Grilled Halloumi with Strawberries and Herbs {Vibrant Food}.
I am really excited to share another gorgeous cookbook today, Vibrant Food. The verve of the title is probably enough for me to snatch it off the shelf but a gander at only a few recipes would certainly seal the deal.
Vibrant Food celebrates foods of the season, building inspired, tasty recipes around what is at its peak as well as capturing the artistry of color from the food. Truly developed through a culinary artist’s eye, each recipe is a vision to behold with breathtaking flavors to match. Rhubarb Compote with Cacao Nibs, Smoky Red Pepper Soup with Pumpkin Seeds and Feta, Apple Sage Walnut Bread, Concord Grape and Mint Sorbet. You get the picture.
The cookbook is organized by season with each recipe and photograph created by the talented Kimberley Hasselbrink; who also has a food blog ‘The Year of Food’, clearly showcasing her talents as a Food Photographer. The Summer chapter as an example is broken into the subcategories of Berries, Stone, Summer Greens and Herbs, Summer Squash, Tomatoes, and Peppers; each section including unique recipes starring that particular seasonal ingredient. The recipes are very ‘clean’ without filler ingredients allowing the flavors to shine through unencumbered. Each season begins with a short dedication from Hasselbrink, spoken lovingly through an artist’s view.
Roasted Sardines with Carrot Fennel Slaw {Vibrant Food}
“Summer is a reward for the rest of the year…..Summer’s produce comes in big and loud and fun and full of boisterous color. It is a season of not holding back: those snazzy reds and bright yellows and bold oranges and deep purples and big, rich greens. It is the season forever tied to leisure and joy and simplicity.’ –Excerpt from Summer, Vibrant Foods by Kimberly Hasselbrink.
We all love a cookbook with photos of the finished dish as reference however Vibrant Foods offers coffee table book quality images to behold on their own. It feels like a picture book for those loving food in addition to illustrating the sumptuous recipes.
Fresh Chickpeas on Toast {Vibrant Food}
In the reread, this feels like a very short review but that is thanks to the spirit of the book. It’s simple, not overly complicated offering beautiful seasonal food with recipes that are not over-complicated and gorgeous, captivating photographs to boot. I can think of at least a handful of people I’m going to order a copy for as soon as I finish this post!
GRILLED HALLOUMI with STRAWBERRIES and HERBS
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 teaspoons agave nectar
- 1 serrano chile , seeds removed if desired, minced
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 6 ounces strawberries , hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 (8- to 9-ounce) package halloumi cheese, cut into 8 slices
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- To make the dressing, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, agave nectar, serrano, and pepper to taste. Toss the strawberries with the dressing and set aside.
- Heat a very large skillet over medium-high heat and add the 1 tablespoon olive oil. When hot, add the halloumi slices. Cook the cheese for 2 to 3 minutes per side without disturbing, until a deep brown crust forms.
- Remove the cheese from the skillet and spoon the strawberry mixture over the slices of cheese. Serve immediately, while the cheese is still warm.
Nutrition
Reprinted with permission from Vibrant Food written and photographed by (Ten Speed Press, © 2014). I received a copy of Vibrant Food for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.
carolyn says
I like that it uses whole foods for recipes
dena says
I like food that looks as good as it tastes. Plus, I want this cookbook! 😀
Samantha Plotkin says
I want this cookbook!
Robin M says
I want this cookbook
alison james says
That it appreciates the food
Janet Woodling says
I am an avid cook who loves trying new recipes and always use fresh items. I would really love this book.
Holly E says
The recipes looks so good!!
Lori says
I’ve never had Halloumi before, I do like grilled cheese and fruit. This must be wonderful!
Angie says
I just recently tried Halloumi cheese for the first time & loved it! I never would’ve thought of serving it this way!
Lauren says
I purchased some halloumi, but I was terrified to use it. I should try this recipe.
Toni Dash says
Oh no! Never good to be scared of your food Lauren (but I have some that frighten me too)! I think this recipe will tame the savage fear and possibly even become your favorite! Be brave.
Jim Rector says
I want this cook book
Arlinda says
I love the concept.
Sharon Kaminski says
I want this cookbook.
deana c says
I Want This Cookbook!
Sarah Morris says
What appeals to me most about this cooking book is the use of fresh and colorful ingredients to make meals that are nutritious and flavor packed. Would love to win this cookbook! 🙂
jacquie says
food is vibrant especially when prepared simply.
Melissa says
Those pictures you posted make the book look super appealing!
Mary Casper says
I want this cookbook
Anna @ One Prickly Pear says
I love halloumi. And, I love strawberries too. Hmm, I think this is my kind of dish 🙂
samW says
i want that cookbook!
Mihaela Day says
I Want This Cookbook 🙂
Kristy @ She Eats says
Toni – this dish is insanity. In a good way. I know I just said it on the Google+ but man ALIVE I love haloumi! And strawberries. And all the incredible herbs integrated into this dish. All you’re missing is the wine 😉
PS. Great giveaway. The book looks outstandingly gorgeous. Entered. xo!
Heather says
Fresh, colorful ingredients make meals that much more exciting and nutritious. Would love to have this cookbook for more inspiration!
Christie - Food Done Light says
We love to grill cheese. It gets amazing flavor. The toppings on this are incredible. This will be a huge hit at a party.
Christine at Cook the Story says
This is seriously mouthwatering!