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