GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — "Fresh from the Farmhouse: From-Scratch Recipes for Memorable Family Dinners" is a collection of traditional dinner recipes inspired by fresh cooking and ingredients to help anyone create a beautiful, balanced meal for any occasion.
Author Rachel Quenzer, a Michigan native, said her love for the kitchen, fresh food and flavors were inspired by family.
"The inspiration was really, originally our farm, but what really inspired me in terms of my cooking was my grandmothers. My Grandma Char and my Grandma Leah. My grandma Char died in 2012, but Grandma Leah is still, in her 80s, she's trucking along, and they really inspired my whole cooking journey," said Quenzer.
The Grand Rapids wife and mom of two said she didn't find an appreciation for cooking until she became an adult.
"It's once you understand what they've {grandmothers} given you as a child, that you can really kind of take that and understand what a gift it was."
The recipe book, published in September 2024, is all about celebrating traditional, wholesome cooking with a modern twist. Quenzer said it's a must-have for anyone who loves classic family recipes with a focus on fresh ingredients.
"These are meals that anybody can do," she said. "What I really try to do is break down meals that kind of look more complicated but are actually really simple. I think a lot of times people are intimidated by cooking but it's not that hard to use things right around you to create some really beautiful flavors."
Quenzer said you'll find a blend of traditional recipes along with some Italian recipes with a twist.
Most of the recipes can be used year-round, but with the holidays coming up, Quenzer said you'll be sure to find something for the family this time of year.
"Cooking can be so much more than just standing at the stove to make a meal. That it can be an experience," she said. "An experience for your taste buds but also an experience for your entire family."
Quenzer is also the founder and co-owner of Sugar Maple Farmhouse. She blogs on her site, sugarmaplefarmhouse.com and also posts about all things related to fresh foods, gardening, cooking and new recipes on her YouTube channel.
"I really just hope that people take away the passion that kind of goes into creating something like that, and I hope that they feel that in the recipes that I've created for them and their families," said Quenzer.
Quenzer looks to bring the heart of the countryside to kitchens across the world in Fresh from the Farmhouse. She emphasizes the importance of supporting your local farmers and communities that grow different fruits, vegetables and spices.
You can find the cookbook in Barnes & Noble stores across the state and nationwide in select stores.