Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts Stories and Recipes from Five Generations of Black Country Cooks

"Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts" is a captivating blend of memoir and cookbook that pays homage to Crystal Wilkinson's Black Appalachian heritage through stories, recipes, and family photographs. Wilkinson lovingly shares the culinary legacy of her ancestors, spanning five generations, whose presence she feels in her kitchen as she prepares traditional dishes like Corn Pudding, Chicken and Dumplings, and Granny Christine's Jam Cake.

Through vivid storytelling and stunning photography, Wilkinson invites readers into her family's history, celebrating the resilience and ingenuity of those who settled in the hills of Appalachia and cultivated a rich culinary tradition against the backdrop of a challenging environment. "Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts" not only preserves treasured recipes but also honors the land that sustained generations of her family and sheds light on the often overlooked heritage of Black Appalachia.

This heartfelt exploration of identity, memory, and connection to both food and place serves as a testament to the enduring power of family bonds and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. "Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts" is a poignant reminder of the profound influence that food can have in shaping personal narratives and collective histories.