‘Tastes Like Schitt: The Unofficial Schitt’s Creek Cookbook’ a delicious success

Article content

In what seems a lifetime ago, binge-watching became part of the popular vernacular, as people wiled away the COVID lockdown enjoying hours of their favourite programs or movies.

Article content

One of the most enduring if not endearing series is the award-winning Schitt’s Creek, the timeless story of redemption as witnessed through the lives of wealthy millionaire Johnny Rose, played by actor Eugene Levy, and his slightly dysfunctional if not eccentric family members struggling to pick up the pieces of their mega-monied lives after being left penniless by a unscrupulous business partner who embezzled all their wealth.

Article content

Thanks to its feel-good storyline and overall kindness messaging, the series became a hit, garnering dozens of awards and to this day continues to be enjoyed on such streaming platforms as Netflix.

The brainchild of Eugene Levy and his son Dan, the show is the quintessential favourite, with thousands of loyal viewers from across the globe who continuously follow the adventures of the Rose family members as they pick up the pieces of their lives while living out of the humble if not mythical Rosebud Motel set in a fictional small village in Canada.

Article content

One of the constants throughout the series is the family gathering to eat at the local Cafe Tropical, where Moira’s (Rose’s on-air wife, played by award-winning actor Catherine O’Hara) fruit cup is a food favourite, and where Johnny Rose’s meatloaf became the basis for a classic Christmas episode.

So it comes as no surprise that Tastes Like Schitt: the Unofficial Schitt’s Creek Cookbook (revised and expanded) is now available, and just in time for the holiday gift giving season – especially for Schitt’s loyal fans.

Written by Hannah and Rachel Floyd, it should be noted the cookbook is not officially associated with the Schitt’s Creek series, but is a delight to read as it’s full of much-loved memories of the cast of characters who made the series such a beloved hit.

Article content

“We joked about writing a cookbook based on Schitt’s Creek, a show that was responsible for a lot of joy and lightness during an otherwise dim time,” wrote sisters Hannah and Rachel Floyd, the book’s two authors in the introduction.

The book offers 75 recipes based on the various characters, and the foods eaten, and is brimming with trivia from the series. “All of the meals and drinks are based on your favourite Schitt’s Creek characters, episodes and fleeting moments,” add the two.

It should be noted that the award-winning show was partly filmed in the picturesque town of Goodwood, near Uxbridge, population 600-plus and nestled in between rich farmland a scant 50-minute drive from Toronto. It’s where you’ll find the famous Bob’s Garage, Cafe Tropical and Rose Apothecary as well as the town hall, all within spitting distance of each other.

Article content

Blink and you’ll miss it. But you’ll never forget it.

There’s a great eatery called Annina’s Bakeshop and Cafe (anninasbakeshop.com), right in the middle of town and it too, played a major role in the show’s history as it helped cater the first five seasons, plus some of its property (the coffee cups, for example) appeared on the show’s restaurant, not to mention a variety of its meals.

With the cold weather arriving, perhaps a plate of Ray’s Buttermilk Pancakes or a couple of Bob’s Bagels or Johnny’s Christmas Meatloaf or Jocelyn’s Dorito Casserole would be the perfect accompaniments to another round of binge-watching this beloved, feel-good classic.

Article content

TASTY TRIVIA FROM THE UNOFFICIAL SCHITT’S CREEK COOKBOOK:

– While the series had success on Canadian networks, it really hit its stride once Americans caught wind of the show, particularly when it became available on Netflix.

– Dan Levy said he was nervous about filming the lip sync scene in season 4, episode 9. Before filming, he and actor Noah Reid split a bottle of Prosecco over lunch to loosen him up.

– Catherine O’Hara and Robin Duke (Blouse Barn Wendy) went to high school together at Burnhamthorpe Collegiate Institute in Etobicoke, Ont.

– Dan Levy’s favourite pizza is pepperoni with double cheese.

– Over the course of the series, Alexis Rose’s romantic past is painted by a series of offhand remarks of the rich and famous people she has dated, including Prince Harry, Leonardo DiCaprio and all three Hanson brothers. Remember – this is make believe!

Article content

– According to Dan levy, a fan of the show told him they came out to their family using the show’s metaphor of “into the wine, not the label.”

 – Taste Like Schitt, the Unofficial Schitt’s Creek Cookbook (Media Lab Books) available at Chapters/Indigo, Amazon.ca and other places where cookbooks are sold.

Jocelyn’s Dorito Casserole

This recipe became a fan favourite and part of the Schitt’s Creek running monologue about the show’s specialty recipes.

1 (14.5 oz.) bag Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed

2 cups chopped cooked chicken

1 (15.25) can corn, drained

2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided

1 1/2 cups salsa

1 (10.75 oz.) can condensed cream of mushroom soup

1 (10.75 oz.) can condensed cream of chicken soup

1 cup sour cream

Article content

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Cover bottom of prepared baking dish with half of crushed Doritos.

In a large bowl, mix together chicken, corn, 1 cup cheese, salsa, soups and sour cream. Fold in remaining crushed chips.

Pour chicken mixture over crushed chips into baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove. Spread remaining 1 cup of cheese over casserole and increase oven temperature to 375°F. Bake until cheese is melted and bubbling, about 10 minutes. Let cool for five minutes. Serve alongside a green salad “or something light to balance out this dish, I beg of you.”