You know you have a problem when a friend gives you cocktail napkins that say “Stop me before I volunteer again.”
When Ed and I joined Radnor Hunt in the spring of 2017, I promised myself I wasn’t going to commit to any committees or planning activities as I knew I had enough going on – I was simply going to enjoy the social aspects of being a member. Well, that lasted about a month! I received an email asking for members to submit recipes for a cookbook project. Of all the things that could have come up, I knew this was not one to which I could say “no.” And, I’m so glad that I didn’t, as the time working on The Fox’s Kitchen over the past 18 months has been extremely rewarding and fun plus I’ve met some wonderful people.
The mastermind behind the book, Nia M, welcomed my talents and paired me up with Lisa D to curate 200+ submitted recipes from members and friends of Radnor Hunt. Lisa and I quickly became friends as we poured over the recipes in her kitchen. Once we narrowed the recipes down, we organized the testing of all of them through a very willing group of volunteers and in true Radnor Hunt fashion hosted two tasting parties. Then we created 15 unique menus representing the food, drink, and festive aspects of foxhunting. In addition to curating, I also contributed a few of my favorite recipes.
The almost 300-page full color hardback book features over 125 recipes from Radnor Hunt members and friends plus photos and anecdotes of hunt history and etiquette. To quote the book, “It’s no secret that foxhunters love a good party, a good drink, and especially good food. Whether it’s contained in a pewter flask or in a crystal port glass; whether it’s served on a paper plate or Wedgewood porcelain; whether it’s a post hunting tailgate, hunt breakfast or a dinner for 12, Radnor Hunt has always epitomized the best of eating, drinking and making merry!” All net proceeds from the sales of the cookbook will be donated to The Hounds Foundation (a charitable 501(c)(3) organization). The Foundation, based in Chester Springs, PA, exists to perpetuate an understanding of the country way of life, promote land conservation, maintain and preserve the history and traditions of hunting with hounds and to educate the public on proper hound breeding and care. The Foundation actively seeks to assist in the conservation of open space and works with conservation groups to achieve this goal. Radnor Hunt is recognized by the Masters of the Foxhounds Association of America as the oldest continuously active foxhunting club in the United States.
Nia knew she wanted to create a book of which we all would be extremely proud – I am happy to say we succeeded. In addition to working with an amazing group of volunteers, we also worked with some great professionals including Brian Donnelly (Donnelly Studios), who specializes in food photography and food stylist, Dan Macey (dantasticfood), to ensure that each of our recipes looked great. Lisa and I spent many hours assisting Dan – cooking and helping to stage the shots. It was taking what I do for Riegl Palate to a whole new level and was an amazing experience. Next steps were working with Laura Palese (Laura Palase Design) who specializes in designing cookbooks and Rebecca Miller Ffrench (The Upstate Table) our production manager and editor who brought all the pieces together. Plus, there’s also some pretty wonderful photographs of horses and hounds by artist, Genevieve Snyder (Genevieve Fine Art).
I hope you’ll consider adding this great book to your cookbook collection or giving it as a gift. You can learn more about it and order it here. While it’s available on Amazon, we’d be grateful if you ordered it directly from The Hounds Foundation.
Small world connections…I knew our food stylist, Dan Macey, prior to this project but was not responsible for bringing him onto the team (he came through our photographer). Dan’s husband, Paul S, serves on the board of the Wharton Esherick Museum with me. And, Brian Donnelly is based in Lancaster, PA (that’s where we shot the food photos). You guessed it – he’s done photography work with my alma mater, Franklin & Marshall College, in the past. These two connections made the project that much more fun.
I can now check ‘do a cookbook’ off my bucket list. Can’t wait to see what’s next in my foodie future.
Update: We sold out of the first 2,000 copies in a three months and are well into our thrid printing. Thank you to all who purchased a copy.
A few recipes from The Fox’s Kitchen
Historic Radnor Hunt is pictured in the background. It’s one of the best views in Chester County, PA.
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