A Canadian Country Diary & Recipe Book

Ann Turner is Financial and Budget Manager at the University of British
Columbia Library.

The cycle of the seasons brings particular joy to the country dweller, who, being close to nature, can observe and marvel at its beauty and infinite variety. This hand-crafted book was prepared by two women whose own love for the countryside and fascination with the plants and animals that inhabit it are apparent on every page. The seasons are distinct in Ontario, and even the individual months have unique flavours. It is the procession of months that forms the basis of this book. For each one there are evocative descriptive passages and poems about its particular country scene, the birds, animals, and weather. The flower, birth-stone, astrological sign, and dates of special events in the month are noted. And then there are the recipes — 93 in all. These cover the full range of cookery, from soup to desserts, salads to preserves, based on the ingredients available in each month. In winter we have hearty soups and breads from the storehouse; in spring we gather greens and early vegetables; summer brings fruits and herbs; and in the autumn we enjoy and preserve the bounty of the harvest. The text is finely hand-written, its graceful flow blending happily with Sarah Silver’s charming illustrations of birds, animals, and plants. From a practical cookery point of view, the book is well designed for use. Its plastic ring binding allows it to lie flat on the counter, and the recipes are carefully indexed by type and principal ingredient. Metrification has not yet penetrated the country kitchen, but a table of Imperial-to-metric measure conversions is included. A truly delightful book, for contemplation or for cooking.