What's New

News Release

What's New

Caribou Cakes and Oyster Pie: What's Cooking at Library and Archives Canada

OTTAWA, May 19, 2004 - On May 19, a fascinating new exhibition on Canadian culinary history officially opens at Library and Archives Canada. With more than 120 cookbooks, photographs, displays and artifacts tracing the history of food and cooking in Canada, Bon appétit! A celebration of Canadian cookbooks serves up an elaborate feast for the eyes.

Compiled from the collection of cookbooks at Library and Archives Canada, the exhibition portrays the evolution of cooking in Canada. It begins with an introduction to the foods and cooking methods of Canada's indigenous peoples, continues through the culinary traditions of the early settlers, noting the coming of science to the kitchen at the beginning of the 20^th century, and includes the multicultural heritage that is an integral part of how food is enjoyed today.

"Food feeds the body and the soul, brings together families and friends, transcends generations, cultures and boundaries," says National Librarian Roch Carrier. "Library and Archives Canada is proud to celebrate the history of Canadian cookbooks, as well as our culinary heritage, through this exciting new exhibition."

Some of the works included in the exhibition are The Art of Cookery, Made Plain and Easy, published in 1760, instructing cooks on how to make Calf's Foot Pudding and Buttered Tort; The Home Cook Book, which features Tongue Toast; God Bless Our Home, with a recipe for Oyster Pie; Remarkable Recipes for Sweet-Grass Buffalo; For the Love of Cod, with recipes from Newfoundland; and Tasty Armenian Dishes.

The exhibition features a display on renowned Canadian cooking expert Madame Jehane Benoit, as well as an interesting assortment of cooking gadgets from multicultural kitchens.

Bon appétit! has been designed to appeal not only to historians and sociologists, but to anyone who enjoys cooking and good food.

Bon appétit! A celebration of Canadian cookbooks will be open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. until February 2005, in Exhibition Room C at Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington Street in Ottawa. Admission is free.

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For more information, please contact:

Pauline M. Portelance
Media Relations
Library and Archives Canada
Telephone: 613-996-6128