In The Homesteader's Kitchen, author Robin Burnside presents wholesome recipes and motherly advice for preparing nourishing meals, tasty embellishments, and luscious desserts. Her focus is on using fruits and vegetables from the family garden or the nearby farmers market. She teaches how to turn these local, organic foods into snacks, meals, and treats that nourish the soul as well as the body.

From Multigrain Blueberry Pancakes in the morning, a Creamy Mango-Coconut Smoothie for a snack, a crisp Asian Cabbage Salad for lunch, an evening meal of Grilled Wild Salmon Fillet with Thai Cilantro Pesto, to a dessert of Spicy Pear Pie, Burnside offers mouthwatering recipes that are fun to prepare and a joy to eat.

The author introduces this cookbook in a way that recognizes the connection between body, mind, emotions, environment, and attitude. Since what we eat has a considerable effect on our well-being, this approach to dining takes into account all that goes into the care of feeding humans, including the benefits and consequences of our choices. As consumers, the foods we buy, where they come from, and how we prepare what we purchase must be considered if we are to create a sustainable future for generations to come.

Robin Burnside was co-owner, chef, and baker of Carmel Cafe in Carmel, California, and Cafe Amphora at Nepenthe in Big Sur. She managed the kitchen at Esalen Institute for five years and is one of the inspiring chefs who contributed to their creative meals and cookbook recipes. She has also worked as a professional food service consultant, private chef, and caterer for many special events throughout her career.

Robin and her family have lived, worked, and played in Big Sur for over 30 years. In 1991, they purchased a piece of property on the wild south coast and have been homesteading and raising a family while living close to nature. Her healthy lifestyle is rooted in eating fresh, wholesome foods, playing with grandkids at the beach or in the garden, freestyle dancing, and surfing at the best tide.