The Merced County Historical Society recently released a new history cookbook entitled Cooking in Merced County: A Taste of History. This cookbook, a combination of secret recipes, family stories, and historic photographs, is inspired by the American cookbook project, an educational program to the Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition entitled Key Ingredients: America by Food.

The cookbook has been a wonderful project made possible by community members throughout Merced County. More than seventy entries of recipes and stories have been submitted and sixty-six were chosen for publication.

Exploring Merced County's past through food is tasty way to learn our county's history and heritage. This ninety-seven page book is organized in chronological order and divided into four parts: Native Americans, Pioneering Families, Local Flavors, and A Community Affair. Individuals, families, businesses, and organizations share their favorite recipes and stories to celebrate food, food cultures, and identities.

This history cookbook will be a great Christmas gift. The price for the book is $14.95 and is available at the Merced County Courthouse Museum store and office.