True North Cabin Cookbook: Recipes and Stories from a North Woods Table

Celebrate life in the northland with seasonal foods and cherished stories, as recipes and personal recollections transport readers to a lakeside cabin in the north woods. 

Cabins provide an ideal getaway from the demands of everyday life, with adventuresome days of hiking or boating or lounging fueled by hearty, home-cooked meals. The rhythms of cabin life are familiar to Stephanie Hansen, who relishes the opportunity to create memorable and delicious meals for friends and loved ones using simple ingredients from pantry and garden.

From her family cabin on picturesque True North Island near Ely, Minnesota, Hansen shares favorite recipes for the summer months. In May, she presents cozy dishes like Beef Bourguignon and Drunken Cowboy Beans followed by a sweet and tart Rhubarb Skillet Cake, while June might call for Molasses Pork Chops accompanied by Roasted Carrots with Scallion-Ginger Sauce. For the lazy summer days of July and August, the classic Fried Walleye with Lemony Tartar Sauce might hit the spot, and a Grilled Ratatouille with Herb Vinaigrette takes advantage of fresh seasonal vegetables. As autumn starts to creep in, Grilled Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki Feta Sauce and Warm Bacon Potato Salad keep the summer vibe going. Throughout the months, Hansen shares recipes for desserts both simple and adventurous—from a No-Bake Layered Lemon Loaf with Blueberries to Molten Chocolate Cakes—and refreshing cocktails to meet your every mood.

Hansen’s creative dishes will nourish and delight those who gather at your table—at the cabin or at home. True North Cabin Cookbook offers ample opportunity to savor north woods living at its very best.