The Salem Chamber has published The Official Salem Chamber of Commerce Cookbook titled Salem’s Cookin’, just in time for Haunted Happenings, Halloween and the Holiday Season!

Local chefs, bakers, bartenders, celebrities, and others have provided the Salem Chamber with their best recipes for inclusion in the cookbook. The recipes are complemented by several Salem stories that are fun to read, including a brief culinary history of Salem, VIP recipes, and some anecdotes and special stories as well.

Salem Chamber Director Rinus Oosthoek explained the idea came up in the beginning of pandemic: “With so many difficult stories during this pandemic, we brainstormed what we could do, and the idea of a cookbook immediately popped up. It’s a positive promotion for Salem, for the hospitality and food businesses, as well as for all contributors to the book, and a portion of the proceeds from the book will benefit the Salem Food Pantry.”

Several Salem VIP’s and characters provided recipes, including bald Bill Legault, Senator Joan Lovely, Chamber President Tina Jordan (Salem Witch Museum), Chef Daniel Gursha (Ledger), Chef Serie Keezer (Finz & Sea Level), amongst others. Salem’s Cookin’ is dedicated to two of Salem’s finest who past recently, Giovanni Graziani (Café Graziani), and Chef Steve Nelson (Hawthorne Hotel).

Stories included are about food of course, highlighting the famous Chop Suey sandwich, Blackjacks and Gibraltars, and Salem’s only farm, Maitland Mountain Farm. Non-food stories explain the origins of Salem’s City Seal, how El Punto got its name, and an overview of Salem’ best dive bars, and distilleries and breweries.

Salem Food Tours operator Karen Scalia writes in the introduction: “Salem is a proud foodie destination. Every step along our brick walkways and the open views of our spirited waterfront area is filled with enticing aromas and delicious tastes from award-winning shops and restaurants. This wonderful cookbook includes easy-to-follow original recipes – from main dishes to historic desserts to ethnic inspired treats, and more. Enjoy whipping up magically delicious meals for your family and friends and sharing your love of food and Salem through these special stories and recipes from our renowned chefs, celebrated locals, and much-loved food shops. “

Salem’s Cookin' is currently for sale ($24.95 each) at the Salem Chamber of Commerce and on-line ​(click here for the order form), and are available for sale at these downtown Salem retailers: SalemSpice / Roseadela's on Pickering Wharf, the Salem Witch Museum Gift Shop, and Pamplemousse Salem or Wicked Good Books on the Pedestrian Mall.