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American table : the foods, people, and innovations that feed us
2023
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Fulfilling its mission to collect and preserve all things American, the Smithsonian Institution has amassed a trove of culinary objects from across the continent, such as Julia Child's kitchen, in the National Museum of American History. In this new book, Smithsonian writers and researchers present a grand survey of American cuisine commencing with the earliest Americans, describing how climate and geography shaped the eating habits of Indigenous people from Alaska to Florida. The authors tackle the difficult task of finding one defining dish from each of the 50 states and also showcase the broad swath of comestibles brought to the U.S. by immigrants from Europe, Africa, and Asia. Foods like sushi, Oreos, and yogurt reflect fads and the yearning for novelty. The innovation of mass production fed the nation's servicepeople. Snacks and fast foods that now dominate much of the American diet earn careful coverage. Generally easy-to-follow recipes appear for many of the dishes inventoried, and profiles of such "food people" as George Washington Carver, James Beard, Leah Chase, Joyce Chen, the Harvey girls, and José Andrés offer glimpses of influential personalities past and present. Cultural historians and foodies will learn from and enjoy this comprehensive and colorful book.
Summary


In collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, a sweeping history of food and culture that summons everyone to the table for a fresh look at the people, ingredients, events, and movements that have shaped how and what we eat in the United States

This exploration of the American table presents a fresh look at what and how we've fed ourselves, for sustenance and for pleasure, through the lens of location, immigration, ingenuity, innovation, and culture. Learn about Native Americans growers and chefs who are reclaiming and reinventing Indigenous ingredients and cooking techniques. Meet a Black chef who gained national renown and culinary influence by showcasing her skills on her own television show in segregated New Orleans. And find out how everything from fondue to Jell-O salads to pumpkin spice (even in hummus) became national obsessions.

Cook your way through American history with over 40 iconic and notable recipes offered throughout the book. With chapters spanning coast to coast and stretching over centuries, this enlightening enriching, and entertaining collection uncovers the many histories of American food.

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