Parkland Palate

Marjorie E. Coutts was a writer living in Bowen Island, B.C.

This cookbook is as enjoyable for the reader as its preparation must have been for the compiler. In addition, Parkland Palate fulfills the author’s intention to produce an attractive, useful souvenir in celebration of the first centennial of Canada’s national parks system, which began in 1885 with the establishment of Banff and has continued to the present, when 28 further valuable biotic and geographic regions have been set aside in perpetuity for the edification and enjoyment of present and future generations of Canadians.

Collecting and swapping favourite recipes was the long-time hobby of a group of Riding Mountain Park enthusiasts, who then expanded their interest in this area’s 50-year celebrations. One of the group, Anne Nesbitt Mense, felt that regional recipes collected from Parks enthusiasts across Canada would make a welcome as well as unprecedented addition to cookbook shelves. Therefore, in this collection the reader will find Mennonite Plumi Moos; Wagunabuie, or Lichen Soup; Lefse, or Scandinavian Potato Crepes; Pyrohy from the Ukrainians; Capilotade de Poisson, a 1699 French recipe; Bang Belly; Fried Muskrat; and Laminaria Stew. Printed in their proper categories one finds luxury foods and drinks, such as Lake O’Hara Hot Cider, Bailey’s Charlotte Renaissance (created by the chefs at Jasper Park Lodge), and Reindeer Emince (contributed by Banff Springs Hotel). In complete contrast there are simply prepared camp delights such as Chocolate Bananas and Pocket Stew. The approximately 300 recipes have been carefully tested.

To enliven the pages there are colour photographs of spectacular scenery as well as delectable foods. Recipes include both imperial and metric measurements. The spiral binding allows the pages to open flat. Although the index is somewhat confusing, probably readers will enjoy its reminders to try out other regional specialties.