Residing on Maine's Islesboro Island, Sandra Oliver is a revered food historian with a vast knowledge of New England food history, subsistence living, and Yankee cooking. For the past five years, she has published her weekly recipes column, “Tastebuds,” in the Bangor Daily News. The column has featured hundreds of recipes—from classic tried-and-true dishes to innovative uses for traditional ingredients. Collecting more than 200 recipes from her column and from folks who have shared them with from all over the state, and emphasizing fresh, local ingredients, as well as the common ingredients found in most kitchens, this volume represents a new standard in home cooking. Also included are chapters with recipes and insights on canning, preserving, brining, and pickling.

In this comprehensive tome, Oliver brings the traditions and recipes of generations of Maine home cooks to life. Peppered with funny and useful advice from her island kitchen and garden, this book is chock-full of wisdom and stories. Whether you need a quick weekday meal or are indulging in a New England feast, these recipes are a delicious way to eat well and experience the culinary heritage of Maine.