The Berkshires Farm Table Cookbook: More Than 125 Homegrown Recipes from the Hills of New England

by Elisa Spungen Bildner, Robert Bildner, Brian Alberg (Editor)

Overview

A second edition of the best of the Berkshires’ noted farms and esteemed kitchens.

The Berkshires hills of western Massachusetts are famous for their unique culture: a scenic and recreational paradise home to artistic and literary attractions. In addition to the region’s classic landmarks, the Berkshires also boast an impressive number of family-run farms. Together with local restaurants, these farms add another feature to cultural depth of the Berkshires: heartwarming and homegrown food. Authors Elisa Spungen Bildner and Robert Bildner have revised and updated this culinary tome to highlight the dedication of the Berkshires’ farmers, with a selection of brand-new recipes and local farm profiles. Telling the story of family-run agriculture, this second edition offers more than 125 recipes to recall the magic of the region for readers far and wide. Complete with vibrant photographs, The Berkshires Farm Table Cookbook celebrates the lush landscape of the western New England area and paints a vivid portrait of an agricultural tradition built on a commitment to community, sustainability, and a passion for fresh, locally grown food.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781682689752
Publisher:	Countryman Press, The
Publication date:	08/12/2025
Edition description:	Revised and Updated
Pages:	248
Product dimensions:	8.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Elisa Spungen Bildner has lived in the Berkshires for more than 40 years. A former lawyer with experience in the local food industry, Elisa also worked as a journalist and professionally trained chef.

Robert Bildner is a former lawyer who grew up in a food family and went on to found several food companies that helped local farmers bring product to market. He photographed the farms and restaurants in this book. Elisa and Rob have lived in the Berkshires for more than 40 years.

Brian Alberg, former executive chef of the Red Lion Inn, is the chef and co-owner of the Break Room restaurant at Greylock Works.

Editorial Reviews

"Springtime lingers in this simple, approachable book..."— Florence Fabricant, The New York Times

"A great cookbook tells a story, about food — where it comes from, how to use it and what to make with it. Authors Elisa Spungen Bildner and Robert Bildner take it one step further in The Berkshires Farm Table Cookbook, bringing readers the stories of the farmers who work and live in the region."— The Berkshire Eagle

"Elisa Spungen Bildner and Robert Bildner’s stories/cookbook is a timely contribution and a response to our needs and concerns at this particular moment."— Lisa Green, Rural Intelligence

"An uplifting celebration of the passionate people who keep agriculture alive in the Berkshires ... you’ll be well-stocked with ideas for making the most of your farmers’ market haul."— Danny Meyer, Founder and CEO, Union Square Hospitality Group; author of Setting the Table

"The Berkshires Farm Table Cookbook positions the area as not only one of America’s premier cultural destinations, but as a hub for tasty, locally grown foods offered by a community of dedicated farmers and creative chefs."— Emanuel (Manny) Ax, classical pianist and part-time Berkshires resident

"A stirring collection of stories of farmers and chefs—an idyllic place at the forefront of the farm-to-table movement."— Paul Freedman, food historian and author of Ten Restaurants That Changed America

"Each recipe radiates the distinct agricultural landscape, ecology, and communities of the Berkshires … an alluring and uncompromising defense of the local."— Mark Bomford, Director, Yale Sustainable Food Program

"Through stories, wonderful photographs, and recipes, you’ll get to know the inspiring farmers and farm-to-table chefs of the Berkshires and learn why we in the Berkshires are passionate supporters of small family farms."— Barbara Zheutlin, former Executive Director of Berkshire Grown

From the Publisher