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The rise : Black cooks and the soul of American food
2020
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Library Journal Review
Reminding us that Black food is not monolithic and is more than soul food, award-winning chef Samuelsson (The Red Rooster Cookbook) creates a groundbreaking resource devoted to Black foodways and the ongoing history of food as a part of racial justice. For him, authorship of our own foodways is essential; Black people have always cooked, but it's only recently that we've received recognition. The chef takes care to show that Black food is American food, and sparks a conversation on what it means to be a Black cook in the United States, and abroad. With the assistance of cowriters Osayi Endolyn (food writer) and Yewande Komolafe (recipe developer and food stylist), Samuelsson profiles influential chefs in the diaspora and creates recipes celebrating their legacy. Among the highlights are Toni Tipton-Martin being honored with beets with sage leaf and dukkah spice and Tavel Bristol-Joseph with coconut fried chicken with sweet hot sauce and platanos. Rich photographs by Angie Mosier place chefs and their inspired foods in context. VERDICT Samuelsson's enthusiasm and appreciation shine throughout this inviting collection, a must-read for all interested in Black foodways and culinary history.--Stephanie Sendaula, Library Journal
Publishers Weekly Review
Chef Samuelsson (Yes, Chef) underscores the significance and breadth of Black contributions to America's culinary culture in this remarkable collection of recipes from and profiles of Black chefs, writers, historians, and more. Among the topics covered are where Black food is headed, its history in various parts of the country, and the influence of the American South ("I've come to think of the American South as not only a geographical region but a state of mind... food in the South is still very much West and Central African cooking reinterpreted, remixed, in America"). Recipes include condiments and pantry items, such as San Francisco activist Shakirah Simley's benne seed dressing and TV food personality Carla Hall's garden egg chow chow, and heartier items, as with Samuelsson's bird and toast (an ode to Harlem restaurateur Melba Wilson) and his wife's recipe for doro wat rigatoni. The variety of recipes is impressive and appealing, from the chicken liver mousse with croissants of Le Bernardin executive chef Eric Gestel to the spiced lemon chess pie by Oxford, Miss., bartender Joe Stinchcomb. While the recipes are reliably excellent, the book's positive messages of equality, enlightenment, and social justice make it something anyone would want to have in their home. (Oct.)
Booklist Review
Fans of the Food Network channel and PBS' No Passport Required will recognize chef, restaurateur, philanthropist, author, and food activist Samuelsson (The Red Rooster Cookbook, 2016). Along with James Beard Award--winning author Osayi Endolyn and recipe developers Yewande Komolafe and Tamie Cook, here he takes readers on a culinary journey to discuss the diversity, history, culture, and spirituality that Black food and Black chefs express. Among biographies highlighting the culinary contributions of dozens of contemporary Black chefs including Shakirah Smiley, Nina Compton, and Eric Gestel, readers will find more than 150 delicious recipes, each shared in tribute to their work: Lagos plantains with suya dip in honor of Eduardo Jordan, island jollof rice in honor of Eric Adjepong, grilled Piri Piri shrimp with papaya and watermelon salad in honor of Devita Davidson. The book also contains information on ingredients, spice blends, and cooking techniques that readers are sure to find helpful. This book is a celebration of Black culture through food, and a must for all readers of culinary history. An amazing addition to any library collection.
Summary
An Eater Best Cookbook of Fall 2020 * This groundbreaking new cookbook from chef, bestselling author, and TV star Marcus Samuelsson celebrates contemporary Black cooking in 150 extraordinarily delicious recipes.



It is long past time to recognize Black excellence in the culinary world the same way it has been celebrated in the worlds of music, sports, literature, film, and the arts. Black cooks and creators have led American culture forward with indelible contributions of artistry and ingenuity from the start, but Black authorship has been consistently erased from the story of American food.



Now, in The Rise , chef, author, and television star Marcus Samuelsson gathers together an unforgettable feast of food, culture, and history to highlight the diverse deliciousness of Black cooking today. Driven by a desire to fight against bias, reclaim Black culinary traditions, and energize a new generation of cooks, Marcus shares his own journey alongside 150 recipes in honor of dozens of top chefs, writers, and activists--with stories exploring their creativity and influence.



Black cooking has always been more than "soul food," with flavors tracing to the African continent, to the Caribbean, all over the United States, and beyond. Featuring a mix of everyday food and celebration cooking, this book also includes an introduction to the pantry of the African diaspora, alongside recipes such as:

Chilled corn and tomato soup in honor of chef Mashama Bailey Grilled short ribs with a piri-piri marinade and saffron tapioca pudding in homage to authors Michael Twitty and Jessica B. Harris Crab curry with yams and mustard greens for Nyesha Arrington Spiced catfish with pumpkin leche de tigre to celebrate Edouardo Jordan Island jollof rice with a shout-out to Eric Adjepong Steak frites with plantain chips and green vinaigrette in tribute to Eric Gestel Tigernut custard tart with cinnamon poached pears in praise of Toni Tipton-Martin

A stunning work of breadth and beauty, The Rise is more than a cookbook. It's the celebration of a movement.

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