cover image CHRISTINA'S COOKBOOK: Recipes and Tales from a Northwest Island Kitchen

CHRISTINA'S COOKBOOK: Recipes and Tales from a Northwest Island Kitchen

Christina Orchid, . . Sasquatch, $29.95 (272pp) ISBN 978-1-57061-403-3

Over the past 25 years, Orchid's intimate restaurant, Christina's, situated over a refurbished gas station on Orcas Island north of Seattle, has developed a local cult following as well as become a pilgrimage destination for foodies. With her first book, Orchid shares the robust approach to American cooking that has won her so many fans. Bringing together her grandparents' ranch traditions, basic French and Italian techniques and the Northwest's abundant local ingredients, she has produced an appealing volume that showcases both her skill and her down-to-earth philosophy. Orchid's impeccably clear and simple recipes are organized around the parts of the meal—appetizers, salads, main courses, etc.—interspersed with essays on ingredients (tomatoes, salmon) and objects (tools). There are familiar dishes, such as Planked Salmon, but also a happy abundance of more idiosyncratic Orchid twists, including her signature chutneys and breadsticks, as well as dishes like Cold Halibut Ceviche Soup, Grilled Sturgeon with Blueberry Chutney, and Pomegranate Lamb Chops. Those living outside the Northwest may find certain ingredients hard to find (e.g., Ling cod, sockeye and Dungeness crab), but Orchid's fondness for pairing strong natural flavorings is within the reach of most dedicated home cooks. Photos. (Oct.)

Forecast: The book should enjoy an especially strong life in the Northwest region through the holidays and beyond.