This series delves into the everyday and special meals we often take for granted. Each volume meticulously dissects a single meal, exploring its historical roots and global significance. Readers will uncover surprising insights into the social and cultural meanings behind eating practices across diverse peoples and customs. Prepare to have your perspective on food and dining fundamentally altered.
Exploring breakfast as a significant social and culinary phenomenon, the book delves into its historical emergence and global variations. It examines common breakfast foods, the cultural importance of certain staples, and their representation in art and media. Heather Arndt Anderson presents a rich, engaging narrative that reveals the multifaceted nature of this essential meal, making it both informative and entertaining for readers.
Exploring rustic outdoor dining, this book delves into the history and cultural significance of picnics, examining their evolution and the various forms they take. It investigates the origins of the word "picnic" and highlights the gastronomic allure associated with these gatherings. Through an engaging blend of literature, art, music, and sculpture, the author presents a comprehensive and enlightening narrative that celebrates the picnic as a cherished social tradition.
Brunch is the decadent meal of the week; a mix of the savory and salty, sweet and indulgent. Not exclusively an American phenomenon, brunch is also shared in South Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Europe. This volume examines and explores how brunch has evolved historically, developed cross-culturally, and claimed its place in popular culture.
Barbecue: A History examines barbecue's history and place in American society using both historical and contemporary sources. The book examines all aspects of barbecue-both outdoor grilling and traditional slow cooking; restaurant and home cooking; international barbecue; specific foods; and the idea of the barbecue as a gathering.