Lots of “must try” recipes tagged with posted notes! Sarah Leah Chase will be at Highfield Hall tomorrow for a demo and book signing of her new, New England Open House Cookbook. We’ll be fortunate to be able to work with her in the kitchen prior to the demonstration that is open to the public.

It’s nice when things totally exceed your expectations. I bought the book because I knew that I would be meeting the author. The subject matter appealed to me, and I assumed that I would like having it, but it has rapidly been elevated to my new “go to”source for new things to try. She references specific names and sources for products, and is generous in crediting other authors for her inspiration on some of her recipes. I admire that.

I have high hopes that today’s little fishing excursion will produce the Black Bass that I’d like to use tonight for her recipe for Victory Garden Battered Haddock. The recipe reverses the normal process for battering fish. You dip the fish in seasoned flour (In this case, Wondra, my new favorite coating for fish!) and then in an egg wash before frying.

If all else fails, we’ll stop at the fish market on our way home from the boat and buy haddock!