Celebrating Cape Cod & the Islands: Traditions, Festivals, and Food

Kleekamp (Cape Cod and the Islands: Where Beauty and History Meet) has highlighted festivals and many other yearly events on Massachusetts’s Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket. She reveals fascinating tidbits of local history, from the 17th century onward, along with unique recipes for mouthwatering fare. Most photographs are by the author; they add vividly to the seasonal atmosphere. There are lighthearted activities and spiritual attractions (like the blessing of the fleets), as well as food events to tempt everyone’s taste buds, including the Eastham Turnip Festival. The book’s pictures of Turnip Fest celebrants dressed as turnips are whimsical, and the prize-winning turnips from local growers are downright beautiful. There’s also the Cahoon Museum Art Auction Brush Off, which showcases a magnificent Nuthatch woodcarving. Particularly engrossing is Kleekamp’s section on the Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow, with outstanding photographs and discussions of the jewelry and headdresses; the recipe for Sweet Indian Corn Pudding is a tasty finishing touch. Other noteworthy recipes in the book are Bourbon Caramel Popcorn and Pirate Stew, which both call for molasses and rum.