Jamie's America

More about the book

The incredible diversity in American cooking was a revelation. In my quest for "quintessential American food," I discovered there is no single definition; instead, a wealth of exciting dishes exists. Many outside the U.S. may think they know American cuisine from movies or brief visits, but this barely scratches the surface. The country remains a mystery, and my journey allowed me to explore its ingredients, food culture, and traditions. While I thought I knew cities like New York and Los Angeles well, I ventured into neighborhoods known for their immigrant communities and was rewarded with some of the most incredible food I've ever tasted. This was true beyond the big cities as well; from Creole cooking in Louisiana to soul food in Georgia, and the Mexican influences in Arizona to the hearty cowboy cuisine of Big Sky Country, each region offered unique treasures. I returned with more recipes than I could handle, ultimately narrowing it down to 120 of my absolute favorites. These include my interpretations of the best dishes I encountered, along with a few original creations. I hope you enjoy them and discover new, inspiring aspects of America along the way. Enjoy!