Cooking

In the land of mountains, milk and maple syrup, community is culture. Hear the stories of diner owners and their regulars.

Whether driving through college towns, along rural country roads or down bustling city streets, the historic diners you'll find are integral to the communities they serve. Over time, Vermont diners have remained gathering places for regulars, locals and travelers alike. So much more than just eateries, places like the Birdseye, Chelsea Royal and the Country Girl Diner are where strangers become friends, where generations learn to understand one another and where simpler times are celebrated. Author Erin McCormick reveals how Vermont's diner culture came to be.

From seaport pubs to international cuisine, Alexandria's culinary history runs deep.

George Washington danced in the ballroom of Gadsby's Tavern, an Old Town landmark. The Royal Restaurant hung its first shingle a century ago where Market Square is today. Chadwick's has survived fire and flood in its home on the Potomac riverfront. The storefront of legendary Shuman's Bakery may be closed, but the latest generation continues to serve the famous jelly cake to loyal locals. Journalist Hope Nelson curates this tasting menu of some of Alexandria's favorite restaurants, watering holes and breweries - past and present.

A Delicious Pacific Northwest Legacy.

Fisher Scones, a Pacific Northwest tradition, were introduced at the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco. This sweet treat, slathered with butter and raspberry jam, has outlived the very brand it served to promote. Founded in Seattle, Washington during the early 20th century, Fisher Flouring Mills grew into a family empire encompassing real estate, radio, and television. Now a part of Conifer Specialties, memories of that flourishing flour legacy may have faded, but more than a century later their tasty biscuit remains an icon. At fairs, festivals, and special events, the enticing scent of baking scones still draws crowds eager for a taste.

Jim Erickson, author, educator and scone baker, delves into the history of Washington’s most beloved baked good. Bon Appetit!

Melting Pot Memories

Lorain County attracted people from all around the globe in search of a better life, and these intrepid immigrants brought their culinary traditions with them. From the late nineteenth through the early twentieth centuries, Lorain’s steel mill recruited workers from southern, eastern and western Europe. Later, the mill welcomed workers from Mexico and Puerto Rico, while local quarries offered immigrants work in Grafton, Elyria and Amherst. From these diverse cultures sprang an incredible range of meat and fish main dishes, side delicacies and desserts still found on Lorain tables today—including Cullen skink, Irish stew, chile rellenos, koulourakia, sugo and many more. Lorain’s International Festival highlights these culinary traditions in mouthwatering ways. Author and lifelong Lorainite Kelly Boyer Sagert shares the incredible migration stories and the delicious recipes that make Lorain County such a wonderful place to live—and eat.

Bite in to this refreshing history of sweet foods in the Sunshine State!

Sweets and the Sunshine State are a match made in heaven. Centuries ago, native Floridians used honey to sweeten dishes, as well as prickly pears and other wild fruits and berries. Spanish explorers introduced citrus to the area, leading to a major industry. Florida pioneers planted sugar cane and sweet potatoes as basic crops. Cane grinding, taffy pulls and homemade ice cream socials were once beloved community events across the state. The state pie of Florida, the Key lime pie, has been an addition to family affairs and restaurant menus since its inception in the late 1800s. From strawberry festivals to Florida flan, author Joy Sheffield Harris uncovers the state's unique sweets with a taste of sunshine.

Winnebago County has long been a bellwether of Wisconsin beer making.

In the mid-1800s, German immigrants launched small breweries in Butte des Morts, Menasha, Neenah, Oshkosh and Winneconne. By the 1950s, breweries such as Walter Brothers, Peoples and the Oshkosh Brewing Company had a combined output of more than 100,000 barrels of beer annually, and iconic brands like Gem Pilsener and Chief Oshkosh were known across the state. This rich tradition continues today with the rise of modern craft breweries in Omro, Oshkosh and Neenah. Local author and founder of the Oshkosh Beer website Lee Reiherzer reveals stories behind the breweries, past and present, that fostered an enduring beer culture.

Dating all the way back to 1812, the history of brewing in Cincinnati is a long and illustrious narrative. These days, Cincinnati's brewing culture is experiencing a multifaceted renaissance with a promising outlook.

In the mid-19th century, the Queen City's rapidly expanding German population definitively transformed the industry, making Cincinnati one of the nation's foremost brewing centers. Principally based in the vibrant Over-the-Rhine district, the golden age of brewing in Cincinnati saw the creation of architecturally spectacular brewery structures, a proliferation of related industries, as well as an abundance of saloons and beer gardens. The enactment of Prohibition crippled this formerly booming industry, however, and although local brewers returned to revive their tradefollowing the repeal of Prohibition, the industry would never regain its former prominence. Cincinnati's Brewing History offers a concise overview of the history of brewing and beer culture in the region through vintage and contemporary images, as well as brewing collectibles.

Raise a glass to Virginia, birthplace of American spirits, and its long history of distilling and imbibing.

Colonist George Thorpe first crafted “corn beere,” an ancestor to bourbon, in 1620 at Berkeley Plantation, and George Washington once operated one of the nation’s largest distilleries. Icy mint juleps were first served in Virginia until the state was one of the first to enact Prohibition. That dark period gave rise to bootlegging, moonshining, and even NASCAR.

Through well documented research, interviews with key stakeholders, and plenty of cocktail recipes for the reader to shake and stir at home, author Patrick Evans-Hylton showcases the rich history of 400 years of drinking in the Commonwealth.

Throughout its rich history, Baltimore has been known by many names: Mobtown, the Land of Pleasant Living, or Charm City to name a few.

Perhaps ""Beer Town"" would have been more appropriate. Several pivotal events in Maryland's history involved the brewing industry. Baltimore brewers were vital to building the fledgling town into the bustling city it is today. These brewers established some of the earliest churches in Baltimore. Eagle Brewery's Harry Von der Horst helped build the Orioles into a pennant-winning team in the 1890s. Mary Pickersgill sewed the stars upon the Star Spangled Banner on the floor of Brown's Brewery during the War of 1812.

Asheville, North Carolina has a long history with beer, one that is still easily seen in this city today, from moonshine to craft beers and breweries.

Drinking local harks back to the founding of Asheville in 1798. Whether it be moonshine or craft beer, the culture of local hooch is deeply ingrained in the mountain dwellers of Western North Carolina. Both residents and visitors alike enjoy Asheville's wealth of breweries, brewpubs, beer festivals and dedicated retailers. That enthusiasm earned the city the coveted Beer City, USA title year after year and prompted West Coast beer giants Sierra Nevada, New Belgium and Oskar Blues to establish production facilities here. Beer writer and educator Anne Fitten Glenn recounts this intoxicating history, from the suds-soaked saloons of ""Hell's Half Acre"" to the region's explosion into a beer Mecca.

From the host of several PBS cooking shows, a second cookbook featuring Cajun-inspired recipes and humor.

In this treasury of authentic Cajun recipes, Justin Wilson has assembled a wide range of dishes that perfectly complement his highly successful first cookbook, The Justin Wilson Cookbook, which has gone through numerous printings.

For those who want to know the secrets of Cajun cooking, or for those who simply want mouthwatering recipes, Wilson's collection serves as an excellent resource. Savor, for example, Wild Ducks and Turnips, Cajunized Oriental Pork Chops, Stuffed Cucumbers, and Leftover Spaghetti Casserole. Also enjoy a variety of recipes under the "Cooking in a Bag" section, in which Wilson discloses the secret of cooking meats more quickly―and making them more tender―than non-Cajuns ever dreamed of. These are but a few of the certain-to-please recipes in The Justin Wilson #2 Cookbook, many of which were developed for Wilson's TV show.

Author John Howard-Fusco traces the roots of Cape May's delectable dishes and recipes from long ago to the modern day.

Cape May is America's first seaside resort, and with that comes a mouthwatering food history. The New York Times even proclaimed the city Restaurant Capital of New Jersey. The first settlers, the Kechemeche of the Lenape tribe, feasted on the fish and wild game in the area. The whaling industry briefly brought attention to the island, but Ellis Hughes's 1801 advertisement offering seashore entertainment with fish, oysters, crabs, and good liquors gave birth to a beachside haven. From the mint juleps to the Sunny Hall Café and the Chalfonte, culinary creativity thrives on the shore. Modern chefs like Lucas Manteca at the Red Store and Brooke Dodds's Empanada Mamas help keep the unique flair alive.

Originally published in 1895, this beautifully illustrated reference book will help you identify 30 common mushrooms and differentiate among edible and poisonous varieties.

Also included are tasty recipes meant to showcase the earthy flavors and range of textures of edible mushrooms. A treat for mushroom hunters and/or lovers of antiquated books.

Martha’s Vineyard is known as a popular vacation destination with high profile visitors. Below the surface, however, bubbles a culinary melting pot. 

Native Americans, Blacks, European settlers and Azoreans all contributed to the island’s diverse culinary history. The Scottish Society still celebrates Robert Burns annually with a feast. Two towns have streets called Chicken Alley for the Portuguese families who raised chickens there, while native beach plums are used to create a delicious jelly that can be found across the island. Restaurants like Giordano’s and the ArtCliff Diner have been in business for more than fifty years and are still putting out great dishes. Learn the back-story of the island’s first—and only—commercial vineyard. 

From codfish souffle to espirito santo soup, local authors Tom and Joyce Dresser share the ingredients, recipes and images of this flavorful island.  

Discover the delicious history of eateries in Chapel Hill, both a college town and a dining destination.

Once upon a time the city, synonymous with the University of North Carolina, offered little more than simple cafes to diners. In recent years it has developed a diverse restaurant culture and today is home to some of the country's most creative chefs. From legendary student hangouts to one of the South's most famed barbecue joints to the birthplace of shrimp and grits, these stories are an integral part of the culture of this vibrant spot.

Local authors Chris Holaday and Patrick Cullom profile long-time establishments that helped shape the dining scene in Chapel Hill and the neighboring towns of Carrboro and Hillsborough.

First published in 1898, The El Paso Cook Book was the first ever cookbook published in the Sun City.

Though available ingredients and kitchen technology has changed over the last century, these historic recipes can still be recreated today by adventurous cooks looking to find the soul of El Paso’s culinary past. Readers will discover fascinating insights about cookery at the turn of the twentieth century, delicious Southwestern inspired cuisine and more in this landmark of El Paso’s regional food culture.

Food is at the heart of Atlanta, and here discover iconic dishes, notorious restaurants, and the rich culinary history of this Southern city.

Atlanta’s cuisine has always been an integral part of its identity. From its Native American agricultural roots to the South’s first international culinary scene, food has shaped this city, often in unexpected ways. Trace the evolution of iconic dishes like Brunswick stew, hoecakes and peach pie while celebrating Atlanta’s noted foodies, including Henry Grady, Martin Luther King Jr. and Nathalie Dupree. Be transported to the beginnings of notable restaurants and markets, including Durand’s at the Union Depot, Busy Bee Café, Mary Mac’s Tearoom, the Municipal Market and the Buford Highway Farmers Market. With fourteen historic recipes, culinary historian Akila Sankar McConnell proves that food will always be at the heart of Atlanta’s story.

Northwest Arkansas' High South cuisine is replete with nostalgia, fresh ingredients, tall tales and rural roots. Discover Ozark traditions in the realms of forest, farm and table.

In the 1890s, Ozark apples fed the nation. Welch's Concord grapes grew in Arkansas vineyards. Local poultry king, Tyson, still satisfies America's chicken craving. Local chef turned author Erin Rowe recounts her culinary adventures stomping grapes, canning hominy, picking Muscadines, gathering wild watercress and tracking honeybees. Featuring fifty heirloom recipes dating as far back as the early 1800s, this delectable narrative is sure to whet your curiosity and appetite. An Ozark Culinary History celebrates it all, from chow-chow to moonshine.

Diners of the North Shore is a fascinating collection of many previously unpublished images from the golden age of the diner. Bearing names such as Hesperus in Gloucester, Lafayette in Salem, and Suntaug in Peabody, these eat-on-the-run oases provided their customers with not only a square meal but also an atmosphere as welcoming as one's kitchen. From the primitive Night Owl lunch wagon to the art deco-inspired Sterling Streamliner, Diners of the North Shore showcases each diner's unique character, along with the colorful personalities who ran them.

The food scene in Hamilton County, Indiana sprang from humble roots and evolved into a dynamic culinary community.

Early restaurateurs made modest livings at mom-and-pop joints like Aunt Bea's Chicken in Noblesville and Brown's Drugstore in Carmel. Teen romances bloomed at the Blue Ribbon Dairy Drive-In and Burger Chef. Then Chef Dieter Puska's elegant eatery the Glass Chimney took dining to a whole new level. Local chefs carry on his legacy with new farm-to-table restaurants featuring ingredients from a multitude of growers and farmers' markets. The craft beer scene is booming, too, with exceptional breweries like Four Day Ray, Mashcraft, Books and Brews and Barley Island. Take a trip down memory lane and embark on a modern-day culinary adventure with local food writer Karen Kennedy as she presents the hardworking restaurant owners and culinary superstars who built and continue to grow Hamilton County's vibrant food culture.

Recipes that Have Survived Generations 

Pensacola was one of the first European settlements in the United States. The city’s culinary history encompasses a range of diverse cultures and peoples, forming a contemporary melting pot. Weave your way through each era and learn how to create dishes that have been consumed in Pensacola throughout its entire history. Historic Native American, Spanish, French, British, Creole, early American and twentieth-century recipes are all represented on the pages within. Explore dishes like early Native American stews and corn cakes, Spanish pork and wine cuisine and British oyster pye and mushroom catsup, as well as modern fine dining treats like grouper picata and the ubiquitous fried mullet. Join author and chef Duel Christian as he takes you on a culinary journey through the history of the City of Five Flags.

Dig into the long history of cider in Virginia—the Old Dominion’s original craft beverage.

When the adventurers aboard the Susan Constant, Discovery, and Godspeed stepped foot on Virginian soil they brought with them the traditional English love of cider. Required by statute to plant orchards, the apple played a central part in the development of the colony as its juice became the favored libation of every class of society. From the modest laborer to the table of Thomas Jefferson, cider was Virginia’s tipple of choice. More than 400 years later, the libation is enjoying a renaissance. Read about a new generation of makers re-introducing Virginians to their original craft beverage.

Local author Alistair Reece tells the story of cider in the Old Dominion, aided by the stunning photography of J. Mark Stewart.

Michigan's beer history is as diverse as the breweries themselves, and the stories behind them are as fascinating as their tasty concoctions.

A few enterprising women found themselves at the forefront of early brewing in the state, and several early Detroit brewers also served as mayor. Pfeiffer's mascot was designed by Walt Disney Studios. Jackson's Eberle Brewing Company took its fight against local prohibition all the way to the Supreme Court, and the Silver Foam trademark embroiled disputants in a different legal fight. Renowned modern craft brewers grew from humble beginnings, often staving off financial disaster, to establish themselves as local, or even national, juggernauts.

Grab your favorite brew and join author Patti F. Smith for a look at Michigan's distant brewing past and its recent triumphs.

Indianapolis Beer Stories is a time capsule of tales from the city's early taverns, to a pre-Prohibition golden era, to today's modern craft beer scene.

Meet the ghosts of Indy's brewing past. Discover the very beginning of beer in Indiana's new capital and the pioneers who carved a path for a future industry. Uncover the legacy of a bygone brewing giant. Learn how one spontaneous decision to cross the treacherous Rocky Mountains led to a booming craft beer scene in Indiana.

Indiana native Amy Beers, a Certified Cicerone® and owner/operator of Drinking with Beers, leads a heady tour of yesterday and today in Circle City brewing.

More than three hundred breweries have churned out the good stuff for thirsty Hoosiers, and this city-by-city guide gives readers a sample of every spot, allowing time to savor the flavor while sharing the hidden aspects, like the brave and hearty brewers who assisted the Underground Railroad and survived Prohibition. The unmistakable Hoosier personality and spirit shine in the classic labels and advertisements, many of which are displayed here in vibrant color. Join Indiana beer enthusiasts Bob Ostrander and Derrick Morris of hoosierbeerstory.com on a pub crawl through this state's proud beer history.

Celebrate the life and libations of Pierre Celis, the Hoegaargarden legend who resurrected witbier and established Austin's first craft brewery.

A former milkman in the small village of Hoegaargarden, Pierre Celis opened a brewery that brought back the extinct witbier style of Belgium and rejuvenated an Old World tradition throughout Europe. Following a devastating fire in his native country, the godfather of witbier set up shop in Austin. Pierre's passion took fresh shape in the form of Celis Beer and influenced an entire generation of hopheads. His daughter Christine revived the brand in 2017, yet another chapter in a story full of fresh starts to venerable institutions. Jeremy Banas raises a glass to a unmatched brewmaster and his belief that beer makes friendships.

Charlotte has entered a golden age of craft brewing. Join author Daniel Hartis for a journey into the center of this of the Queen City's beer scene.

While the fermented frenzy of Charlotte's craft brewing fans may feel altogether new, it evokes a forgotten heritage that dates back to colonial days. Beginning with Captain James Jack, whose tavern was a Patriot haven burned by the British during the American Revolution.

Local beer writer, and founder of charlottebeer.com, author Daniel Hartis follows a frothy trail through the highs and lows of this sudsy story. Grab a pint and discover how Prohibition took hold of Charlotteans. Ruminate over odes to beer by the Brew Pub Poets Society, and sample the personality and spirit on tap today around this North Carolina city. Charlotte Beer includes photos and a foreword by the Executive Director of the North American Guild of Beer Writers, Win Bassett.