Crystal Wilkinson, former Poet Laureate of Kentucky, shares how ancestral recipes connect families to their heritage. Amy Nozuku Matato discusses the nostalgic power of mangoes in her family's history. Christina Ward delves into the intersection of food and faith, highlighting how culinary practices shape community identity. Together, they explore how flavors evoke emotions, the importance of preserving culinary traditions, and the intricate ties between food, memory, and belonging.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Kitchen Ghosts
Crystal Wilkinson feels the presence of past generations in her kitchen.
She connects with them while stringing beans like her grandmother and using her dress as a tool.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Grandmother's Dress
Wilkinson hung her grandmother's dress in the kitchen during Thanksgiving.
She felt her grandmother's presence and encouragement to continue cooking traditions.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Aggie's Voice
Wilkinson's kitchen ghosts include her mother, grandmother, and Aggie, an enslaved ancestor.
Aggie's voice urged Wilkinson to tell her story, inspiring a deeper exploration of her family history.
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In 'How to Live', Derek Sivers presents a collection of 27 independent chapters, each offering a different philosophy on how to live. These chapters often contradict each other, arguing for various approaches such as being completely independent, committing to one career or person, being fully present, or delaying gratification. The book is designed for reflection as much as instruction, providing actionable directives without quoting philosophers or naming specific ideologies. It invites readers to consider multiple perspectives and find their own way, emphasizing that there is no one right way to live life.
Bite by Bite
Aimee Nezhukumatathil
Praise Song for the Kitchen Ghosts
Praise Song for the Kitchen Ghosts
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Crystal Wilkinson
Crystal Wilkinson's "Praise Song for the Kitchen Ghosts" is a poignant exploration of family, heritage, and the power of food to connect generations. Through a blend of personal narrative and evocative prose, Wilkinson weaves together stories of her ancestors, particularly her enslaved great-grandmother, Aggie. The book delves into the rich culinary traditions of Black women in rural Kentucky, highlighting the significance of food in their lives and the enduring legacy of their resilience. Wilkinson's writing is both deeply personal and universally resonant, offering a powerful meditation on the complexities of family history and the enduring strength of the human spirit. The book is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. It is a moving tribute to the women who came before her and a celebration of the enduring power of family and food.
Holy Food
How Cults, Communes, and Religious Movements Influence What We Eat
Christina Ward
Christina Ward's "Holy Food" offers a fascinating exploration of the complex relationship between food and faith across various religious movements. The book examines how dietary rules and traditions have shaped religious identities, community building, and even control within groups. Ward delves into the historical context of food restrictions, exploring their origins in food safety concerns and their evolution into markers of group identity. She also analyzes the ways in which food has been used as a tool for both liberation and oppression within religious contexts. The book provides a nuanced perspective on the multifaceted role of food in shaping religious beliefs and practices, offering a compelling look at the intersection of faith, culture, and culinary traditions. It's a thought-provoking study of how food choices reflect and reinforce religious and cultural values.
Maybe it’s your grandmother’s molasses cookies, the garlicky tomato sauce your spouse cooked when you were first dating, or the chicken noodle soup you made every week when your kids were little. The sights, smells and tastes of certain foods can instantly remind us of a person or transport us back to a particular time in our lives. In this episode, we’ll meet kitchen ghosts from Kentucky, hear how religion and food are intertwined, and talk about how flavor evokes emotion – from grief to joy.
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