As a child, I used to play a computer game called Amazon Trail (essentially a copy of Oregon Trail, but instead of hunting bison and fording rivers in a covered wagon, players speared fish and searched the jungle for medicinal plants).  Even as an apathetic 13 year old, I remember being awed by the incredible diversity of plants displayed in bright, graphic wonder on my screen. 

The writers of The Essential Jungle Fusion Cookbook, Drennan Flahive and Merrick Schoenfeld, get to play Amazon Trail every day - live and in color.

The Essential Jungle Fusion Cookbook is the brain child of two friends from Colorado, Flahive and Schoenfeld, who found their way to the jungle of Costa Rica (not the Amazon per se, but close), started an organic farm and educational center, Finca Pura Suerte (Pure Luck Farm), and opened up that center to volunteers and visitors from around the world. 

Their cookbook combines the traditional tastes and sensibilities of Costa Rica with classical European techniques.  It features dishes like Grilled Gazpacho with Cilantro and Chipotle Creams, Grilled Papaya and Corn Salsa, and Seared Tuna with Guajillo Chili Sauce, and Roasted Tofu with Spicy Pumpkin Hash.  (Kosher keepers: some of the recipes are not kosher-friendly, but enough are that the book would make a fine addition to your cookbook collection).

Flahive and Schoenfeld encourage visitors and cookbook readers to seek out the local flavors of their own communities.  Coming from two men who live in the depths of the fertile Costa Rican jungle, this challenge might feel somewhat like a taunt.  But their message is right on - with a little bit of creativity in the kitchen, the best flavors are often those grown closest to home.

Read the Finca Pura Suerte story here.

Buy The Essential Jungle Fusion Cookbook here.

Check out the Jungle Fusion video recipe demonstrations here.