FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions for Cooks Canvas 2

Questions

1. How did this book come about?
2. What do you mean by entertaining?
3. Where did the recipes come from?
4. How many recipes?
5. Can anyone cook out of The Cook’s Canvas 2?
6. What makes this cookbook different?
7. What sections are in the book?
8. Who worked on the book?
9. Who will the Cook’s Canvas 2 support?

Answers

1. How did this book come about? It was decided to publish the first The Cook’s Canvas during a painting class where the volunteers realized their talent was cooking. The Cook’s Canvas was published in 1996 to benefit the then St. John’s Museum of Art in Wilmington, North Carolina. The cookbook was self-published, self-marketed and sold out. In 2002, the museum moved to a larger state-of-the-art facility and was renamed the Cameron Art Museum. As there had been many requests for another cookbook, The Cook’s Canvas 2 became a vision over a “shrimp-a-roo”. The committee began to compile The Cook’s Canvas 2: Coastal Carolina Artfully Entertains.
2. What do you mean by entertaining? To us, entertaining is whether you are feeding your family a simple dinner or serving friends an elegant dinner. The Cook’s Canvas 2 reminds us of the importance of sitting at a dinner table, laughing with friends and family, and enjoying the moment.
3. Where did the recipes come from? The recipes were collected from Wilmington cooks as well as from friends around the country with Wilmington connections. (Experienced cooks, caterers, and chefs).
4. How many recipes? Over 300 kitchen-tested recipes ranging from traditional to modern style. Easy to follow, step by step directions combined with helpful hints and cooking tips make this entertaining cookbook a must for everyone from the novice to the accomplished cook.
   
5. Can anyone cook out of The Cook’s Canvas 2? Yes. The committee’s philosophy is to use fresh ingredients. Therefore it is easy for cooks to follow their own diets by substituting ingredients to fit their dietary requirements.
6. What makes this cookbook different? We have developed 8 menus that represent celebrations in the coastal area but could be used anywhere: Azalea Festival Garden Party, Jazz Under The Stars Cocktail Party, March Madness, Holiday Dessert, Wedding Brunch, Elegant Dinner Party, Flotilla, Family BBQ.
7. What sections are in the book? Appetizers, Soups & Breads, Salads, Meat and Poultry, Seafood, Vegetables & Sides, Brunch and Desserts. No matter what style of entertaining, one can find a recipe to fit their needs.
8. Who worked on the book? Over 200 dedicated volunteers submitted their favorite recipes, tested recipes and raised funds for printing the CC2.
9. Who will the Cook’s Canvas 2 support? The CC2 supports the children’s programs at The Cameron Art Museum. Over 4,000 school children from New Hanover and surrounding counties visit the museum for free. A “Kids at CAM” day is held once a month. Children have a hands-on experience with art materials and tour the museum’s exhibit. It is a wonderful day for the families to enjoy an outing.