Arctic explorer and environmental activist Will Steger (Think South) founded the Steger Wilderness Center in Minnesota in 1988; it now serves as a base for exploration and as a way to model carbon-neutral solutions and ecological stewardship in the face of climate change. At the Homestead, the heart of the Wilderness Center, head chef Rita Mae Steger--Will Steger's niece--brings the Center's goals to life through simple, sustainably sourced, delicious meals. In The Steger Homestead Kitchen, Will and Rita Mae, along with cookbook author Beth Dooley, share some of those recipes.
Organized into seven sections, including "The Garden," "Simple Comforts," "Fireside Feasts" and "The Homestead Oven," the book's accessible format allows home cooks to bring the Homestead philosophy into their own kitchens. Each section, and many of the recipes, are framed by the Stegers' memories and feature stunning photos of life at the Wilderness Center. With Spaghetti Squash Gratin, Best Ever Turkey Burgers, Beef One Pot and a fire-roasted Baba Ghanoush, the Homestead Kitchen taps into a world of flavors and inspiration. The cookbook reflects the "abundant life" of its subtitle with the inclusion of sweet treats (muffin tops and a zucchini bundt) as well as pantry staples such as yogurt, granola and a cashew beet butter. Whether readers are curious about cooking chicken or corn over an open fire, searching for new bread recipes or in need of ideas to feed a crowd, there is something for everyone across a variety of tastes and dietary requirements. --Michelle Anya Anjirbag, freelance reviewer