The “Taste of the Beaches” cookbook features receipes by First Lady Michelle Obama, Governor Martin O’Malley, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Senator Barbara Mikulski, State Senate President Mike Miller, Delegate Sue Kullen, Senator Roy Dyson, and Delegate Joe Vallario among others.
NORTH BEACH, Md. (July 20, 2009)—The Beach Business Group’s “Taste of the Beaches” Cookbook was already being printed when a surprise came in the mail: a recipe contributed to the fundraising project by First Lady Michelle Obama. The group had invited Mrs. Obama to participate, but the passing deadline made them believe a response was not to be.
“We had given up because our publication deadline had passed,” says Beach Business Group (BBG) Cookbook Project Leader Linda Woods of Chesapeake Beach. “At the same time, we are so thrilled that the First Lady did respond.”
Mrs. Obama sent a personal note to the BBG with her recipe for Obama Family Chili, saying “There is a rich history of First Families sharing their favorite recipes, and it is a tradition we are excited to continue.”
The BBG Cookbook Committee members sprang to action to create a separate page for the First Lady’s recipe, which is being inserted into the loose-leaf cookbook by hand.
“We have an assembly line in my garage,” laughs BBG President Lynda Striegel.
“We’re so proud of this. It’s a keepsake that showcases the best of the Twin Beaches,” Streigel adds. “You have to see it to appreciate how beautiful it is. ”
The non-profit BBG will contribute $1 from each cookbook sold to the Bayside Unit of the Boys & Girls Club. The rest of the proceeds will be used to support local businesses that are BBG members.
The cookbook cover even looks delicious, with perfect Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs smothered in Old Bay seasoning. Inside are more than 350 unique recipes, contributed by friends and neighbors, local chefs, and dignitaries.
There’s a section called Bay Treasures which features many innovate and mouth-watering ways to prepare crabs, rockfish, and oysters. Many of the recipes are from local charter boat captains and lifelong watermen.
The book also features beautiful photos of the Chesapeake Bay by area photographers including Gary Pendleton, Bob Tinari, Bob Munro, Diane Burr and Ron Luzier, along with a history of the beaches.
Nearly 300 cookbooks were pre-ordered and the BBG is now distributing them to purchasers through the Twin Beaches Branch of the Calvert County Library and at the North Beach Friday Night Farmers’ Market. In addition to those two locations, “Taste of the Beaches” cookbooks are also available for sale at Coffee, Tea and Whimsey, Seascapes, and the Law Office of Striegel and Buchheister. Those who wish to have their cookbooks shipped can order them through the BBG web site at www.beachbusinessgroup.org.
In addition to First Lady Michelle Obama, other dignitaries who shared their secret dishes include Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley (Rockfish in Crab Sauce), House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (Summer Salad), and Senator Barbara Mikulski (Senator Barb’s Favorite Crab Cakes).
State Senate President Mike Miller contributed President’s Delight, which is a rich coconut cake. Delegate Sue Kullen shared her award-winning chili, Senator Roy Dyson gave his mother’s Stuffed Ham dish, and Delegate Joe Vallario contributed Congo Bars. State’s Attorney Laura Martin gave her recipe for Chicken Rolls and Calvert County Sheriff Mike Evans shared his recipe for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes.
Calvert County Commissioners also responded wholeheartedly to the BBG cookbook project. President Wilson Parran contributed Kidney Bean & Pasta Soup, Jerry Clark gave his recipe for Macaroni and Cheese, Susan Shaw offered Brown Sugar Pudding.
Chesapeake Beach Mayor Bruce Wahl shared his Beef Barbeque recipe and North Beach Mayor Michael Bojokles gave his for Beef Stroganoff. Numerous recipes from Town Council members in the beaches are featured as well.