Cultural Conversations: An Evening with Michael Twitty

Culinary Historian

Join Michael Twitty, culinary historian and author, as he discusses his latest book, "Recipes from the American South."

Michael W. Twitty is an African-American Jewish writer, culinary historian, and educator. He is the author of "The American South" (2025), "Koshersoul: The Faith and Food Journey" (2022), and "The Cooking Gene," published by HarperCollins/Amistad, which won the 2018 James Beard Foundation Book Award for Book of the Year as well as the award for writing.

The event includes:

5:00 – 6:45 pm
Food trucks on-site (food available for purchase)

5:30 – 6:45 pm
VIP Culinary Experience with Michael Twitty (ticket details provided at registration)

7:00 – 7:45 pm
Free public Cultural Conversation with the esteemed author

7:45 – 8:30 pm
Book sales and signing

Check out "Recipes from the American South." at Broward County Library.

About the book:

A home cook’s guide to one of America’s most diverse—and delicious—cuisines, from James Beard Award–winning author and culinary historian Michael W. Twitty.

"An essential addition to the shelf of Southern cookbooks." — Wall Street Journal

A BEST COOKBOOK OF THE YEAR: The New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Food Network, The Strategist, NPR, Boston Globe, Serious Eats, Slate, Saveur, Smithsonian Magazine, Foodie, and B&N Reads

In the introduction to this groundbreaking recipe collection, acclaimed historian Michael W. Twitty writes, "No one state or area can give you the breadth of the Southern story or fully set the Southern table." Recipes from the American South answers that call by journeying from the Louisiana Bayou to the Chesapeake Bay, showcasing more than 260 of the region’s most beloved dishes.

Across more than 400 pages, Twitty explores the wide culinary landscape shaped by Southern history and its many cultures. Recipes for breads and biscuits, mains and sides, stews, sauces, and sweets feature insightful headnotes and clear, step-by-step instructions. Home cooks will find both iconic dishes and lesser‑known specialties: Chicken and Dumplings, She‑Crab Soup, Red Eye Gravy, Benne Seed Wafers, Hummingbird Cake, and Mint Juleps appear alongside Shrimp Pilau, Chorizo Dirty Rice, Sumac Lemonade, and Cajun Pig’s Ears Pastry.

A masterful storyteller, Twitty complements this extensive recipe collection with lyrical, deeply researched essays that honor the region’s “multicultural gumbo” of global influences. Vibrant food photography adds even more dimension to this rich narrative.

A Service of Broward County Board of County Commissioners

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