The Panama Canal Zone Cookbook: Back To The Zone; The Multicultural Foods Of My Childhood In The Panama Canal Zone. Paperback – December 2, 2021

This book was like being away from home for a long time, then getting the opportunity to go back. I lived in the Canal Zone as a member of the military. I was stationed with Zonians who were born and raised in places like Gamboa, Gatun, Rainbow City, Balboa, and Cristobal. They were the Panama connection/family that taught me how to enjoy the food, the music, and lifestyle of The Canal Zone. I was so fortunate to have been there prior to the treaty that gave it all away. It was a different time and a different place that I fast learned to appreciate. I couldn’t soak it all up fast enough, then with the stroke of a pen it was gone. This book, these recipes, took me back to the best time of my life. Muchisimas gracias!

Being a Zonie, I loved the introduction!! The cookbook is well thought out. Not only are the recipes great, but it breaks it down for everybody to enjoy and understand (with some humor, which is great)! A lot of thought and time went into every recipe! And the list of substitutes is great. That itself had to take a lot of time and research!

Having grown up in the Canal Zone, I absolutely love the recipes in the book. And, even better, there are recipes from all over not just Panamanian recipes. This is a great gift for any cook and then buy one for yourself. Thanks to Matthew Armistead for taking the time to compile a great collection of recipes.

Didn’t have enough Panamanian recipies,but I like it

I was raised in the zone which was in Panama, but I never knew some of these. But what a chance to try Panamanian recipes. I can’t wait to try. And there are a bunch I know , that I am going to make.

Being a canalzone brat,I grew up with these dishes and want to cook them for my wife. Pinto beans,cornbread,and mac and cheese are great,but,I need some Panamanian soul food.

I love this cookbook! Looking at the recipies brings back fond memories of living in Panama! I can't wait to make the empanadas!

I’ve known Matt since HighSchool in the Canal Zone… The dishes he’s painstakingly recreated in his cookbook takes me right back to my childhood!