Over the years Asa and I have shared our favorite dog friendly places in Maine, fun facts, and history about our home state. So today we’re sharing how you can bring the taste of Maine home to your neck of the woods! If you’re looking for a gift for your humans, we recommend The Plain Maine Cookbook: Oldies but Goodies by our friend Melanie Lee.
Now these are not recipes for the fancy foods served at the summer resorts of Maine. Instead this cookbook is filled with easy to prepare comfort foods that Mainers enjoy year round. Foods like Maine Clam Chowder, Baked Haddock, and of course how to cook the quintessential meal of Lobsters! Included are also seasonal favorites like Fried Fiddleheads, Pumpkin Pie, and Apple Fritters. There are also recipes for Mainers’ go-to desserts of Whoopie Pies and Bread Pudding.
Yet in this recipe book you’ll also find unique or old fashion recipes that are often overlooked today. Have you ever tried Glogg? Or how about Potato Candy? Depression Cake and War Cake are also oldies but goodies. And Milk Toast was once the go-to favorite comfort food for those not feeling well, and comes highly recommended today by our Mom and Dad. There is even a recipe to make your own Elderberry Syrup!
And for those from “away,” you’ll find familiar comfort food recipes such as Shepherd’s Pie, Chicken Soup, Potato Puffs, and don’t forget the Chocolate Doughnuts! With over 200 recipes, there is something for everyone in The Plain Maine Cookbook: Oldies But Goodies, with easy to follow directions and simple ingredients, many of which you may already have in your cupboards. As Melanie Lee explains, “Some of the recipes are cherished family dishes, and others are included for posterity so they will not be lost to time. Maine cooking follows tradition and builds hearty people. It feeds, nourishes, and satisfies the body and soul.”
The Plain Maine Cookbook: Oldies But Goodies by Melanie Lee is available on Amazon. And for those of you thinking about moving to Maine, we also recommend Melanie Lee’s e-book, So You Want to Move to Maine?: A Foolproof Guide to Making a Successful Move, also available on Amazon and through Lulu. And for Melanie’s beautiful photos of Maine, as well as her inspirational quotes and stories, be sure to follow her “In Pursuit of Maine” on Facebook and Twitter.
