Winterlake Lodge is one of three remote lodges owned and operated by chef Kirsten Dixon and her husband Carl. Located on Finger Lake, mile 198 of the Iditarod Trail, the Lodge marks the fourth checkpoint on the trail. As might be expected, the food at Winterlake is based in “simple, hearty fare” of backcountry Alaska, although Dixon’s cuisine also reflects her training in French cuisine. Ingredients are influenced by the seasons and the natural ebb and flow of availability. In a similar fashion, this lovely book is arranged into four seasons, with essays and recipes presented with fine attention to detail and supplemented by the gorgeous photography of Fred Hirschmann.

The layout of the book is particularly beautiful, with sharply detailed, life-sized photos of wild flowers, leaves, and ferns cut out and arranged scrapbook style. There are full page photos, too: of bears, quaking aspen, the northern lights, trumpeter swans, and the author canoeing, mushing or cooking in an impromptu “ice kitchen” atop Mount McKinley’s Ruth Glacier. And, of course, there is the food: Alaska Salmon Curry, Autumn Fig and Goat Cheese Salad, Baked Apples and Gingerbread with Ginger Cream, sprinkled with bits of crystallized ginger.

From miniature frittatas and salmon sausage to pan-seared duck and chocolate cherry biscotti, Dixon seasons her wonderful cookbook liberally with friendly, engaging essays of her experiences as a culinary adventurer, chef and lodge keeper. These include simple, unexpected joys and surprises – a late night visit from a bear, the discovery of a century-old collapsed log cabin, the delight of a guest from England on discovering butterflies that she hadn’t seen since she was a girl.

I read this entire book over a wintry weekend, losing myself in Dixon’s well-crafted prose and obvious enthusiasm for cooking and presenting her food in beautiful, natural ways. I envied her talents, warmed to her stories and shared her deep love of nature, life and Alaska. Even if you aren’t ultra-adventurous in the kitchen, Dixon offers many basics that are simple and easy to learn – how to make homemade mayonnaise, lemon cheese or black currant liqueur. You can discover a new way to combine peppers or make your own dog biscuits. In short, this is an elegant, reader-friendly cookbook that offers as much in the way of engrossing reading as it does interesting and appealing recipes.

The Little Book of Yoga Breathing ~ Pranayama Made Easy
Scott Shaw (Weiser Books, 2004, $7.95)

Want to rapidly, healthfully and naturally rejuvenate your body without exercising, dieting or paying a single cent? Consider the benefits of pranayama! Derived from the Sanskrit terms prana (life force) and ayama (extension), pranayama translates as “the extension of life force.” This yogic technique is based on the ancient understanding that by controlling our breath, we can purify, calm or energize our bodies and mind, as needed.

Author Scott Shaw has been teaching yoga for over 25 years. In this slim, little book, he teaches the bare basics of pranayama and breathing essentials along with over 15 exercises. These are divided into energy-enhancing breaths, calming breaths and pranayama in motion (such as while walking). It is amazing, actually, that there are so many different types of breathing patterns, each allowing one to energize or calm specific elements of one’s being.

Shaw’s directions are simple, clear and short. Most of the exercises can be done in less than five minutes, and are quickly effective in relaxing the body and clarifying the mind. Because the book is small (only 5 x 7 and ½ inch thick), it’s perfect to bring along on outdoor adventures or to keep in your desk for a quick pick-me-up. And, if you’re ever in need of 100% natural energy stimulation or mental clarity, just take a few conscious breaths. Breathe on!

The Complete Holistic Dog Book ~ Home Health Care for our Canine Companions
Jan Allegretti & Katy Sommers, D.V.M. (Celestial Arts, 2003, $24.95)

This is definitely one of the best books I’ve seen on holistic care for dogs. The authors are a holistic health animal care consultant/teacher and a Veterinarian who is also a certified acupuncturist specializing in combining alternative therapies with conventional medicine. The result of their collaboration is enlightening, educational and easy to read.

Part one covers everything from a wholesome diet (with some practical guidelines to incorporating fresh foods and home-cooked meals along with a very handy chart of what those label ingredients on dry dog food really mean) to the basics of a holistic medicine chest – from herbs and homeopathy to acupressure, bodywork, energy medicine and more. What’s best is that everything is explained in a very engaging and informative style.

Part two focuses on how to treat injury and illness. This is generally arranged by body area, and each section includes how to maintain health, signs of trouble, followed by a variety of ways to treat the problem – including first aid, nutritional support, herbs, specific acupressure points, and more. Some great diagrams present clear, basic information. In fact, that is what I like most about this book: it is so easy to follow and so well arranged that it is a snap to find what you need to know.