Recipes From the American South
| Author | Michael W. Twitty |
|---|---|
| Genre | Cookbook |
| Publisher | Phaidon Press |
Publication date | 2025 |
Recipes From the American South is a cookbook by food historian Michael W. Twitty, published by Phaidon Press in 2025.[1]
Background
Twitty was originally asked to find another author who could complete the book, but eventually decided to write it himself. It took five years to complete.[2]
Synopsis
The book is a compendium of the cuisine of the Southern United States, containing recipes and information about the regional development of each dish.[3] Twitty wrote the book to more accurately reflect the scope and diversity of Southern food.[4]
Reception
The book was named one of the ten best books about food of 2025 by Smithsonian.[5] The book received positive reviews for its recipes and historical research.[6] Writing for The Wall Street Journal, Andrew Coe described the book as "an essential addition to the shelf of Southern cookbooks".[7]
The book received a starred review in Library Journal[1] and Foreword Reviews.[8] Sarah Tansley of Library Journal wrote that "Twitty’s South is inclusive, recognizing Indigenous cultures and encompassing foodways from the mid-Atlantic to Oklahoma, with many stops in between. The smooth narrative balances personal stories, culinary details, and history. Recipes represent the South’s variety of cultures, ingredients, and influences".[1] Rachel Jagareski of Foreword Reviews wrote that "The Southern sweet tooth and hospitality culture is evident in the bounteous dessert and beverage sections, full of sweet iced drinks, fruit and custard pies, and cakes piled high with icing. Photographs, a helpful glossary, and an impressive bibliography round out this defining culinary history."[8]
References
- ^ a b c Tansley, Sarah. "Recipes from the American South". Library Journal. Retrieved 2026-01-09.
- ^ Hutcherson, Aaron (December 9, 2025). "What is Southern food? A new cookbook challenges our assumptions". The Washington Post.
- ^ Gomez-Misserian, Gabriela (2025-10-29). "Michael W. Twitty's New Cookbook Is a Sweeping Ode to Southern Cooking". Garden & Gun. Retrieved 2026-01-09.
- ^ Tsioulcas, Anastasia (2025-10-15). "A celebration of the South's rich — and messy — heritage, delivered on a plate". NPR. Retrieved 2026-01-09.
- ^ Webster, Jim. "The Ten Best Books About Food of 2025". Smithsonian Magazine. Retrieved 2026-01-09.
- ^ Lunsford, Mackensy. "Michael Twitty's Southern cookbook gathers centuries of voices at one table". The Tennessean. Retrieved 2026-01-09.
- ^ Coe, Andrew (2025-10-10). "Cookbooks That Celebrate Appetizing Traditions". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2026-01-09.
- ^ a b "Review of Recipes from the American South". www.forewordreviews.com. 2025-08-25. Retrieved 2026-01-09.