A Birdwatcher's Cookbook - Softcover

Fisk, Erma J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 039333130X ISBN 13: 9780393331301

Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company, 1987

Synopsis

For years Erma Fisk (Jonnie as she is known to her friends) has crisscrossed the globe, first with her husband as they traveled for the Department of Commerce, and more recently as an ornithologist and bird-bander. In addition to studying birds, she has gathered recipes and anecdotes wherever she has been, most often from other birdwatchers and their friends. Those who have sat at her table know she has more culinary tricks than you can shake a stick at. Those less fortunate have still had the pleasure of smelling her wonderful bread from afar. Now at last she has been persuaded to share the wealth with us in this delightful collection of food, people, and experiences that will charm even those who don't know a robin from a radish. Birdwatchers will benefit from her practical suggestions. But anyone can revel in her recipes from Lazy Biscuits and Spider Johnny Cake to Father Fisk's Rum Punch and Christmas-Count Pick Up.

About this title

From Publishers Weekly

Admitting greater enthusiasm for birdwatching than cooking, ornithologist Fisk offers a charming volume that is much more than the sum of its recipes. Veteran birdwatchers and weekend picnickers will enjoy dishes that lend themselves to being wedged into a portable cooler, notably spinach squares and beet soup (borscht). There are also many warm, end-of-the-day meals, among them "cold night's" lamb stew, Northwest fish chowder and cheese woodchuck (with onion, milk, corn and eggs). Brazil-nut chips, Father Fisk's rum punch and Atchie Alexander's fruit-nut torte are offered as snacks. However, it is Fisk's writing style and pervasive personality that make this volume unusual. In most cookbooks, the entry "goose" contains directions; here, this cook explains why she can't quite bring herself to prepare one. Evelyn's scrapple starts with a 48-gallon kettle, three pigs and one steer. Fisk encourages readers to experiment and be creative ("I can only spoon-feed you so far") and nonchalantly notes: "Some dishes I don't particularly like but others do, so maybe you will." Many cookbooks have fancier recipes; few are better company. Fisk is the author of The Peacocks of Baboqui'vari. Illustrations not seen by PW.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Publication date: 1987
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 039333130X
• ISBN 13: 9780393331301
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 271