Island cookery hints whet appetite for book festival
Culinary connoisseur Sue Lawrence will be adding her own flavour to the veritable feast of litary indulgences at Tobermory Book Festival later this month.
Sue’s new book A Taste of Scotland’s Islands takes the reader on a tour around the most scenic landscapes while selecting the best of the food that the islands have to offer, and suggesting delicious recipes to help everyone enjoy them.
This celebration of the landscape and history of the Scottish islands is illustrated with photographs of some of the most beautiful scenery in the world and with mouth-watering pictures of the islands’ best cooking.
‘One of my best selling cookbooks (I also write fiction) was a Cook’s Tour of Scotland and so I wanted to concentrate on our stunningly beautiful islands in this one,’ said Sue. ‘Island produce is incomparable.’
Sue’s passion for the islands comes out loud and clear through the chapters of this book as she hints at some of the inspirations within the pages.
‘I have a wonderful Mull haggis bastilla from Jeanette Cutlack. And Mull cheese recipes. And Mull beef,’ she said.
‘Some of the best honey anywhere is found on Colonsay. I make it into a delicious yet so easy ice cream.
‘A young couple (names in book) from Tiree have a wonderful set up at the harbour there. Selling fabulous lobster and local beef baguettes.
‘Luing baking is amazing. A local co-operative of island bakers supply the shop and cafe. Their lemon oats bars are amazing!
‘Islay has exquisite seafood. I had handdived scallops last night for dinner in fact. And Emma Goudie’s Islay whisky fruit cake is superb, as is the Ardbeg smoked fish chowder.’
One of Scotland’s best known cookery writers, Sue’s marvellous food is coupled with her infectious enthusiasm which shines through in her wonderful stories. Sue Lawrence’s Lunch at the Gallery (Saturday October 26, from noon to 1.30pm), in collaboration with Tobermory Fish Company, also showcases Mull’s outstanding produce.
The 2019 Tobermory Book Festival, West Over Sea, takes place from Thursday October 24 to Sunday October 27. A full programme of events is shown on the festival website www. comar.co.uk
Tickets for the events are available from Comar, the Tobermory and Mull Arts Centre, by following the link on the website to the Comar Box Office or phoning 01688 302211.