, and unlike some other restaurant recipes, these are easy to make. Tonight I made Pasta with Proscuitto, Peas, and Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce. It got rave reviews from the whole family and went together in the time it took the pasta to cook. Yes, that quickly.

And to top it off, it is a beautiful book. The hardcover and dust jacket share the same dazzling full color photography. The pages are a high-quality gloss paper, and the typography is beautiful.

I am not sure who else stocks it, but Plate It Up! here in Glendale Arizona has a supply of them (623-937-1267). (disclaimer: I have no affiliation with either Plate It Up! or Karen’s Wine Country Cafe)

Tags: Cookbooks, Recipes