Dram fine cook book

Jan 8 2009 by Alison Lowson, Blairgowrie Advertiser

A COOKBOOK co-written by a former Blairgowrie woman has won an international award.

‘The Whisky Kitchen – 100 ways with Whisky and Food’ written by Sheila McConachie is a UK winner of this year’s Gourmand World Cookbook Awards.

Sheila lived in the East Perthshire town with her family from 1976 until 1983, and she was one of the original organisers of the Rattray ‘Rising 4s’ Playgroup.

Along with her partner Graham Harvey, Sheila now runs the very successful Craggan Mill restaurant in Speyside.

The pair have spent some considerable time learning and understanding the characteristics of Scottish whiskies.

And these findings were used to create a range of recipes that compliment or contrast with the various whisky flavours.

The ‘Whisky Kitchen’ presents over 100 mouth-watering, tempting and easy to make recipes including starters, main courses, sauces, desserts and baking.

Said Sheila: “What a wonderful Christmas present!

“The Gourmand World Cookbook Award 2008 recognises the effort and hard work that Graham, myself and our team at the restaurant have put into researching, creating, testing and writing ‘The Whisky Kitchen’.”

Over 6000 books from more than 100 countries were reviewed and judged this year.

The Whisky Kitchen now represents the UK in the judging for the Best Cookbook in The World Award, with the winner being announced at a grand gala dinner in May 2009.