The Rustic Gourmet: Earthy Elegance from the Woods of Northern Michigan - A Book Review
Today after my morning walk through a woods in Northern Michigan, I sat down at home intent on perusing Marie Hanis', The Rustic Gourmet: Earthy Elegance from the Woods of Northern Michigan. Ninety minutes later I had devoured every essay in the entire book. They had captivated me, held me hostage, taken me back in time and place, to memories of my own youth, and I wanted more. In this recently published cookbook, recipes abound waiting for cooks to follow ingredient by ingredient or adapt with their own special flair.
Marie, former columnist for a local northern Michigan paper, cook/ caretaker at a hunting/fishing lodge, culinary student at Northwestern Michigan University and intern at Windows Restaurant, masterfully combines her talents as culinarian and essayist in ten chapters of "I have to try it" recipes. Marie's practice of "cooking from the market" and "northern woods" creates delicious, unique takes on some very basic dishes: Huckleberry Scones, Gatherer's Soup Morel and Barley with Wild Leek, War Club Zucchini, Roast Venison with Herb Rub and Pan Mint Sauce. I can't wait to try many of the recipes. A must purchase for any cook's library, a great purchase for hunters and those who cook for hunters.
