Happy Anniversary to “A Taste of Oregon”!

By: Lori Smart | October 16 2010
Posted in Eugene - Cook It - Eugene

Photo: Junior League, Eugene Chapter

This month marks the 30^th anniversary of an outstanding award winning local cookbook. The Eugene Chapter of the Junior League first published “A Taste of Oregon” in 1980 and since then they have sold over 385,000 copies. This treasure of a cookbook has received the Southern Living Hall of Fame and Walter S. McIlhenny Hall of Fame awards.

The Junior League is an International organization of over 160,000 women that was founded in the early 1900’s and is focused on volunteer work. Cookbook sales are one of the ways the Junior League raises funds for their charity efforts. The Eugene chapter uses the cookbook sale revenue to help fund A Caring Response and A Caring Place, assisting foster care families in Lane County.

Scattered throughout the book are tidbits of Oregon history and pioneer life as well as beautiful drawings from local artists. Several recipes included in the book are contributions from historical restaurants throughout Oregon. Using local ingredients may be a current culinary trend, but The Junior League of Eugene was well ahead of their time when it comes to local ingredients. You’ll find many recipes focused on native produce and wild game found in Oregon among the 600 triple tested recipes in this book.

“A Taste of Oregon” also includes a menu planner and wine guide. Many of the menus are locally themed, including the Timber Country Breakfast, Oregon Coast Picnic, McKenzie River Catch, and Pioneer Supper. Whether you’re entertaining guests from out of town, or living out of state and desiring to keep a connection to your Oregon roots, this cookbook belongs in your collection. It would also make an excellent gift in a basket with some Oregon made products.

Photo: Lori Smart

In honor of the anniversary of “A Taste of Oregon” Chef Gabriel Gil of The Rabbit Bistro, winner of the 2010 Iron Chef Eugene and Iron Chef Oregon, updates the Candied Carrots recipe from “A Taste of Oregon” adding his unique modern twist. This recipe would be a unique addition to the Thanksgiving table.

Ninkasi Glazed Carrots

1 bunch fresh farmer’s market baby carrots

¼ cup honey

¼ cup chicken stock or water

¾ cup Ninkasi IPA or another Oregon IPA

2 T butter

2 T Sherry Vinegar

Salt (to taste)

Place everything in a sauté pan and reduce to a glaze over medium high heat until carrots are tender.

Salt to taste

Serves 4

You can buy “A Taste of Oregon” from the Eugene Junior League web site, from Amazon, or in your local Barnes & Noble. Make sure you add Chef Gil’s recipe in the ‘Vegetable’ section of your copy!



Note: 2 photos uploaded, one of the book, and one of Chef Gil with the book.