The Canadian Cookbook: History, Folklore & Recipes With a Twist    by Jennifer Ogle Order:  USA  Can Lone Pine, 2006 (2006) Softcover      Reviewed by Martina Bexte In the introduction to The Canadian Cookbook, chef and author Jennifer Ogle says that the Canadian kitchen is 'defined by its diversity. It is recognition of a geography that is as diverse as its people ... Canadian food is a celebration of Old World foods and methods colliding with New World ingredients. It is seeing how these recipes have been passed on through the generations. It is reacquainting ourselves with Native cuisine that fell out of flavour with the rise of the fast food empire'. She begins with a list of Essential Ingredients. Then it's on to the actual recipes - 75 in all, and guaranteed to be easy to prepare. Each recipe is accompanied by history, folklore and regional information on both preparation and ingredients, as well as a vibrant, full-page color photo showing the finished dish. Contents are divided into five sections: Soups & Appetizers, Main Dishes, Sides, Brunch & Condiments, Desserts and Drinks. Here are a few examples: Bison Carpaccio Salad celebrates the buffalo that once roamed in vast herds across North America. Try Tabbouleh, a refreshing salad introduced by Lebanese immigrants. The Atlantic Provinces are well known for their seafood: Guinness and Maple Prince Edward Island Mussels follows its roots back to Ireland. Pierogi, introduced by Polish immigrants, have long been a Canadian tradition. Lazy Pierogi may well become your new favorite since you won't need an 'army of nimble fingered babkas' to whip them up. Arctic Char have long been a part of the Inuit diet. Arctic Char with Zucchini Noodles and Avocado Mousse should help you appreciate this fish's unique flavour. Early settlers relied on the humble bean as a necessity and baked beans remain popular. Molasses and Rum-Baked Beans is an easy and unique way to present the humble bean. Saskatoon berries grow in profusion in British Columbia and the Prairies and are delicious treat in the Saskatoon Pie recipe presented here. The Canadian Cookbook puts a wonderfully unique spin on traditional Canadian cuisine and would make a great addition to anyone's recipe book library. Sturdily bound and compact in size, you'll refer to it any time you want to whip up something a little different for family and friends. And with the holidays just around the corner, the gourmand on your list will love discovering a copy of The Canadian Cookbook in their stocking. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews