Renee Chodkowski, the Great Foodini, presented last night at Hartland's
Cromaine District Library. In a program titled "Post-Apocalyptic Dining
with The Great Foodini," our pop-up chef took native Michigan
ingredients and transformed them into a satisfying menu. Renee talked
about the Great Michigan Read /Station Eleven/(which she had clearly
read)/, /and her research into primitive food preparation, and gave an
informative presentation on turning modern recipes into survival
recipes.She told patrons she loved the way the book made her think about
the comforts and conveniences in our lives and it inspired her to go
beyond the grocery store and more into her backyard for ingredients!The
food was delicious, fresh, and healthy and The Great Foodini was a
delight with her wit, stories, and discussion. After, she told us she'll
tailor each presentation across the state for what's in season. And, as
always with Renee, there were incredible aromas in the library and
fabulous samples, plus takeaway recipes.
Want another inducement to get on board with the Michigan Humanities
Council's Great Michigan Read in the 2015-2017 period? Bring the book to
life with Renee. Consider: It’s time to eat in year 20 of the
post-apocalyptic world of west coast Michigan/. /The local grocery
stores are abandoned shells, electricity is gone, and a nomadic
lifestyle on a road full of danger and unknowns is not conducive to
slow-cooked, elaborate meals.What would be eaten?Foods such as venison,
fish, blueberries, fiddlehead ferns, apples and maple syrup.Remember,
"Survival is not enough."
Ceci Marlow and Stefanie Furge, Learning Events Assistant
