Horsing Around in the Kitchen

Jo-Anne Mary Benson, the former book review columnist for Ottawa Parent
magazine, is an Ottawa-based freelance editor and writer.

Have you ever sampled an Amigo Wake-Me-Up, a Bucking Bronco Pancake, or
a One-eyed Buffalo? Maybe Red Dynamite Punch and some
Sex-Is-Best-in-the-West Dessert is more to your liking. Possibly a
Howling Coyote Meat Sauce and a slice of Navaho Bread would nicely end
your day. One feature that immediately stands out in this book is
Kasandra O’Bertos’s grasp of what she calls “ranch-savvy
humour.” O’Bertos, who runs a western-style vacation ranch with her
husband George, has done an incredible amount of cooking for her guests
from around the world. Their enthusiastic feedback and constant requests
that she write a ranch cookbook inspired her to write Horsing Around in
the Kitchen so that everyone can experience “tempting cowboy classics
in [their] own home.”

In keeping with O’Bertos’s philosophy that “a dish without herbs
and spices is a dish without sense,” her book begins with a brief
description of spices ranging from basil and ginger to nutmeg and thyme.
The recipe collection itself is broad in scope and features tastefully
seasoned suggestions for breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, as well
instructions for special soups, salads, and desserts. The recipes are
concisely presented and most use common ingredients. Bucks, Ducks and
Things that Swim (Wild Game and Fish) is of particular note, as it is
often difficult to find recipes for game meat. In this section, one will
find lesser known culinary delights featuring buffalo, venison, moose,
and rabbit.

Adding to the book’s appeal are fine photographs (they reflect a
ranch motif with seasonal touches), entertaining cartoons, and literary
tidbits that include quotes and poems. The book concludes with a
four-week menu plan that is used by the ranch.

Horsing Around in the Kitchen is a delightfully entertaining cookbook
that offers excellent and wittily presented recipes.