To the Editor:
An Agricultural Society Cookbook, what a marvelous idea. Although from past letters I can read that there is some grumbling about the rules for baked goods entered. Let’s not lose sight of what could be a wonderful opportunity for our community. For example, If we had a submissions event for those willing to share their favorite or secret recipes, submit the recipes prior to the fair, create the book, let the bakers display their culinary creations and sell the cookbooks. I am sure we have eager students willing to sit in the Ag Hall and sell the cookbooks. And how about having some of proceeds from the cookbook go for a culinary arts scholarship for one of our gifted high school students.
The upsetting remarks about the requirements for entering a baked good in the fair are a bit shortsighted. Let’s look at all the positives that could arise from a community cookbook. I for one would love to have some of the recipes I have had the opportunity to taste at potluck dinners and festive gatherings. Not everyone has to share their family culinary secrets.
Let’s start over and see the potential for a wonderful community project, a bonus event for the Agricultural Society Fair and a possible scholarship opportunity for our students. Why does everything have to be such a fight? An unintentional mistake was made in requiring those to reveal their heart-held family secret recipe, but we could have a separate section for those entries who were proud enough and open enough to share. Keep the old entry category, but add a new one for those who want to share and create a community cookbook. So simple to do, so simple not to fight and fuss, so simple to think we can work together. I for one would welcome the opportunity to work on such a project. I would love some of the recipes from Nip & Tuck Farm and the Fisher family. What about interviews with the chefs from the food vendors who set up at the fair? This is a community gift, sitting in our laps.
Sherri Church
West Tisbury