The African American Heritage Cookbook: Traditional Recipes and Fond Remembrances from Alabama's Renowned Tuskegee Institute

While visiting with an elderly lady, I mentioned that my great grandmother went to Tuskegee Institute. She showed me this cookbook. I had to have one of my own. I think this book is excellent for those who want to learn how to cook those southern dishes that "grandma" or "aunt so-and-so" used to make. Although I am a pretty good southern cook, some of the dishes I had forgotten about. I think the most impressive recipe was "Pokeweed". I know it as "poke salad", but I instantly recognized it. I have never cooked it personally, but years ago I had thought about cooking it many times. At the time I did not know you had to boil it and disgard the water because it has toxins in it. If I had made it years ago before I knew better, I would have been sick. To me, the addition of that one recipe seemed to put it in a category the covers "ALL" types of southern cuisine. I ordered mine today, and I can't wait to read it from cover to cover. I spent over an hour reading my friends book. I ordered one for my mother also. The real clincher for me was the fact that my great grandmother went there. She graduated in 1917. I searched those photos, and wondered if one of those girls was her. I felt such a bond to that book. I brought back all the memories of her stories of Dr. Carver and the peanuts. In one of her many stories, she told me that she didn't realized at the time that history was being made, and that they were more interested in eating the peanuts than learning how to make perfume from them. This book would be an excellent wedding gift for a young couple. Or even those that find themselves trying to prepare "family holiday" meals for the first time. It brings back memories!!!

This cookbook is chock full of old time recipes. There are wonderful pictures and pieces of history that are long forgotten and shouldn't be. It is great!!I originally bought this for a co-worker and since buying the first one, I have been bombarded by others who have seen it. Each person wants one. It includes recipes that anyone who has ever had southern cooking will love! This makes a great gift.....for yourself and others.

I discovered this book recently and was truly moved by the beauty of the spirit, and the richness of the culture in which the style of cooking contained in the recipes evolved. There's something unusually special here.

I really enjoy cooking from this book. The recipes are easy to follow and the historical tidbits in between are very interesting. I've recommended this cookbook to my dad and he loves it as well.

When I saw this cookbook on the shelves I knew immediately it would become the centerpiece in my collection of cookbooks. I have tried several of the recipes, and found them all to be excellent. As a former student of Tuskegee Institute, I truly appreciate the historical referances found in the book. The African-American Heritage Cookbook has earned it's place as my personal favorite. Carolyn, thanks for the memories and the SOUL FOOD.