Melina Hammer Books

At the foot of the Shawangunk Mountain Ridge lies Accord, New York, a hamlet with a population of 562, where Melina Hammer invites guests to her charming B&B, Catbird Cottage. Here, she serves meals that reflect her garden, the wild landscape of New York, and her global travels. In her debut cookbook, Melina shares beloved recipes organized by season, mirroring the meals at Catbird Cottage. From Wild Salmon Gravlax and Scallop-Shiso Ceviche to Buttery Scrambled Eggs with Chanterelles and Sour Cherry Pie, her dishes are deeply satisfying and promote a connected, joyful way of living. Melina also imparts her foraging and preserving skills, enabling readers to stock their pantries and freezers. Importantly, these recipes don’t require expertise in homesteading or foraging; instead, they blend sustainable practices into an accessible kitchen approach focused on nourishment. The food from Catbird Cottage embodies community—grown, harvested, preserved, and presented with love, meant to be shared with cherished companions.