A Passion for Connecticut and a Penchant for Picnicking
I had the opportunity to meet Jan Mann in May of 2006 when I spoke at a writer's conference in Hartford. Cruising Connecticut had just debuted, and I was able to sense immediately that the project was a true labor of love for this first-time author. Mann has explored Connecticut for more than 40 years, often with a basket of picnic goodies for sustenance, and her book is not only a unique combination of trips and treats suitable for those who share her twin passions, it is a practical guide to everything from picnicking inside a dark theater (hint: don't bring chicken wings) to ensuring your lunch or supper will be fresh when you arrive at your destination.Whether you're looking to combine noshing and nature, feasting and foliage or snacks and sightseeing, Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket identifies pleasurable outings and picnic-friendly places statewide. Sidebars with helpful information, including directions, hours, Web sites and telephone numbers, accompany each trip.
Original Recipes for Dining on the Go
While most of the book's more than 40 recipes are Mann's own, a few were contributed by Connecticut chefs, caterers and culinary educators including Christopher Prosperi of Simsbury's Metro Bis and Les Harris of Glastonbury Gourmet. I've cluttered my copy of the book with Post-it Notes, and I'm especially anxious to try the recipes for Cranberry Herbal Iced Tea, Almond Macaroons, Crab and Crackers, Trail Mix Cones (ice cream cones filled with munchies) and Wild Mushroom and Oyster Chowder.While recipes are interspersed with the text describing each picnic destination, a handy index allows you to locate recipes by type, as well, so you can feel free to create your own menu. Mann has succeeded in offering a variety of food ideas that are broadly appealing and mostly quite simple to prepare, so you won't lose too much time in the kitchen before you hit the road. Chef Richard Moriarty's contribution, a recipe for Halibut en Papillote with Pesto, sounds lovely and will look elegant, even cooked in aluminum foil, but the dish only requires four ingredients to flavor the fish, and two are salt and pepper.
A Book You'll Refer to Frequently
In person, Mann's enthusiasm is infectious. On the page, her words are sometimes overly gushy, but you'll find that as each trip unfolds, you'll feel compelled to visit or re-visit the Connecticut places about which she rhapsodizes. Connecticut is rich in scenic wonders, historic landmarks and cultural treasures, and Cruising Connecticut is a book that will remind you that you needn't travel far from home to feel re-energized and reconnected to those you love.Mann worked with students at the Hartford School of Art at the University of Hartford, who designed the cover and contributed the book's many black and white illustrations and cartoons. They are charming, although more distracting than illustrative in most cases. Missing—unfortunately—are any depictions of the picnic foods for which recipes are supplied, which is a disadvantage for those who like to see how a finished dish should appear.
As with many self-published books, the text could be more tightly edited, but Cruising Connecticut is beautifully designed to be scannable, making it just the type of book you'll rely on whenever the kids moan of boredom or you find your calendar empty on an Indian Summer afternoon.
Get Your Copy of Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket
Mann has done a phenomenal job of marketing her book, and I've seen it at several area bookstores. You may want to call around to see if your favorite bookseller has a copy in stock, or you can order the book directly via Mann's Web site. Cruising Connecticut retails for $15.95.Tuck a copy of the book inside a picnic basket, and you'll have a unique gift for newlyweds, families with young children or anyone who enjoys exploring Connecticut on a full stomach.
