The Ladies’ Village Improvement Society Cookbook by Florence Fabricant

The Ladies' Village Improvement Society Cookbook by Florence Fabricant

This book came out in 2020, and the subtitle is Eating and Entertaining in East Hampton.

Oh, my dears, if you're seeking a culinary adventure that will transport you to the sun-kissed shores of the Hamptons, then The Ladies' Village Improvement Society Cookbook is your oyster. This delightful tome, penned by the incomparable Florence Fabricant, is a veritable treasure trove of recipes that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your heart.

Florence Fabricant is an acclaimed food writer who regularly contributes to the New York Times and has written thirteen cookbooks.

The Ladies' Village Society of East Hampton is a 125-year-old nonprofit dedicated to preserving historical landmarks, parks, greens, and trees in East Hampton and the surrounding area.

Imagine a world where fresh seafood dances on plates, crisp vegetables sing in salads, and the aroma of homemade treats fills the air. This is the Hamptons, and The Ladies' Village Improvement Society Cookbook captures its essence perfectly. From the renowned chefs and celebrities who call this idyllic locale home to the local farmers and vintners who tend its fertile land, the recipes within these pages are a testament to the region's culinary heritage.

Organized into twenty menus, each a masterpiece of culinary artistry, this cookbook offers something for every occasion. Whether you're hosting a grand dinner party, a casual gathering of friends, or simply seeking a delicious meal for your family, there's a recipe here to suit your needs. From the elegant simplicity of "Dinner After the Movies" to the bountiful feast of "Autumn Catch," each menu is a testament to the versatility and deliciousness of Hamptons cuisine.

This is another book that I wish had debuted before the pandemic because I think it would have been so much more popular had it come out, say, in 2018. Nonetheless, it's not too late to discover this fabulous cookbook.

This is a cookbook for all seasons, but I think the cover just screams summer and eating outside in your garden. So if you're going to get this book, now is the time.

Martha Stewart wrote the forward to this cookbook, and I wanted to share just a bit of what she talks about here because she's introducing us to the LVIS, or the Ladies Village Improvement Society. This group of women has done so much to make sure that the natural beauty of the Hamptons stays intact and Martha alludes to it in the forward.

She writes,

I bought my home on Lily Pond Lane almost thirty years ago. Much has changed in Easthampton since then.

Many new houses have been built, and countless new stores have opened on Main Street and Newton Lane. The summer populations have swelled, and the beaches have become more crowded. But some things have remained the same.

The giant Elm trees that tower over the highway leading into town are still green and stately. The roadsides are still planted with lovely Maples and Lindens, offering shady avenues and streets on which to walk or bicycle. The scenic Village Green and its iconic pond populated by pairs of plump swans are still the backdrop for many thousands of photographs throughout the year. And the Ladies Village Improvement Society can claim bragging rights for the glory of this scenery.

There is no better time to be in East Hampton than in mid-summer when the trees are leafed out, the roses are blooming, and the ocean is beautiful. And then there are the farmer's markets and the farm stands displaying their freshly harvested vegetables. It's a beautiful sight to see.

As Martha indicates, the Ladies Village Improvement Society has done a lot to ensure the Hamptons retain their natural charm, and many of these women are gardeners and cooks. So you can imagine the beautiful and tasty recipes—over 100—in this fabulous cookbook, and many of them are garden-to-table.

The other thing that's really fun about this book is that the Hamptons is all about entertaining. And so, these women are sharing their go-to recipes for all kinds of gatherings - whether you're talking about dinner after a movie or lunch by the pool - whatever the occasion, there are delightful suggestions here.

There's a Fettuccine recipe that's got Asparagus and Blue Cheese.

There's a fabulous Bittersweet Chocolate Pound Cake.

Bonnie Reiff-Smith shared her recipe for Perfection Pork Chops.

There's an excellent Zucchini Sausage Quiche - another great recipe for using your zucchini.

There's Moroccan Carrot Salad and a fabulous Sunflower Seed Salad along with Whole Roasted Cauliflower - that's fantastic as well.

Anyway, I could go on and on. This beautiful cookbook is so fun.

But it's not just the recipes that make this cookbook so unique. The stunning contemporary and historical photographs bring the Hamptons to life, capturing the region's beauty and the freshness of its ingredients. The stories and anecdotes of Ladies' Village Improvement Society members add a touch of history and charm to each page.

So, my dear friends, if you're ready to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you feeling inspired, satisfied, and utterly delighted, then The Ladies' Village Improvement Society Cookbook is a must-have. It's a feast for the senses, a celebration of the Hamptons, and a testament to the enduring power of good food and good company. 

It's really a beautiful cookbook for summer - and the price is right, too.

This book is 256 pages of more than 100 recipes for food and drink, and it's all put together in 20 different menus with directions on how to make any of your gatherings extra special.

You can get a copy of The Ladies' Village Improvement Society Cookbook by Florence Fabricant and support the show using the Amazon link in today's show notes for around $9.