Braided Heritage
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Discover the sweeping story of how Indigenous, European, and African traditions intertwined to form an entirely new cuisine, with over 90 recipes for the modern home cook—from the James Beard Cookbook Hall of Famer and star of the Netflix docuseries High on the Hog.
One of our preeminent culinary historians, Dr. Jessica B. Harris has conducted decades of research throughout the Americas, the Caribbean, and Africa. In this telling of the origins of American food, though, she gets more personal. As heritage is history, she intertwines the larger sweeping past with stories and recipes from friends she’s made over the years—people whose family dishes go back to the crucial era when Native peoples encountered Europeans and the enslaved Africans they brought with them.
Through this mix, we learn that Clear Broth Clam Chowder has both Indigenous and European roots; the same, too, with Enchiladas Suizas, tomatillo-smothered tortillas made “Swiss” with cheese and dairy; and that the hallmarks of African American food through the centuries have been evolution based on region, migration, and innovation, resulting in classics like Red Beans and Rice and Peach Bread Pudding Cupcakes with Bourbon Glaze.
With recipes ranging from everyday meals to festive spreads, Braided Heritage offers a new, in-depth, delicious look at American culinary history.
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Book Review: Braided Heritage by Jessica B. Harris 📚
Rating: 5 Stars
I just finished reading Braided Heritage by Jessica B. Harris, and it’s an absolute gem. From the moment I picked it up, starting with the beautiful cover, I was hooked. This book offers a fascinating journey into the origins of American cuisine, revealing how Indigenous, European, and African culinary traditions have intertwined over centuries to create something entirely new and uniquely American. 🌎🍽️
What I loved most about this book is how it goes beyond just recipes. Dr. Harris, a renowned culinary historian and star of the Netflix series High on the Hog, blends her deep research with personal stories from friends and communities she’s connected with over her decades of work. This blend of history and personal narrative makes the book feel alive and deeply human. ❤️📖
The book reveals some surprising culinary connections—did you know that Clear Broth Clam Chowder has both Indigenous and European roots? Or that Enchiladas Suizas combine tomatillo tortillas with a creamy Swiss cheese touch? And the evolution of African American food traditions, influenced by migration and regional shifts, is beautifully documented through dishes like Red Beans and Rice and Peach Bread Pudding Cupcakes drizzled with bourbon glaze. 🍲🧀🍰
Recipes range from everyday comfort foods to celebratory dishes, all accompanied by clear instructions and gorgeous photos that make them inviting to try at home. I’ve already made the strawberry shortcakes—which were absolutely delicious—and the Beef Boulettes with gravy, a hit with my whole family! 🍓🍰🥩👌
What really shines through is Jessica B. Harris’s passion and care for her subject. She doesn’t just recount history; she shares stories that bring heritage to life, making this more than a cookbook—it’s a tribute to culture and community. 🌟🤝
If you love food history or just enjoy cooking with a story behind every dish, Braided Heritage would be a perfect addition to your collection or a thoughtful gift for anyone who appreciates the rich tapestry of American cuisine. Five stars all the way! 🎁🌿
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.
