On Friday evening, to kick start the Shetland Food Fair - the annual celebration of Shetland's rich, well stocked larder - native Shetlander and Taste of Shetland contributor Marian Armitage launched her first book: Shetland Food and Cooking, to an eager audience.
Marian speaks to the audience, followed by a musical presentation by her sister Wilma and pianist Carol Anderson
The Shetland Food and Cooking cookery book is the culmination of several years' research, drawn from a 35 year career teaching domestic science, driven by her Shetland heritage and inspired by Marian's love of the wide variety of produce grown, reared and caught on these islands. Marian firmly believes Shetland has the finest produce on offer, anywhere.
Combining tradition with contemporary recipes, Marian serves up delights such as Shetland bannocks, sassermeat clatch, rhubarb chutney, taatie soup with reestit mutton and a whole host of seafood recipes, but you will also find more contemporary recipes such as Armenian lamb, bobotie, ceviche and a beremeal flat bread recipe, made with a heritage barley grown here in Shetland since the time of the Vikings.
"This book is about Shetlanders, the food they grow, rear, catch and sell; the traditions and historical influences as well as newer trends."
This beautifully presented and easily readable book is divided into five sections: fish, meat, fruit & vegetables, dairy and home baking, and each section contains engaging historical stories and personal anecdotes which means you will want to read this cook book like a novel, cover to cover, savouring each and every mouthwatering word.
Printed and published by The Shetland Times this paperback book retails at £20 and you can pick up a copy from the Shetland Museum and Archives online shop.
The Shetland Times were selling copies of the book at the launch and these were quickly snapped up by guests, with some buying four or five at a time before queuing for autographs! I myself bought two - one for myself and one to give away to one of my blog readers as a Christmas present.
GIVEAWAY
So, if you fancy the chance of winning an autographed copy of Marian's new book, Shetland Food and Cooking, pop over to my own blog Elizabeth's Kitchen Diary to see how!
Guests at the launch were treated to wine and a selection of Shetland canapés
Elizabeth Atia
I am a self taught home cook, feeding my family on the west side of Shetland with as much local produce, flavour and love as I can. I am no expert by any means, but I do enjoy learning and writing about food, flavours and techniques.