America the Great Cookbook

I’m honored to be included in America the Great Cookbook, a nationwide celebration of food featuring more than 100 recipes from chefs, producers, and food advocates across every region of the United States. What makes American food distinct is its diversity — a reflection of generations of immigration and the many cultures that have shaped our culinary landscape. This collection asks a simple question: what do you cook for the people you love? The answers reveal each contributor’s influences, memories, and passions.

The book spans a wide range of dishes, from hearty braised lamb shoulder to vibrant roasted tomatillo enchiladas, showcasing both classic techniques and fresh interpretations. Each recipe is paired with a personal story, giving context to the flavors and traditions behind the food. These narratives turn familiar recipes into meaningful connections between cooks and the people they feed.

I contributed my recipe for cold spicy peanut sesame noodles, a comforting dish I first fell in love with as a child in New York City. Over the years it has become a weekly ritual for my family — simple to prepare, bold in flavor, and perfect for sharing. Recipes like this illustrate how dishes can travel through time and place, evolving while keeping the memories that make them special.

Beyond celebrating food, the cookbook supports an important cause. A portion of the proceeds helps No Kid Hungry provide meals to children in need, with a goal of connecting kids to at least 200,000 meals. That commitment adds real purpose to the project and makes every page an opportunity to give back.

If you enjoy thoughtful recipes, personal culinary stories, and a showcase of America’s rich food traditions, this collection is a meaningful addition to your kitchen library. The contributors’ diverse perspectives make it both a practical cookbook and a snapshot of the country’s evolving food culture.

Photograph by Lottie Hedley.