Crystal Wilkinson’s “Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts: Stories and Recipes from Five Generations of Black Country Cooks” is a unique combination of memoir and cookbook, giving a rich tapestry of stories and foods that commemorate Black Appalachian ancestry.
This 256-page book, released by Clarkson Potter in January 2024, dives into the culinary legacies and cultural tales of five generations of Black women who established their lives in Appalachia.
The crux of the book is around the concept of ‘kitchen ghosts,’ or ancestral spirits who guide and accompany Wilkinson in her culinary adventures. The word conjures up images of generations of family members who have passed down their culinary knowledge and customs. This theme is most poignant in a scenario in which Wilkinson perceives the presence of her late grandmother while preparing a jam cake, indicating the ongoing thread of familial connection through cooking.
Wilkinson, an O. Henry Prize-winning novelist and Kentucky’s Poet Laureate from 2021 to 2023, is not only a talented writer but also an exceptional cook. In the book, she offers over forty family recipes, each rich in flavor and firmly anchored in her family’s history. Delicious delicacies include Corn Pudding, Chicken and Dumplings, Granny Christine’s Jam Cake, and Praisesong Biscuits. The recipes are accompanied by amazing photography, which brings the meals and their tales to life.
“Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts” is more than simply a cookbook; it’s a trip through the heart of Black Appalachian culture. The book pays honor to the moms who came before, the soil that nourished generations, and Black Appalachia’s often-untold tradition. It’s a monument to a community’s lasting spirit and the culinary traditions that characterize it.
The story intertwines recipes, family pictures, and Wilkinson’s lyrical narration to give a culinary image of a family that has lived and worked in the highlands for over a century. The book honors not only food but also the art of storytelling, the power of memory, and the intimate bonds that food can form across generations.
Wilkinson’s work has received widespread recognition and acclaim for its contribution to literature and culture. She is the recipient of the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Poetry, a USA Artists Fellowship, and the Ernest J. Gaines Prize for Literary Excellence. Her stories, poetry, and essays have been extensively published, demonstrating her vast range of literary abilities.
“Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts” has been praised by a number of authors and commentators. A prominent poet, Nikki Giovanni, compliments Wilkinson for reminding us of the ancestral links inherent in cuisine. James Beard Award-winning author Ronni Lundy praises the book as a lovely cookbook and a correction to Appalachia’s history. Wilkinson is regarded by Kiese Laymon, author of the Carnegie Medal-winning “Heavy: An American Memoir,” as a literary powerhouse and energetic book builder. Bryant Terry, another James Beard Award winner, praises the book for honoring the rich heritage of Black Appalachians and relaying the enthralling stories of Wilkinson’s culinary matriarchs.
Overall, “Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts” is more than simply a cookbook; it’s a cultural artifact that protects and promotes Black Appalachians’ rich culinary and cultural legacy. It’s a touching ode to the past and a testament to the continuing power of family, cuisine, and storytelling.
Sources: Kirkus Reviews, MahoganyBooks, Charis Books & More, Heartleaf Books,
