Diamond Dishes

Book excerpt: Twenty top Major League Baseball players share stories about life off the field and their favorite foods—with nearly 100 full-color photos and more than 60 easy-to-make recipes Baseball and food are two of life’s uncomplicated pleasures, stirring up sizzling passion across all generations. Now, for the first time, baseball fans and food lovers get a behind-the-scenes look into the kitchens of twenty of their favorite Major League All Stars. Author Julie Loria shares their stories, from memorable meals growing up, to their current fitness routines, food rituals, and guilty food pleasures. And within these pages you will even discover quite a few amusing anecdotes about life beyond the diamond, and so much more. And, oh what great food! America’s favorite game not only brings together people from around the world but also blends a wonderful variety of cuisines—including classic dishes native to all corners of the United States and spicy Latin American fare. Julie recreates and collects the down-home family recipes, favorite authentic meals, and top dishes from on-the-road eateries of today’s top players—from Derek Jeter’s buttermilk pancakes and Dustin Pedroia’s pasta primavera to Albert Pujols’ Home Run Chicken and Ryan Howard’s macaroni and cheese. An official Major League Baseball publication, Diamond Dishes is more than a cookbook. It’s a singular and scrumptious backstage look at ballplayers flexing their culinary muscles and discussing the roles of family, friends, and food in their lives. With exclusive, full-color photos of Major League stars at home and in their kitchens, and more than sixty easy-to-prepare recipes, this book is a treasure trove of sights, sounds, tastes, and aromas that penetrate the hearts and souls of the players and their fans alike. -- Players featured in the book include: Lance Berkman, St. Louis Cardinals Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers Andre Ethier, Los Angeles Dodgers Adrian Gonzalez, Boston Red Sox Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies Derek Jeter, New York Yankees Josh Johnson, Florida Marlins Paul Konerko, Chicago White Sox Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals Hanley Ramirez, Florida Marlins Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees Johan Santana, New York Mets Grady Sizemore, Cleveland Indians Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies David Wright, New York Mets VIDEOS: Book trailer Behind the Scenes: Players During the Photo Shoots Martha Stewart Television MLB Network Local NBC Miami News