New cookbook celebrates Bellevue Farmers Market

Local writer-photographer Cindy Pigott admits she's not an expert in the kitchen, but that hasn't stopped her from making a recipe book.

The "Bellevue Farmers Market Cookbook" comes out May 14, when its namesake bazaar moves to the old Safeway parking lot on Bellevue Way.

The recipe collection is a celebration of market itself, not the author's cooking prowess.

Around 20 regulars from the Bellevue Farmers Market – including professional chefs like Seastar's John Howie – contributed to the book.

The collection contains 44 recipes, including Pigott's favorite, a strawberry rhubarb crumble, and one for the Veraci pizza crust that has people lining up in droves each week.

Pigott prepared all the recipes and photographed the dishes herself.

"My friends will have a chuckle because they know I'm not a very good cook," she said. "But my publisher said I'm the perfect person to do this. If I can make these recipes, anyone can."

Pigott organized her book according to the market's seasons, which run from May through October. She also included hints on how to choose produce and store it for later use.

The Bellevue Farmers Market will be open Thursdays from 3-7 p.m. starting May 14. There will also be a Saturday market from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. beginning June 6.

Pigott's cookbook is selling $19.95, and will be available at the market.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.