A Birdwatcher's Cookbook Book

Erma J. Fisk, world-travelling ornithologist and bird-bander, shares the wealth of her years of travel in this delightful collection of food, people and experiences that will ...

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. (December)