‘Culinary History of Southern Delaware’ book launch set Aug. 4

The History Press announces a cooking demo and book launch for  “A Culinary History of Southern Delaware: Scrapple, Beach Plums and Muskrat” by Denise Clemons is set for 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 4, at Bethany Beach Books. Clemons writes the Cape Flavors column in the Cape Gazette.

Historic farms and waterways crisscross Southern Delaware, connecting its residents to a set of rich culinary traditions. The original Nanticoke inhabitants baked hearty johnnycakes and hunted wild game. Hungry for a taste of home, German settlers developed scrapple from local ingredients. Today's home cooks and chefs draw their bounty from the land and sea for a distinct, seasonal cuisine. Summer strawberries and peaches from local farms and orchards become delectable preserves thanks to treasured family recipes. Come springtime, succulent blue crab reigns supreme.

With recipes for regional favorites like beach plum jelly and chicken with slippery dumplings, Clemons explores the history behind the ingredients and savors the story in every dish. For more information, go to www.bethanybeachbooks.com.