Book excerpt: An enticing and beautiful cookbook from Canada's first ski lodge, built in 1930 and situated in beautiful Banff National Park. Skoki Lodge is a National Historic site, situated in a beautiful high alpine region in Banff National Park, surrounded by towering peaks, breathtaking mountain ridges, and alpine lakes. Built in 1930, and situated 11 km from nearest road (you have to hike in to get there!), it is a slice of backcountry bliss. With cozy cabins, and mealtimes shared family-style, it is a place to connect with nature, friends and food. The Skoki experience has to be felt to be believed, but in this cookbook, Head Chef Katie Mitzel shares a little something of their special pioneering spirit. Katie has been whipping up rustic culinary delights in the remote lodge for many years. The astonishing sights from Skoki's windows are paralleled only by Katie's spectacular cooking, with the remoteness of the lodge teaching her the necessity of creativity. The recipes inside range from Buttermilk Scones, Molasses Bread with Caraway and Fennel, and Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Stuffing and Roast Apples, to Sweet Potato Pie with Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese, and Canada Day Cheesecake. Her "top-notch cuisine," combined with the lodge's romantic atmosphere, has been recognized by everyone from its visitors, to The Globe and Mail, to actual royalty. Allow The Skoki Cookbook to guide you to backcountry bliss with its unpretentious, nutritious and delicious meals, along with a forever-changed understanding of the great outdoors.