Dishing Up Minnesota – 150 Recipes from the Land of 10,000 Lakes, by Teresa Marrone. Photography by David Schmidt.

Dishing Up Minnesota was a really fun cookbook to go through (especially for someone who’s Minnesotan through and through). Many of the recipes seem to be “dressed up” versions of Minnesota classics, as well as ones from Minnesotan chefs from around the state. That wasn’t what made this book so much fun, though.

Instead, what made this book fun was the pride that was clear when the author wrote about life in Minnesota, like going “up north” or ice fishing. From Minnesotan apple varieties and hotdish, to various micro-brews and farming practices, it was full of information about my home state. Even for someone who was born and lived here all their life, there were still new things to learn.

It also highlighted local products, such as honey, maple syrup, wild rice, orchards, and wild game. Interspersed throughout the recipes were tips and suggestions to help the reader properly execute the recipes, such as explaining what it is that makes milk curdle in a recipe for a milk stout/coffee drink. It was put together thoughtfully and with care, and along with the beautiful photography (that probably makes up half of the book), this would be a fantastic addition to anyone’s cookbook library.

 

 

Disclaimer: I was given a digital advanced copy of this book from publishers registered with NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.