Jessica B. Harris's Books

My Soul Looks Back

A Memoir

By: Jessica B. Harris

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In this captivating new memoir, award-winning writer Jessica B. Harris recalls her youth “surrounded by some of the most famous creative minds of the seventies and eighties…James Baldwin, Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Nina Simone” (New York magazine)—in a vibrant, lost era of New York City. In the Technicolor glow of the early seventies, Jessica B. Harris debated, celebrated, and danced her way from the jazz clubs of the Manhattan’s West Side to the restaurants of Greenwich Village, living out her buoyant youth alongside the great minds of the day—luminaries like Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, and Toni Morrison. My Soul Looks Back is her tribute to that fascinating social circle and their shared commitment to activism, intellectual engagement, and each other. With “simmering warmth” (The New York Times), Harris paints evocative portraits of her illustrious friends: Baldwin as he read aloud an early draft of If Beale Street Could Talk, Angelou cooking in her California kitchen, and Morrison relaxing at Baldwin’s house in Provence. Harris describes her role as theater critic for the New York Amsterdam News and editor at then-burgeoning Essence magazine; star-studded parties in the South of France; drinks at Mikell’s, a hip West Side club; and the simple joy these extraordinary people took in each other’s company. At the center is Harris’s relationship with Sam Floyd, a fellow professor at Queens College, who introduced her to Baldwin. More than a memoir of friendship and first love, My Soul Looks Back is a carefully crafted, intimately understood homage to a bygone era and the people that made it so remarkable.

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Page Count

186

Publisher

Simon and Schuster

Published Date

ISBN 10

1501127004

ISBN 13

9781501127007

My Soul Looks Back

A Memoir

By: Jessica B. Harris

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My Soul Looks Back

A Memoir

By: Jessica B. Harris

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186

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Simon and Schuster

Published Date

ISBN 10

1501127004

ISBN 13

9781501127007

A Kwanzaa Keepsake and Cookbook

Celebrating the Holiday with Family, Community, and Tradition

By: Jessica B. Harris

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A Kwanzaa Keepsake and Cookbook

Celebrating the Holiday with Family, Community, and Tradition

By: Jessica B. Harris

From the award-winning author of High on the Hog—inspiration for the “energetic, emotional, and deeply nuanced” (The New York Times) Netflix series of the same name—comes a new and updated edition of A Kwanzaa Keepsake, another important exploration of African American culture, food, and family, featuring recipes and stories to help this generation create unique holiday traditions. Now with a new introduction by award-winning writer and iconic culinary historian Jessica B. Harris, a foreword by chef and television personality Carla Hall, revised recipes and stories, and a fresh new package, A Kwanzaa Keepsake offers proverbs, ceremonies, family projects, inspirational biographies, blessings, and of course, wonderful recipes. Structured around the seven days of Kwanzaa and the virtues each day represents, Harris shares a themed feast for each night, designed to reflect the principle of the day. Some of the menus include: -Umoja (Unity), featuring dishes of multinational origin such as Seasoned Olives, Mechoui-Style Leg of Lamb with cumin, mint, and chili, and a classic Caribbean rum punch, and reminds readers of the union of all peoples of African descent. -Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), composed of dishes from the African continent including Sweet Potato Fritters, Grilled Pepper Salad, and Piment Aimee, a hot sauce from one of the author’s friends. -Kuumba (Creativity) is a healing supper and communal meal that opens the gates of remembrance through food. The repast is centered around a heritage recipe and includes others for Pickled Black-Eyed Peas, a fish dish from the the Ivory Coast, Spicy Cranberry Chutney, and a killer pecan pie with molasses whipped cream. Interspersed throughout the book are spaces to record family memories, sayings, and recipes. Rich in culinary history, and a source of inspiration for treasuring and recording family traditions both old and new, A Kwanzaa Keepsake is a book to cherish, and one that families will turn to again and again.

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Page Count

208

Publisher

Simon and Schuster

Published Date

ISBN 10

1668035863

ISBN 13

9781668035863

High on the Hog

A Culinary Journey from Africa to America

By: Jessica B. Harris

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High on the Hog

A Culinary Journey from Africa to America

By: Jessica B. Harris

The author of The Africa Cookbook presents a history of the African Diaspora on two continents, tracing the evolution of culturally representative foods ranging from chitlins and ham hocks to fried chicken and vegan soul.

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Page Count

304

Publisher

Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Published Date

ISBN 10

1596913959

ISBN 13

9781596913950

The Martha's Vineyard Table

By: Jessica B. Harris

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The Martha's Vineyard Table

By: Jessica B. Harris

“A perfect Martha’s Vineyard guidebook” from the acclaimed culinary historian and winner of the James Beard Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award (Publishers Weekly). Martha’s Vineyard has long been renowned as a popular vacation destination, but few are aware of the island’s rich culinary history. The Martha’s Vineyard Table celebrates the cuisine of this seaside escape with such treats as Codfish Fritters, Stuffed Quahogs, Corn Pudding, and Cranberry-Apple Crisp. In addition to 80 recipes, Jessica Harris captures the charm of the island’s gingerbread cottages, lobster fishermen, artisan fudge shops, and farmers’ markets in her short essays on Vineyard life. For the nostalgic visitor and for those who dream of vacationing there, The Martha’s Vineyard Table brings the island to life. “It includes culinary contributions from many groups that call the Vineyard home: Jamaicans’ Codfish Fritters and Red Pea Soup with Spinners; Portuguese specialties of Kale Soup and Jagacida (a dish of linguiça, beans, and rice); African American dishes like Cornbread and Collard Green Pie; and Wampanoag-inspired Corn Pudding and Cranberry-Apple Crisp.” —Martha’s Vineyard Magazine

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Page Count

205

Publisher

Chronicle Books

Published Date

ISBN 10

1452133085

ISBN 13

9781452133089

Beyond Gumbo

Creole Fusion Food from the Atlantic Rim

By: Jessica B. Harris

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Beyond Gumbo

Creole Fusion Food from the Atlantic Rim

By: Jessica B. Harris

From the critically acclaimed author of "The Africa Cookbook" come 175 vibrant recipes that redefine Creole cooking, the original fusion food. Two-color throughout. 25 photos.

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Page Count

404

Publisher

Simon and Schuster

Published Date

ISBN 10

0684870622

ISBN 13

9780684870625

Sweet Home Café Cookbook

A Celebration of African American Cooking

By: NMAAHC,Jessica B. Harris,Albert Lukas,Jerome Grant

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Sweet Home Café Cookbook

A Celebration of African American Cooking

By: NMAAHC,Jessica B. Harris,Albert Lukas,Jerome Grant

A celebration of African American cooking with 109 recipes from the National Museum of African American History and Culture's Sweet Home Café Since the 2016 opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, its Sweet Home Café has become a destination in its own right. Showcasing African American contributions to American cuisine, the café offers favorite dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, adding modern flavors and contemporary twists on classics. Now both readers and home cooks can partake of the café's bounty: drawing upon traditions of family and fellowship strengthened by shared meals, Sweet Home Café Cookbook celebrates African American cooking through recipes served by the café itself and dishes inspired by foods from African American culture. With 109 recipes, the sumptuous Sweet Home Café Cookbook takes readers on a deliciously unique journey. Presented here are the salads, sides, soups, snacks, sauces, main dishes, breads, and sweets that emerged in America as African, Caribbean, and European influences blended together. Featured recipes include Pea Tendril Salad, Fried Green Tomatoes, Hoppin' John, Sénégalaise Peanut Soup, Maryland Crab Cakes, Jamaican Grilled Jerk Chicken, Shrimp & Grits, Fried Chicken and Waffles, Pan Roasted Rainbow Trout, Hickory Smoked Pork Shoulder, Chow Chow, Banana Pudding, Chocolate Chess Pie, and many others. More than a collection of inviting recipes, this book illustrates the pivotal--and often overlooked--role that African Americans have played in creating and re-creating American foodways. Offering a deliciously new perspective on African American food and culinary culture, Sweet Home Café Cookbook is an absolute must-have.

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Page Count

217

Publisher

Smithsonian Institution

Published Date

ISBN 10

1588346617

ISBN 13

9781588346612

The Africa Cookbook

Tastes of a Continent

By: Jessica B. Harris

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The Africa Cookbook

Tastes of a Continent

By: Jessica B. Harris

Gathers information on the unique foods of Africa and the lands they come from, and provides more than two hundred traditional and new recipes.

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Page Count

408

Publisher

Simon and Schuster

Published Date

ISBN 10

0684802759

ISBN 13

9780684802756

Vintage Postcards from the African World

In the Dignity of Their Work and the Joy of Their Play

By: Jessica B. Harris

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Vintage Postcards from the African World

In the Dignity of Their Work and the Joy of Their Play

By: Jessica B. Harris

For over forty years, professor and culinary historian Jessica B. Harris has collected postcards depicting Africans and their descendants in the American diaspora. They are presented for the first time in this exquisite volume. Vintage Postcards from the African World: In the Dignity of Their Work and the Joy of Their Play brings together more than 150 images, providing a visual document of more than a century of work in agricultural and culinary pursuits and joy in entertainments, parades, and celebrations. Organized by geography—Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States—as well as by the types of scenes depicted—the farm, the garden, and the sea; the marketplace; the vendors and the cooks; leisure, entertainments, and festivities—the images capture the dignity of the labors of everyday life and the pride of festive occasions. Superb and rare images demonstrate everything from how Africans and their descendants dressed to what tools they used to how their entertainments provided relief from toil. Three essays accompany the postcards, one of which details Harris’s collection and the collecting process. A second presents suggestions on how to interpret the cards. A final essay gives brief information on the history of postcards and postcard dating and its increasing use and value to scholars.

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Page Count

297

Publisher

Univ. Press of Mississippi

Published Date

ISBN 10

1496827694

ISBN 13

9781496827692

Vintage Postcards from the African World

In the Dignity of Their Work and the Joy of Their Play

By: Jessica B. Harris

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Vintage Postcards from the African World

In the Dignity of Their Work and the Joy of Their Play

By: Jessica B. Harris

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297

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Univ. Press of Mississippi

Published Date

ISBN 10

1496827694

ISBN 13

9781496827692

On the Side

More Than 100 Recipes for the Sides, Salads, and Condiments that Make the Meal

By: Jessica B. Harris

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On the Side

More Than 100 Recipes for the Sides, Salads, and Condiments that Make the Meal

By: Jessica B. Harris

Imagine a hot dog without mustard or relish or Thanksgiving turkey without stuffing or cranberry sauce. Side dishes bring color, taste, and variety to a meal; without them, our meals would be dreary affairs, indeed. In "On the Side: More Than 100 Recipes for the Sides, Salads, and Condiments That Make the Meal," celebrated writer Jessica B. Harris provides mouthwatering recipes for salads and slaws, pickles, salsas, chutneys, relishes, and savory sauces that will liven up any plate. From delicate condiments to hearty side dishes, from mild to piquant, all-American or distinctly exotic, there are accompaniments to suit every meal and every palate. All it takes is one side to transform a dish into a meal. Recipes such as classic Cole Slaw, North African Olive and Lemon Salad, and Jamaican Cucumber Salad are a welcome break from plain garden salads. Easy English Pickles, Tomato Relish, Cherry Ketchup, and Pineapple-Rum Mustard redefine the flavors of American favorites and will make the ordinary hamburger come to life. Even salsas get a new twist in "On the Side": Pomegranate Salsa, Passionfruit-Peach Salsa, and Roast Corn Salsa are a few variations to try with your quesadillas or grilled meats and fish. Also featured are substantial vegetable sides that offer a taste for every season: Artichokes with Lemon Garlic Sauce and Grilled Asparagus with Shaved Parmesan for the spring; Corn on the Cob with Herbed "Pimenton" Butter and Ratatouille for the summer; Braised Celery Root and Leeks with Lemon Butter for fall; and Three-Root Gratin and Baked Turnips with Sweet Potatoes, Apples, and Dried Cranberries in the winter. Year-round delicacies include Carrots with Orange Juice and Gingerand Artery Cloggers -- mashed potatoes with roasted garlic, bacon, and cream. In addition to the recipes gathered from family, friends, and travel, Harris informs, educates, and entertains us with essays about the ingredients throughout, blending a dash of history and culture into the mix. Looking for culinary inspiration? Let this refreshing collection spice up "your" table.

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Page Count

228

Published Date

ISBN 10

0743249178

ISBN 13

9780743249171

Sky Juice and Flying Fish

Tastes Of A Continent

By: Jessica B. Harris

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Sky Juice and Flying Fish

Tastes Of A Continent

By: Jessica B. Harris

Savor the food, flavor, rhythm, and romance of the Caribbean. A truly authentic guide to down-home traditional Caribbean cooking, the kind you'd find at roadside stands, Sky Juice and Flying Fish captures the feel of the Islands, bringing the blue-green sea, the tropical breeze, and the exotic scents of the Caribbean into the American kitchen. A culinary history of each of the Islands provides the perfect introduction to the 150 mouth-watering recipes for appetizers and soups, entrees, side dishes, and desserts, all featuring the distinctly exotic seasonings -- ginger, garlic, chili, coconut, curries, and rum -- of the Caribbean. Begin your meal with plantain chips and a rum-spiked 'ti-punch. Go on to Bajan Fried Chicken from Barbados, complemented by a banana-ginger chutney and served with Jamaican Rice and Peas. Finish up with a sumptuous coconut pudding. A glossary lists ingredients from achiote (small reddish berries) to z'yeux noirs (black-eyed peas), which can be found in grocery stores, Caribbean markets, or through the mail-order source list provided in the appendix.

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Page Count

373

Publisher

Simon and Schuster

Published Date

ISBN 10

1439146659

ISBN 13

9781439146651

The World Beauty Book

How We Can All Look and Feel Wonderful Using the Natural Beauty Secrets of Women of Color

By: Jessica B. Harris

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The World Beauty Book

How We Can All Look and Feel Wonderful Using the Natural Beauty Secrets of Women of Color

By: Jessica B. Harris

Beauty tips from women of color around the world--Senegal, Mexico, India, Haiti, Brazil, Benin, Guyana, China, & the U.S. Many of the lotions & treatments involve simple make-it-yourself items using ordinary ingredients.

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Page Count

228

Publisher

Harper San Francisco

Published Date

ISBN 10

0062510924

ISBN 13

9780062510921

The Welcome Table

African-American Heritage Cooking

By: Jessica B. Harris

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The Welcome Table

African-American Heritage Cooking

By: Jessica B. Harris

Recipes, accompanied by historical commentary, bring the African American culinary heritage to light.

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Page Count

290

Published Date

ISBN 10

068481837X

ISBN 13

9780684818375

A Kwanzaa Keepsake and Cookbook

Celebrating the Holiday with Family, Community, and Tradition

By: Jessica B. Harris

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A Kwanzaa Keepsake and Cookbook

Celebrating the Holiday with Family, Community, and Tradition

By: Jessica B. Harris

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Page Count

208

Publisher

Simon and Schuster

Published Date

ISBN 10

1668035863

ISBN 13

9781668035863

Rum Drinks

50 Caribbean Cocktails, From Cuba Libre to Rum Daisy

By: Jessica B. Harris

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Rum Drinks

50 Caribbean Cocktails, From Cuba Libre to Rum Daisy

By: Jessica B. Harris

With recipes for 40 of the Caribbean's classic and contemporary cocktails and 15 traditional snacks to accompany them, Rum Drinks provides a tropical taste vacation. More than a cocktail book, Rum Drinks is your ultimate rum resource, including salty tales—from a history of the sugar trade to the sparkly heydey of the Cuba Libre—an island-by-island listing of Caribbean rums, and a guide to great rum bars all over the world.

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Page Count

169

Publisher

Chronicle Books

Published Date

ISBN 10

1452132747

ISBN 13

9781452132747

High on the Hog

A Culinary Journey from Africa to America

By: Jessica B. Harris

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High on the Hog

A Culinary Journey from Africa to America

By: Jessica B. Harris

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Page Count

304

Publisher

Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Published Date

ISBN 10

1596913959

ISBN 13

9781596913950

Sky Juice and Flying Fish

Tastes Of A Continent

By: Jessica B. Harris

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Sky Juice and Flying Fish

Tastes Of A Continent

By: Jessica B. Harris

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Page Count

373

Publisher

Simon and Schuster

Published Date

ISBN 10

1439146659

ISBN 13

9781439146651

Beyond Gumbo

Creole Fusion Food from the Atlantic Rim

By: Jessica B. Harris

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Beyond Gumbo

Creole Fusion Food from the Atlantic Rim

By: Jessica B. Harris

From the critically acclaimed author of "The Africa Cookbook" come 175 vibrant recipes that redefine Creole cooking, the original fusion food. Two-color throughout. 25 photos.

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