Tanya Holland's California Soul: Recipes from a Culinary Journey West

Tanya Holland’s national reputation as a chef is built on many qualities, from her rigorous classical training to her dedication to creating distinctively Californian food that also reflects her African-American ancestry.

In this seasonally organized cookbook, Holland draws inspiration from many traditions, confidently reinterpreting them to appealing result. She grills the Cajun-Creole ingredient trinity of onions, celery, and bell peppers for a salad with an olive-caper dressing. Her roast fresh ham is glazed with honey and wild California kumquats. Her grilled rack of lamb is crusted with an almond and collard pesto. She serves grilled shrimp and corn with an avocado-enriched white barbecue sauce that links the Deep South to California.

Throughout, Holland highlights and pays tribute to Black farmers, winemakers, chefs, restaurateurs, teachers, activists, authors, and entrepreneurs. Through their stories she expands and enriches our sense of not only California culinary culture, but the broader American one.

Please note that some pages feature dark backgrounds that may make text difficult to read.

Hardcover. Color photographs throughout.