At the end of February we are launching “Da Horta para a mesa, Boa comida boa Vida”, a book about our family experience in organic vegetable gardening in Alto Alentejo.

In my profession, among other things, I develop ideas, concepts and design for cookery books, for people or brands. When I got the invitation to be the author of a project of my own, I felt the need to put down on paper the experience that led us back into contact with nature, good food and the joy of gathering friends and family round the table.

What can be simpler and better than this? Finding out that the simplest things are the ones that matter the most, the ones that give us most pleasure…

So, this is how this book came about, where the whole family participated along with my neighbors and friends. Some in the garden, making sure it was looking its best for the photographs, others as models, the rest with the enthusiasm with which each new dish was received. Although it was hard work, it paid off as it was fantastic to see the results and the joy of having collaborated on a joint project.

The book has a simple, practical approach and is divided into two parts. The first dwells on the basics of managing a Summer organic garden, the second on what to do with the harvested vegetables and herbs.

Containing many tips and recipes to make the most of seasonal produce, the dishes presented are those we use at home; they are simple, light and delicious – perfect for hot days. Basically, I wanted to show that with quality ingredients bursting with flavor, there is no need for lengthy, elaborate preparations, within minutes we concoct dishes that the whole family loves.

I hope you enjoy the book and the recipes, and also hope you will be tempted to get back to having a greater contact with nature; you can always start with a few pots on your porch…