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The Northern Exposure Cookbook: A Community Cookbook from the Heart of the Alaskan Riviera
A collection of more than one hundred recipes based on actual "Northern Exposure" episodes features instructions for creating Shelly's Tuna Supreme, Chris's Mea Culpa Three-Bean Salad, Adam's Cheese Blintzes, and other treats. Original.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 22, 2022
THE NORTHERN EXPOSURE COOKBOOK was published about halfway through that series' run, in 1993. It is based on the conceit that village storekeeper Ruth-Ann Miller edited it as a fund-raiser for a future community center, and its over 80 recipes appear in the voices of the show's leading characters. Thus Joel Fleischman contributes Jewish favorites from his family and one "potluck" recipe only a dedicated non-cook could take seriously: strawberry Jello with banana slices pushed in. Maggie O'Connell offers mostly good-girl Midwestern fare like bran muffins (that, with twelve ingredients, is WAY too complex). Radio jock and all-around philosophe Chris Stevens kicks in glazed carrots, pumpkin pie and a "Monk's Cassoulet." Holling and Shelley are responsible for good ol' tavern food, like "Kick-Ass Chili," Lime Chiffon Pie, and the Hot Dog and Cheese casserole Shelly dishes up to prove to Holling she can groove on the Fifties, too.
Ruth-Ann herself offers recipes with a traditional cast, like her meat loaf and classic oatmeal cookies. But the snark factor and level of sophistication definitely rise with Adam, who offers us more challenging recipes like his German Apple Pancake, Eggs Florentine and Cumin Noodles, accompanied by a little sesame and a lot of sarcasm ("You note that I'm standing here within reaching distance of this cleaver?"). Town millionaire and self-designated community leader Maurice Minnifield is responsible for more traditional upscale fare, like "Greens with Balsamic Vinaigrette" and Poached Salmon. We tried "Maurice's" red cabbage-based coleslaw and found it bright, refreshing, and easy to prepare. Cicely's only B-and-B is owned by two gay men, Ron and Erick, whose tastes in food if not in men are similar to Maurice's -- alas, they aren't heard from here.
As far as recipe content goes, this cookbook isn't too far different from a book with a title like RECIPES FROM OUR FELLOWSHIP HALL. But the humor takes it from a potential three stars to a full four.
Ruth-Ann herself offers recipes with a traditional cast, like her meat loaf and classic oatmeal cookies. But the snark factor and level of sophistication definitely rise with Adam, who offers us more challenging recipes like his German Apple Pancake, Eggs Florentine and Cumin Noodles, accompanied by a little sesame and a lot of sarcasm ("You note that I'm standing here within reaching distance of this cleaver?"). Town millionaire and self-designated community leader Maurice Minnifield is responsible for more traditional upscale fare, like "Greens with Balsamic Vinaigrette" and Poached Salmon. We tried "Maurice's" red cabbage-based coleslaw and found it bright, refreshing, and easy to prepare. Cicely's only B-and-B is owned by two gay men, Ron and Erick, whose tastes in food if not in men are similar to Maurice's -- alas, they aren't heard from here.
As far as recipe content goes, this cookbook isn't too far different from a book with a title like RECIPES FROM OUR FELLOWSHIP HALL. But the humor takes it from a potential three stars to a full four.
April 23, 2023
I am rating this cookbook 5 stars for nostalgia. Back when Northern Exposure was on tv, I was living in the Northwest Territories and I fell in love with the show and it's quirky characters. The North attracts quirky characters, I fit in well.
On a trip to Universal Studios in Los Angeles in the mid 90's I spotted this book and snapped it up. Each recipe is introduced by the character who shared it, with a commentary running through by the character who compiled the book. All these years after the end of the show the voices of these characters are instantly recognizable to me. I loved the trip down memory lane that was this book.
As an added bonus, there are some delicious recipes here. Ranging from Adam's complicated gourmet offerings, to Ruth-Anne's comfort food, Ed's wild game, Hollis' greasy spoon dishes and Marilyn's very basic (boiled salted potatoes - it's a recipe I kid you not), there is something here for everyone and several have made their way into my book of "keepers".
On a trip to Universal Studios in Los Angeles in the mid 90's I spotted this book and snapped it up. Each recipe is introduced by the character who shared it, with a commentary running through by the character who compiled the book. All these years after the end of the show the voices of these characters are instantly recognizable to me. I loved the trip down memory lane that was this book.
As an added bonus, there are some delicious recipes here. Ranging from Adam's complicated gourmet offerings, to Ruth-Anne's comfort food, Ed's wild game, Hollis' greasy spoon dishes and Marilyn's very basic (boiled salted potatoes - it's a recipe I kid you not), there is something here for everyone and several have made their way into my book of "keepers".
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews