by Jennifer A. Wickes
copyright 2005
Savoring The Seasons is a cookbook celebrating the seasons and culture of the northern mid-west. The recipes are rich in cultural heritage, as well as history of its people and food of its environment.
Beth Dooley is a teacher and writer who lives in Minneapolis. She has also written the books: The Heartland, Recipes From Massachusetts, Peppers: Hot and Sweet, plus more! Lucia Watson is the chef and owner of the famous Lucia's in Minneapolis. She was nominated for a James Beard Foundation in 2004 for the Best Chef in the Mid-West.
I was actually most impressed by this book. I expected this region of the United States to be devoid of culture or any tasty foods. I was most surprised and extremely impressed by my findings in this book. There are numerous black and white photos from the past of farmers working the fields, and handling their livestock. There are photographs of woman in the kitchen, of Native Americans, and much more. There were also many drawings to help create the history of the people here.
There are 200 recipes contained within this book holding tradition, yet with a modernized touch. The recipes were very easy-to-read and understand. They were extremely straight-forward. The only trouble with the recipes are if you do not live in an area to find yourself rabbit, venison, squab, grouse, quail, or pheasant. But, for me, the book is worth it anyway. The recipes also indicate the cultural heritage of its people: Romanians, Sioux Indians, Poles, Germans, Austrians, Scandinavians, Hungarians, Russians, Czechs and more. Excellent recipes worth trying are: Spiced Blueberry-Lemon Preserves, Mixed Kebabs with Orange-Honey Marinade, Apple Harvest Fruit Tart, and Sausage and White Bean Soup - all eaten by my house of finicky eaters!
Chapters contained within this book include: Milling & Baking; Henhouse & Dairy; Barnyard & Smokehouse; Seasonal Kettle; The Communal Pot; North Woods & Prairie; Deep Lakes & Swift Streams; Backyard Gardens; Preserves & Pickles; Come For Coffee; and Pride of the Heartland.
Interested in learning more of the region which housed people like Laura Ingalls Wilder? Wanting to know more of your own country? Pick up this book, it is a lovely book.
"Savoring The Seasons of the Northern Heartland"
Beth Dooley and Lucia Watson
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