A book for cooks

What’s cooking on the Schoodic Peninsula? If “A Collection of Favorite Recipes” is any indication, quite a bit. The Acadian Community Woman’s Club, which represents Winter Harbor and Gouldsboro, features dishes such as Baked Crab Spread, Blueberry Salad, Ginger-Grape Grilled Chicken Salad and Cheesy Brown Rice Risotto. The cost of the cookbook is $10, and all proceeds will aid Woman’s Club projects such as the community food drive, the Dictionary Project for local third-graders and college scholarships for Sumner High School graduates. For information or to purchase a copy of the cookbook, call Angela Alley at 963-2036. Books are also available at the Winter Harbor 5 & 10.

Berry good, indeed

When Hood introduced its New England Creamery line of ice cream three months ago, the company gave consumers 18 flavors from which to choose. Ice cream fans have chosen Maine Blueberry and Sweet Cream as their favorite flavor. It features Maine blueberries swirled together with vanilla ice cream. Vermont Maple Nut Ice Cream came in second. To determine the 19th flavor in the line, Hood is holding the Real Taste of New England Contest, and entrants have the chance to win one of five vacation packages that include stays at New England bed and breakfasts, meals at restaurants and tickets to local attractions. To enter, visit www.realtasteofnewengland.com.

Cool as a cucumber

What could be more refreshing on a summer evening than a cool salad? Serving it in a lettuce cup, of course. When it’s too hot to cook, try this Orzo Cucumber Salad recipe from the North American Olive Oil Association. To prepare, blend 2 cups cooked orzo pasta; half a medium cucumber, halved lengthwise, seeded and diced; 1/4 cup finely chopped mushrooms; cup chopped orange bell pepper; 1 medium scallion, sliced; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, 1/3 cup olive oil; 1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon peel; 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Toss to mis. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes. Serve in lettuce cups – Boston lettuce works well.

Tidbits is hungry for news about local food products and events. Send your Tidbits by mail to: Bangor Daily News, attn: Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor ME 04402-1329; by fax to 941-9476; or by e-mail to kandresen@bangordailynews.net.