Spicing Up the Cariboo: Characters, Cultures & Cuisines of the Cariboo Chilcotin, authored by Margaret-Anne Enders, Marilyn Livingston, Tom Salley, and Bettina Schoen, is a captivating anthology that intertwines personal narratives with cherished recipes, offering a profound insight into the diverse cultural landscape of British Columbia’s Cariboo Chilcotin region. This 192-page collection, published by Caitlin Press in 2013, transcends the traditional boundaries of a cookbook, serving as a heartfelt tribute to the community’s rich heritage and the universal language of food.
The book features contributions from over forty-five residents, each sharing stories that reflect their unique journeys and cultural backgrounds. From Manola Khounviseth’s poignant account of escaping Laos to Andrea Thomas’s homage to First Nations traditions, these narratives are deeply personal yet universally resonant. Each story is accompanied by a family recipe, ranging from traditional dishes to innovative fusions, collectively presenting over 100 recipes that span continents and generations. In our Recipe section, you’ll find a Cheese Souffle dish contributed by Swiss resident Verena Berger.
What makes this collection unique is its emphasis on the interconnectedness of food, culture, and community. The contributors’ stories reveal themes of resilience, love, and adaptation, illustrating how culinary traditions serve as a bridge between past and present, homeland and new beginnings. The inclusion of recipes from regions such as Peru, Bangladesh, and the American West, alongside local Indigenous cuisines, underscores the area’s multicultural fabric.
Beyond its rich content, the book is thoughtfully designed, with each page inviting readers to immerse themselves in the storytellers’ experiences. The narratives are complemented by vivid descriptions and, where available, photographs that enhance the reader’s connection to the stories and dishes. This sensory engagement transforms the act of reading into an intimate exploration of the Cariboo Chilcotin’s cultural landscape.
Spicing Up the Cariboo is more than a compilation of recipes; it’s a celebration of human stories and the enduring power of food to unite and heal. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast eager to explore diverse flavors or a reader interested in personal narratives that reflect broader cultural themes, this book offers a rich and rewarding experience. Win a copy of this book in our Giveaway section or purchase it at https://caitlinpress.com/Books/S/Spicing-Up-the-Cariboo
In an era where understanding and appreciating cultural diversity is more important than ever, this anthology stands as a testament to the strength found in community and the shared human experience.
Contents and images used with permission by authors Margaret-Anne Enders, Marilyn Livingston, Tom Salley, and Bettina Schoen and Caitlin Press. https://caitlinpress.com/Books/S/Spicing-Up-the-Cariboo
