Out of Old Saskatchewan Kitchens

Out of Old Saskatchewan Kitchens is the story of the people and the food they prepared. Saskatoons to sauerkraut. Bannock to baked beans. Out of Old Saskatchewan Kitchens is a tantalizing blend of pioneer cuisine and rich culinary heritage dating back to the fur trade and beyond. With dozens of photos, it is a window into life as it was then. If you want to know what life was really like in early Saskatchewan, come to the table with us.

Five questions with our authors

1. What inspired you to do a book about Thelma Pepper?

My publisher, John MacIntyre, heard Thelma speaking on CBC Radio and thought she had such an interesting life that I should write a book about her. And I agree!

2. What do you think people can learn from Thelma?

Thelma’s life story is a testament to the power of creativity and the joy it can bring to yourself and to others. She credits her long life (she’s 100 years old!) to her passion for photography.

3. Thelma is your fifth book. What was it like to work on the project?

Thelma is my fifth book but the first biography, which is to say, the first time I worked so closely with another person who has a vested interest in the project. That was both wonderful and scary. I loved the challenge and the pleasure of spending time with Thelma. She has strong feelings about photography and she wasn’t shy about sharing them.

4. What would you like people to take away from your book?

When you’re down and sad and not sure what to do, remember what brought you joy as a child, find that creative spark deep within and you will find yourself.

5. Who was the greatest influence in your life?

There have been many influences but the first was the greatest — my mom and dad, who told me I could do anything and supported me through everything.

Amy Jo Ehman is an award-winning author and journalist. Her previous books include Out of Old Saskatchewan Kitchens and Prairie Feast:A Writer’s Journey Home for Dinner, as well as a pictorial history of Saskatoon. She is the recipient of a Saskatchewan Book Award and was shortlisted for Taste Canada and High Plains Book Awards. As a writer, she loves to explore the intersection of history and the present day. Thelma Pepper provided that in spades.

A CULINARY CLASSIC

This blending of characters, recipes and stories serves up a menu of home. In the tradition of iconic Canadian food writers Anita Stewart, Marie Nightingale, and Edna Staebler, Amy Jo Ehman has penned a culinary classic.

dee Hobsbawn-Smith chef and award-winning author

This is an amazing glimpse into the food we ate and the people who prepared it.

Gordon Barnhart historian and former Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan

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