– Join author, chef, and culinary historian Linda Gassenheimer for WPBT2’s new, innovative series, Flavors of the Florida Keys. Combining the best features of broadcast television and interactive media, Flavors of the Florida Keys will take its audience on a culinary journey of delights. –

On each “webisode”, Linda ventures down the Overseas Highway to delve into a new facet of this dynamic regional cuisine. On her culinary trek, she lets local residents and restaurateurs guide her, to discover the abundant fresh fish and shellfish, tropical fruits and vegetables of the Keys. From succulent Key West Pink Shrimp to the ubiquitous Key Lime Pie, mouthwatering local recipes unfold as she makes her way through the mile markers. Though these 800 tiny islands cover a land area of just 137 miles, Linda uncovers a remarkably diverse cuisine and culture.

Flavors of the Florida Keys will include an introduction to a vibrant “Keys” personality with rich anecdotes about the local cuisine and a passion for the unique flavors found there. While these characters provide color, Linda imparts the practical cooking techniques needed for viewers to create their own tropical concoctions at home.

In each “webisode”, Linda travels on-location to meet the locals and learn about a specific dish. Additionally, a Keys chef, restaurateur, or other food personality, joins Linda in the studio kitchen. There, they demonstrate the recipe, discuss the unique ingredients, and simplify the process for those aspiring to create a little slice of the Keys in their own kitchens. Episodes may include such topics as how to buy, store, and cook fresh fish; tips for perfect pies; or a lesson in crafting a Key West-style brunch.

Flavors of the Florida Keys offers its fans more than a web-based cooking series. Its online components will include such features as fabulous cocktail recipes, shopping lists for the featured recipes, tips on where to find the ingredients, and substitutions for the more exotic elements of the recipe. Fans may also have the opportunity to join live chat events with Linda during which she can answer questions and correct any problems they may have encountered. Of course, viewers can e-mail their comments and offer accounts of their own experience with the recipe.

Flavors of the Florida Keys will air beginning May 9 at 7:30 p.m. on WPBT2 as a high definition television series and online at www.wpbt2.org/flavorstv.