In the series and these books she highlights South Carolina low country cooking from her childhood and dishes she discovered on her travels. I would label it African Diaspora cooking; she has recopies from many cultural backgrounds including Caribbean, Portuguese, Spanish; all the cuisines that influenced the New World. She is a food historian and great at painting a picture of the history, culture and folklore of food.

I have made several recopies from both books and never had one turn out badly; she knows how to write a recipe and give you a sense of flavor and a context for the dish you are preparing. There are several dishes in both books that my children love to eat, my mother-in-law is always impressed when I make one of her dishes.

This is a great cookbook and I hope the food network calls her up now.

Vertamae Cooks Again is full of recipes from all over the Americas, with an emphasis on Mexican cuisine. No tacos or enchiladas here folks — try my favorite – tres leches cake. Or give the ribs called “table cloth stainers” a try.

Besides being a great cook, Vertamae is a food anthropologist. Most of the recipes in both books are accompanied by historical information that gives you a feel for the culture. Her recipes are always clearly written and unique. And her books include listings of stores that carry some of the hard-to-find ingredients.

Check out the PBS series Vertamae Cooks in the Americas Family Kitchen, then buy both books and try the recipes. You’ll hope that Vertamae cooks again and again and again…