Herbal Celebrations Cookbook: Another Visit to Ravenhill Farm

Janet Arnett is the former campus manager of adult education at Ontario’s Georgian College. She is the author of Antiques and Collectibles: Starting Small, The Grange at Knock, and 673 Ways to Save Money.

Appreciation for the intriguing qualities of herbs permeates both text
and recipes in this work. For the mother–daughter authors, herbs are
more than seasonings and plate garnishes. They are fascinated with the
personalities of herbs, respectful of their chemistry, impressed by
their variety and abundance.

The “celebrations” referred to in the title are mainly the changing
seasons, although menus and recipes are included for such well-known
celebrations as Easter, weddings, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New
Year’s. Prefacing each section is an essay that sets the mood and tone
for the menus and recipes that follow. These short introductory pieces
bring to life the authors’ home in British Columbia, Ravenhill Farm.
Nostalgia, family values, and respect for local farm-fresh produce
dominate. In contrast, the recipes add an international dash, drawing on
Cameron’s extensive world travels.

Each recipe uses generous amounts of (generally fresh) herbs that can
be found in most large supermarkets. Quantities and measurements are
given in both imperial and metric. The layout is designed for practical
use in the kitchen, and the book includes a good index and informative
sidebars.

Compensating for the book’s rather dull design are such menus as
Frost Fusion Feast, Asparagus Lover’s Buffet, Harvest Heaven, and
Christmas Eve Seafood Extravaganza.