Cookbook

A collection of spirited recipes for those who long for the islands. Favorites like: Loblolly Bay Lobster Chowder, Bomba's Jerk Chicken, Calypso Rice, Margarita Salsa, Tavernier Key Lime Pie, and favorite Cocktails and Concoctions. Not only will these recipes bring the flavor of the tropics into your home, the notations of Gail's travels will take you through the lands of origin.

Tropical Temptations is 160 pages with full color illustrations and complete with Gail's personal photo scrapbook from her travels.
For order information see the order form.

Scott Kirby, one of Key West's favorite troubadours requested an autographed copy of Tropical Temptations. As mentioned in the book, Scott Kirby's description of Key West is, "A free range institution, an open air asylum at it's best."

As Gail notes, "pirates, sailors, writers, artists, musicians, and those simply escaping their ex-lives, all share a tiny bit of Key West, The Conch Republic."

Gail Melton Johnson, locally known as "Pud," is a native of the mountains of Western North Carolina. She is a graduate of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina and the National Center for Paralegal Training in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a 23-year employee of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, as a Regional Consultant for the Food Distribution Division. Her territory includes one fourth of the State of North Carolina. Gail is also a member of the American School Food Service Association. In addition, she worked as part of the management team at J. Arthur's Restaurant, in Maggie Valley, NC for 15 years, when it was under the leadership of John Mahoney. J. Arthur's is a division of Manero's of Palm City, Fl.

Gail obviously enjoys food and travel, especially to tropical destinations. For activity she enjoys water sports, sailing, reading, music, and live entertainment. She is seldom seen without a camera or two in hand, as she enjoys capturing the moments of her travels, experiences, and entertainment to look at when she finally slows down.

She is co-founder of the Western North Carolina Parrot Head Club and an active member as she is serving her third term as President, Historian, and Newsletter Editor. She enjoys the volunteer work within the community and for the environment, which this club actively pursues, as well as social activities with members of the local and national organization. She is also a supportive member of the Peter Mayer Fan Club and the outreach ministries that benefit from the success and growth of his musical talents. And last but certainly not least, she supports the growth and successes of the local tropical troubadours, The Caribbean Cowboys.

Gail is extremely fond of animals as her love for Shag, her best friend, reflects. She currently resides in Asheville, North Carolina although she continues to dream of a life in the tropics! She would love to trade her daily planner for a pink sarong... and a schedule of "nothingness."

Barnes & Noble was pleased to welcome Gail Johnson to sign and offer samples from her cookbook, Tropical Temptations, A Collection of Spirited Recipes for Those Who Long For The Islands.
Steve Weams and The Caribbean Cowboys provided two full hours of island sounds from their new CD, Down To The Islands. This event was a great success and assisted in beating those winter blues!

Gail prepared the following selections from Tropical Temptations...

Spanish Town Black Bean Dip

Carib'bean Salsa

Myetts Margarita Salsa (Prepared w/ Margaritaville Tequila)

Spicy Sweet Potato Muffins

Mango Coconut Muffins

Bender Bay Brownies

Barnes & Noble featured several frozen tropical treats as well as island flavored "Java Joe" to compliment the spicy muffins. The condiments of "choice" for this taste-testing featured select Caribbean hot sauces from www.halfmoonbaytrading.com such as the "Iguana Red Pepper Sauce" and the "Pirates Blend Condiment Sauce". Barnes & Noble is pleased to offer Tropical Temptations as well as the Caribbean Cowboys CD Down To The Islands at their Asheville, NC location.