For The Culture: Phenomenal Black Women and Femmes in Food: Interviews, Inspiration, and Recipes

by Klancy Miller

A must-have anthology of the leading Black women and femmes shaping today’s food and hospitality landscape—from farm to table and beyond—chronicling their passions and motivations, lessons learned and hard-won wisdom, personal recipes, and more. Chef and writer Klancy Miller found her own way by trial and error—as a pastry chef, recipe developer, author, and founder of  For the Culture  magazine—but what if she had known then what she knows now? What if she had known the extraordinary women profiled within these pages—entrepreneurs, chefs, food stylists, mixologists, historians, influencers, hoteliers, and more—and learned from their stories? Like Leah Penniman, a farmer using Afro-Indigenous methods to restore the land and feed her community; Ashtin Berry, an activist, sommelier, and mixologist creating radical change in the hospitality industry and beyond; or Sophia Roe, a TV host and producer showcasing the inside stories behind today’s food systems. Toni Tipton-Martin, Mashama Bailey, Carla Hall, Nicole Taylor, Dr. Jessica B. Harris . . . In this gorgeous volume these luminaries and more share the vision that drives them, the mistakes they made along the way, advice for the next generation, and treasured recipes—all accompanied by stunning original illustrated portraits and vibrant food photography. In addition, Miller shines a light on the matriarchs who paved the way for today’s tastemakers—Edna Lewis, B. Smith, Leah Chase, Vertamae Smart-Grosvenor, and Lena Richard. These collective profiles are a one-of-a-kind oral history of a movement, captured in real time, and indispensable for anyone passionate about food.

Genres: Cookbooks, Food, Nonfiction, Cooking, Foodie, History, Feminism

320 pages, Hardcover

Published September 19, 2023

Reviews

[mads]

This was exactly what I needed right now. This book was not only insightful, but also a celebration of life and food and cultures. The end of each interview when they were asked their favorite foods just... filled me with so much joy and warmth.

I loved this book so much and if you - like me - were the kind of person that was obsessed with the FoodNetwork as a child, I think you will too.

[Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review soon to follow

[Natasha M. Nurse, Esq. · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a refreshing book to read and learn about women of culture in the food and media space 🙌🏾

[LJeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have only skimmed through this book. The look and pics are amazing. I am impressed.

[Abena Anim-Somuah · Rating 5 out of 5]

gave it a read for a talk I did with Klancy and then picked it up again to re read some of the interviews I loved. This is the perfect book my younger self needed. What a wonderful curation of exceptional Black woman who are united in their impact and are changing food from so many different angles. Can’t wait to keep supporting all these women!

[Ashley Buchweitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you pick up one book go grab this one. It is SO MUCH MORE than the cookbook I thought it was. This is a written history of modern day women of color in food. It is far more interview and introspection than the recipies inside. Also it isn’t only chefs it is so many aspects of food culture and scenes. Not just Americans either it is very much a world view. Bravo @klancycooks

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just had time for a quick page through before the library wanted it back. Some terrific life stories and insights into the ways a group of Black culinary icons made their way. I especially liked the first chapter “Reflections: the Women on Whose Shoulders We Stand”. So much history I didn’t know, and so many firsts that need more celebration!

[Susan Patton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is full of beautiful pictures and recipes. I am inspired by these women, some have inspired me for years and others were new to me. I particularly enjoyed reading about how the interviewees handled stress and practiced self-care. Lots of good ideas here.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book full of a variety of stories and recipes from women across the world. Photos are stunning and several recipes I've marked to try. If you're having a rough day pick up this book and let it fall open to inspire you! I won this book in a goodreads giveaway thank you!

[Bei V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal!!! Excellent! Love this book down. So inspiring! I love the balance of the food industry and mental health because God knows those are extremely important and under looked when it comes to Black women in the kitchen

[Naomi ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

interviews

[Denise Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just bought it 3 days ago but the illustrations, food photos and recipes that I've skimmed so far look amazing. I can't wait to get started working on the recipes!

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book! Love the interviews and the shared recipes, too.

[Sheri L. Raleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, with beautiful illustrations. Powerful testimonies of Black Women in Food.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

there are so many more ways to forge careers centred around food than i thought. i loved the responses to financial considerations and hearing about their favorite foods and beverages

[Megara Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The pictures were beautiful, the profiles were insightful and well organized, and I can't wait to try some of the recipes--- particularly the red palm nut cheesecake!