The Blue Book of Canadian Cuisine: A Tribute to Elected Progressive Conservative Members and Senators and a Galaxy of Good Eating

Joan McGrath is a Toronto Board of Education library consultant.

Like most cookbooks, this one has a theme. It is “a tribute to elected Conservative members and senators,” a collection of personal favourites contributed by True Blues from across the nation, “reflecting the regional and ethnic diversity of Canadian cuisine.” The centrepiece of the collection, four featured recipes accompanied by colored portraits of Special Guests, is made up of the personal contributions of Canada’s Prime Minister Brian Mulroney (Veal Sour Soup); Britain’s Prime Minister Mrs. Margaret Thatcher (Treacle Tart); United States President and First Lady Ronald and Nancy Reagan (Macaroni and Cheese and Pumpkin Pecan Pie); and Saskatchewan’s Premier Grant Devine (Rich Dark Fruit Cake). The large collection of recipes varies from fairly complex and costly dishes to variations on the theme of peanut butter sandwiches, listed under the headings Appetizers and Beverages; Brunches, Lunches and Breads; Soups and Salads; Vegetables, Pasta and Rice; Entrées (Poultry, Lamb, Pork, Beef, Seafood); and Desserts. Spiralbound for convenient use, and indexed separately under recipe and name of donor.