In mmm… Manitoba: The Stories Behind the Foods We Eat, authors Kimberley Moore and Janis Thiessen serve up a rich tapestry of Manitoba’s culinary heritage, blending oral histories, recipes, and cultural analysis into a compelling narrative. Their journey began in 2018 with the innovative Manitoba Food History Project, where they transformed a food truck into a mobile oral history lab, traversing the province to collect stories from chefs, farmers, and home cooks alike.
The book delves into the diverse food traditions of Manitoba, highlighting dishes like Winnipeg’s “Fat Boys,” Steinbach’s perogies, and Churchill’s cloudberry jam. Through these culinary tales, Moore and Thiessen explore broader themes such as Indigenous foodways, migration, and the impact of capitalism on the agri-food industry. Interactive elements, including QR codes linking to podcast episodes and cooking demonstrations, enrich the reader’s experience.
One insightful chapter, “Unlawful Perogies,” examines the underground production of perogies, shedding light on the interplay between tradition and regulation. Another chapter, “Manomin,” focuses on the cultural significance of wild rice in Indigenous communities. These narratives underscore the province’s complex history and the role of food in shaping identity.
We have all come to appreciate the influence of Indigenous and Ukrainian contribution to the Manitoba culinary scene, but the Japanese have also had a presence. Iconic restaurants like the Ichiban in Winnipeg provides an exotic alternative to traditional comfort food of the Prairies. The Ichiban’s Geisha Girl Cocktail in our Recipe section will have you puckering up and enjoying a refreshing tart drink.
If Janis Thiessen’s name sounds familiar, we first met her historical look into the world of Snacks in Canada. Check it out at https://canadiancookbooks.ca/snacks-2/ Should you wish to purchase either book, go to https://uofmpress.ca/books/mmm-manitoba or win a copy of mmm…Manitoba in our Giveaway section.
mmm… Manitoba isn’t a cookbook (includes a smattering of recipes) but a celebration of the province’s rich culinary landscape and the stories that flavor it. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or a history buff, this book offers a delectable insight into the heart of Manitoba’s food culture.
Contents and images used with permission by University of Manitoba Press. https://uofmpress.ca/books/mmm-manitoba
