Just as her mother and grandmother did in author Joyce White's childhood, African-American women today still vie to outdo one another when it comes to preparing potluck meals. Whether the church is in Harlem, NY, or Orangeburg, SC, the spirit of fellowship and one-upmanship, good food and good humor is an indelible part of the after-church social meals. It is part of the reason these gatherings remain such a vital part of African-American life today.

Soul Food captures this spirit, deftly weaving together the reminiscences and stories of African-American women with 150 of their best traditional and contemporary recipes. Included are such classics as Fried Fish with Hush Puppies, Crab Cakes, and Lemon Chess Pie, as well as such updated favorites as West African Chicken, Caribbean Jerk Turkey, and Louisiana Sweet Potato Brulee. It even includes special fare for celebrating Kwanzaa. Featuring 50 black-and-white photographs of churches and congregations from across the country, Soul Food is a wonderful treasury of the food and folklore of African-American culture.