The American Lighthouse Cookbook: The Best Recipes and Stories from America's Shorelines [Hardcover]

Becky Sue Epstein (Author), Ed Jackson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2009

Features 47 lighthouses, dozens of stories, and more than 300 recipes from eight coastal regions of the United States

You are invited on a culinary journey across America to visit some of our country's most beautiful and historic lighthouses. Lighthouse keepers and their families perfected the art of local dining by learning to gather food from their immediate areas.

The American Lighthouse Cookbook celebrates the local cuisines that have long been the staple of lighthouse keepers. Arranged geographically in eight regions of America, the lighthouses were chosen for their interesting backgrounds and stories. Following the story of each lighthouse is a menu for a modern-day lighthouse meal. Included are recipes mostly developed by Chef Ed Jackson, and others contributed by lighthouse societies, inns, and individuals. Each of the approximately 300 recipes captures the essence of the local foods available to lighthouse keepers from the 1700s through today.

Contains fascinating histories and delicious, seasonal recipes for:

• Honeymoon Breakfast at the Fort Niagara Lighthouse in Youngstown, New York
• Asian Pacific Dinner at the Lahaina Lighthouse in Maui, Hawaii
• Cowboy Dinner at the Point Isabel Lighthouse in Port Isabel, Texas
• Danish Breakfast at the Sand Hills Lighthouse Inn in Ahmeek, Michigan
  ...and much more!

(20091012)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Food writer and editor Epstein and chef Jackson set out to document the flavors found along Americas coastlines but they ended up with much more: a state-of-the-nation snapshot, displaying all of the U.S.'s culinary peculiarities. Profiling 47 different lighthouses ringing the coast, many more than a hundred years old, the duo offer menus from all eras, showcasing local produce and regional favorites. Many are expected: Clam Chowder, Baked Beans and Crab Cakes from the Atlantic coast, Pulled Pork from the Carolinas, Conch Fritters from the Virgin Islands, traditional beanless Texas Chili, and Vegetarian Spring Rolls from California are included among nearly 300 recipes. Surprises include everything from Alligator Gumbo to Poached Peaches with Puff Pastry Biscuits and Lavender Cream. Menu diversions include a hunt club dinner menu from the 1930s (including oyster stew, roasted venison loin and shrimp paste with toast points) and a menu that salutes the Portugese fishermen of New England (Johnny Cakes, Kale and Chorizo soup, Grilled Bluefish topped with salsa). Those with a connection to the lighthouses profiled will get the most out of the book, but even landlubbers will find new favorites among this surprisingly rich haul of Americana cooking.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

"Those with a connection to the lighthouses profiled will get the most out of the book, but even landlubbers will find new favorites among this surprisingly rich haul of Americana cooking." (Publishers Weekly 20091215)

"Whether you are a collector, lover of lighthouses, or really want to get into the history of regional foods, this book will make a nice addition to your library. I encourage you to take the time to read it through, the historical information is wonderful and there are many references that will cause you to pause and think differently about dishes that have been around for over a century." (Gourmet Girl 20091101)

"A cookbook organized around an appealing concept that boasts a diverse assortment of 300 easy-to-follow recipes." (Insatiable 20091101)

The American Lighthouse Cookbook: The Best Recipes and Stories from America's Shorelines was fun, grabbing recipes and inspiration from America's peninsulas and shores, tiny islands and various coastal regions of our country. It is bursting with the bounty of the sea-not a bad idea if you want to insert more Omega-3's into your diet. Or perhaps... as a cool coffee table book for those of you with island cabins... (Talk of Tomatoes )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Cumberland House (September 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581826761
• ISBN-13: 978-1581826760
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,037,010 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a Great Book! I'm Hungry, Seriously!, September 14, 2009

By 

Dan Welytok, Tax Attorney "Dan Welytok, Tax A... (Illinois,) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The American Lighthouse Cookbook: The Best Recipes and Stories from America's Shorelines (Hardcover)

Every time I look at a lighthouse in America, I get seriously hungry, and so when this book came along, I was torn between spending my time in the kitchen reading and cooking, or driving along the coast eating and looking at lighthouses.

These recipes are fabulous, and although I haven't tries all of the recipes, the simple ones are really good!!! Just ask the scruffy lighthousekeeper! There's a special, really special place in my cookbook collection for this book, but I can't put it there now because I'm cooking from it right now.

Look for my video review of this book soon.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A NEW LIGHT ON COOKING, September 13, 2009

By 

James R. Harter "in love with lighthouses" (New York) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The American Lighthouse Cookbook: The Best Recipes and Stories from America's Shorelines (Hardcover)

Lighthouses have always been my favorite places since Nubble Lighthouse (Maine) was a highlight of my honeymoon years ago. What a clever way to introduce delicious receipts by connecting them to regional lighthouse themes. The receipts are indigenous to the lighthouse locations and have beautiful line drawings and history of the different lighthouses. These receipts are a perfect theme idea for entertaining your guests and something special to do for you and your family. Treat yourself and anyone close to you with this special cookbook. I know what I'll be giving to everyone on my holiday/christmas list. Mary Harter, New Rochelle, NY

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gotta get this book!, September 11, 2009

By 

Cicely Hall (Winchester, MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The American Lighthouse Cookbook: The Best Recipes and Stories from America's Shorelines (Hardcover)

This is a really cool cookbook. Drawn in by the beautiful cover, I was instantly impressed by the interesting and fresh format of regional menus. If you don't like seafood (and the "recipes...from America's Shorlines" or "lover of costal cuisine" references concern you) don't worry - this book contains plenty of dishes made with chicken and pork (and and other meats), as well as countless vegetarian possibilities (like Spicy Snap Beans with Butter, Garlic, and Jalapeno Pepper from the Southeast). I've already tried a few of the recipes: The Shrimp Etouffee is delicious and easy to prepare. I also love the Pork Stew with Cornmeal Dumplings, the Chicken, Peanut and Sweet Potato Stew, the Grilled Summer Vegetables, the Watermelon Salad, and the entire "Hollywood Meal". Most of the recipes are pretty simple but so tasty. It's wonderful to be able to choose a region and recreate a typical menu; so many opportunities for great theme parties. And you can impress your friends with local and regional lighthouse facts, too!