Food Finds America's Best Local Foods and the People Who Produce Them

Extremely well written survey of various small out-of-the-way artisan specialty food manufacturers around the country. The coversational, yet concise writing style is a pleasure to read. The book is fun to just randomly skim through for ideas. There is a noble emphasis on preservative and additive-free products made with the simplest ingredients. A little historical information about the various purveyors adds human interest. Also, prices are given, which is a rarity in a guide like this. The book reflects considerable research effort on the part of the authors.

Okay, each Christmas you try to think of what to buy people who don't need more stuff. But what can everyone always use? Food! I first bought this book for this reason and am buying the update again to find food finds for gifts. I have looked for lost childhood foods often as Christmas gifts from the perfect popcorn ball that is most like my great aunt LeGreta's to Lefse. In this book you can find old favorites and new taste tempters. I know I'm getting real old fashioned ribbon candy as one gift but what else is out there to try? I always end up getting food for myself too, after all, it's my childhood too. This is a great resource for the hard to buy for.

...that's the real charm of FOOD FINDS, which is a compendium of hokey, terrific, one-of-kind regional goodies. And they aren't budget-breakers, either, most of them. Information about ordering is right there, so why resist? So far, I've ordered the Trappestine Creamy Caramels and the Cherry Hut Sundae Sauce. Both were scrumptious. Next I'm going to order some of the cheeses mentioned in the book. Or maybe...date crystals? Even if you never order a thing, FOOD FINDS is a grand read. Allison and Margaret Engel write like they are sitting across the kitchen table telling stories about people you'd love to know. I have given this book to five friends and family members, male and female, and keep it on hand as an "emergency", one-size-fits-all present. Everyone I've given it to has just raved about it. Salley Shannon

Well categorized which makes it so easy to find -- from chili from Chugwater to cheese from Maytag -- this is one book to aid in finding good ingredients. Wish there was something like this for various major metro areas -- like where to find those tough to get items locally. However, what with the phone and web connections these days, its so quick to get them via ups and fedex. Hats off to the Engels for such a neat find for us food junkies.

As someone who likes cooking and everything related to it - cookbooks, specialty food stores, kitchenwares - I was happily surprised to find this book. I live in a small town in mid-America, but frequent travels have introduced me to many of the items showcased in the book. They may be unknown outside of their local area, but they are well worth trying. The choices are wide ranging and excellent- I found at least six products that I am familiar with and would recommend. It was great to find all the sources, including toll-free numbers and websites, listed in one place - I will be using this book not just for myself, but for gift ideas.