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You are here: Home / books / Cookbook Review: Flavours of Prince Edward Island, a Culinary Journey

Cookbook Review: Flavours of Prince Edward Island, a Culinary Journey

February 9, 2011 by Suzie the Foodie 7 Comments

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Thanks to all my readers voting for my Seafood Potato Skins I won a copy of Flavours of Prince Edward Island: A Culinary Journey by Jeff McCourt, Alan Williams and Austin Clement. Have I ever had a great time putting the recipes through my kitchen and reading all about food in PEI.

Chicken, Pesto and Chanterelle Mushroom Pizza

“Chanterelles! Aah, what bliss. 
These golden forest gems are a true delicacy.” ~ Chef Jeff McCourt

Most recently I made their Chicken, Pesto and Chanterelle Mushroom Pizza for dinner, my husband ADORED it! You know me, hard to impress with a chicken dish but this was very tasty. I had to reconstitute dried chanterelles for this pizza which was such a treat! I loved learning that they grow in the woods in PEI from July until late October.

The cookbook is divided into sections based on ingredient: beef, pork, mussels, clams, oysters, lobster, tuna, apples, blueberries, cranberries, gardens (backyard bounty), mushrooms, potatoes, cheese, wine and spirits. Each chapter is written by one of the chefs. It does get a little confusing because you are not always sure whose voice it is you are reading but their love of life and food on the island is clear throughout. Having Chef Michael Smith write the introduction not only brings a familiar and impressive PEI ambassador to the book, it also brings his warm and friendly voice to the we-love-PEI chorus:

Prince Edward Island is a giant green farm, floating in the deep blue sea, surrounded by sandy beaches, rich with fertile soil and blessed with a community of passionate culinary artisans who make our local food so special.

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The photographs of the food are absolutely stunning. Above on the right you will see a more tasteful and elegant photo of their Potato and Bacon Soup than mine (I was having too much fun with the chives). You will not only find images of the food but of the farmers and their families throughout. This is way more than just a cookbook, it shares fascinating information about the island, the foods grown there and the stories that illustrate life on Prince Edward Island.

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So much so that throughout the book you will find many two-page spreads solely dedicated to photographs. Were these photographs being used as “filler” for the cookbook? As someone who spent their 10-year-wedding-anniversary on the island, I can wholeheartedly say… no. Not only that, I appreciate the book’s power to transport me back to that special place while I graze through each page, past every photograph. This book is not just for someone who loves to cook with the foods of PEI, it is a way to revisit the island over and over again.

Flavours of PEI Buttermilk Biscuits Flavours of PEI Steamed Mussels New London Style

When it comes to the recipes, not once was I ever disappointed. In fact, everything was a success. Above you will see the Buttermilk Biscuits and Steamed Mussels I made. Everything was delicious and inspiring. I know I will be coming back to this cookbook over and over again. One day I may even make the Lobster Bouillabaisse when I can afford to make a meal with four pounds of lobster!

This cookbook is gorgeous, absolute eye candy without sacrificing the integrity of the recipes or the text. It is jam-packed with information, advice, stories and astoundingly beautiful photographs. I am happy to give this book, five out of five wooden spoons.

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Comments

  1. Debra She Who Seeks says

    February 9, 2011 at 2:15 pm

    I’d love to visit PEI someday.

    Reply
  2. jaz@octoberfarm says

    February 9, 2011 at 6:16 pm

    i love pei and miss it! i might have to get this book!

    Reply
  3. Suzie Ridler says

    February 10, 2011 at 12:41 am

    Debra, this book makes you feel like you have been there, hope you get there one day, such a special place.

    Jaz, you will LOVE this book!

    Reply
  4. Linda Nelson (Lemon Drop) says

    March 7, 2011 at 4:37 pm

    PEI is my favorite place ! In fact we are considered relocating there permanently. This cookbook review brought back so many lovely memories of our trips to this beautiful island. I am definitely buying my own copy this week !

    Reply
  5. foiechef says

    November 12, 2011 at 11:03 pm

    Suzie, thanks for your kind words and for putting our book through the paces. These recipes are from our own pantry so when we here about how well they work in someone elses home it makes it all worth while. On behalf of Allan, Jeff and myself I invite you and your readers to visit our awsome little island.
    keep on cookin!
    Austin

    Reply
  6. Melanie Cohen says

    October 16, 2012 at 11:32 am

    Suzie, thank you so much for sharing this review. I want to prepare a special dish for my boyfriend, so I will buy the book, especially that I’ve read good things about it! I’ve found it here: http://www.canadathestore.com/products/flavours-of-prince-edward-island and it has a better price than on Amazon. Do you heard something about this site? Thanks once again! 🙂

    Reply
  7. Suzie Ridler says

    October 16, 2012 at 1:17 pm

    Melanie, I unfortunately do not have any experience with that site but as long as they have a good return policy and it is a better price? I say go for it! Such a stunning book, a real treasure.

    Reply

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