Chesapeake Bay Cooking: The Companion Cookbook to the Public Television Series

I watched the PBS show that this book originated from and immediately ordered the book. I already own over fifty cookbooks and this has become my favorite. As a native "Baltimoron", I've thoroughly enjoyed the stories and info about Baltimore. The recipes are fabulous. You must try a "Dirty Gertie". Fantastic. These recipes are the best that Maryland has to offer. John, hats off to you! Living in Ocean City, we can sample the best seafood in the world. Now, my kitchen is the best in town. Thanks.

This book was a Christmas gift from my husband, and it has to be one of my all-time favorite cookbooks. I thought I knew a lot about this region's cooking, but I learned a great deal from this book. The recipes for Baked Squash & Tomatoes and Oyster Stew have become standbys in my kitchen. Not only is this book full of fabulous recipes, but the stories woven through the book are worth reading just on their own. John Shields is truly a "Bawlamor boy" and one of the state's greatest assets. Highly recommended!Kathleen

Wow, did I over estimate my "knowledge" of this area's cuisine and natural resources! This book is an excellent primer for cooks of all levels who feel the need to know about C-bay cuisine. Terrific recipes and a great insight into the quality of life in the area.

As a native Marylander (born and raised)currently living in Texas, I bought this book at a Texas bookstore, sat down and browsed through it and almost cried for the Chesapeake regions cuisine. The book made me feel like I was home again. When I tried some of the recipes, I was even more homesick. You begin to yearn for the smell of crabs steaming in the Bay Seasonings and a pitcher of beer while sitting in a loud crabhouse. My favorite aspect of the book is it takes you through all regions of the bay and lets you experiment with not only crabs, oysters and shrimp but other treasures you might not expect to find like Southern Maryland Stuffed ham. If you haven't tried this gem, you haven't lived! Congratulations to John Shields on capturing every aspect of cuisine in the Chesapeake Bay area. I own several other cookbooks of this variety and this one is by far the BEST!

This treatment of the region's classic ingredients makes you want to put down the book and go right to the grocery store. In fact, upon reading the recipe for Chesapeake Bay Crab Salad, I did just that! The tomato tart - divine! Peaches in vanilla cream? Yum! You don't need to live here or to watch the TV series to love this cookbook -- a captivating addition to your collection. It might even make you want to invite people over for dinner just to have the fun of preparing these dishes. Highly recommended!