The Lost Kitchen: Recipes and a Good Life Found in Freedom, Maine

Erin French grew up in Freedom, Maine (population 719), helping her father at the griddle in his diner. An entirely self-taught cook who used cookbooks to form her culinary education, she now helms her restaurant, The Lost Kitchen, in a historic mill in the same town, creating meals that draw locals and visitors from around the world.

Each spring, the day the phone lines open to accept reservations, the restaurant books up for the entire year. Food & Wine called Erin’s food “brilliant in its simplicity and honesty.”

Inspired by an abundant natural bounty that comes from Maine’s coastline, rivers, fields and woods, Erin crafts recipes such as Applewood-Grilled Spring Chicken, Whole-Roasted Trout with Parsnip and Herb Hash, Apple Cider-Glazed Duck, Wood-Smoked Leg of Lamb with Garlic Scape & Mint Pesto, and Gingerbread with Salted Caramel Whipped Cream.

With 100 recipes, organized by season, The Lost Kitchen will be a welcome addition to your kitchen library.