Crystal Wilkinson’s Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts: Stories and Recipes from Five Generations of Black Country Cooks is a remarkable blend of history, culture, and culinary delight. This book is a heartfelt tribute to the enduring spirit of Black Appalachian women who have shaped their legacy through food and family.

Wilkinson, an acclaimed writer and poet, skillfully combines memoir and cookbook to create a narrative as rich and layered as the landscapes of Appalachia itself. She invites readers into her kitchen, where the ghosts of her ancestors whisper stories and secrets of the past. Through her evocative prose, Wilkinson captures the essence of the Black Appalachian experience, a narrative often overshadowed by mainstream histories that overlook the presence and contributions of Black communities in the region.

The book opens with an intimate reflection on the presence of Wilkinson’s grandmother as she bakes a jam cake. This moment becomes a metaphor for the entire work — a realization that one’s kitchen is never truly empty. The kitchen is filled with the spirits of those who have come before. This spiritual connection to her ancestors becomes the framework for the stories and recipes that follow.

Wilkinson’s writing is poetic and vivid, painting a picture of a world where food is not just sustenance, but a vessel for memory and identity. Each recipe is accompanied by a story, a snippet of family history that brings the dish to life. From Corn Pudding to Chicken and Dumplings, the recipes are infused with the flavors of the past, each bite a reflection of resilience and love.

The inclusion of family photos and stunning food photography adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. These visuals serve as a bridge between the past and present, allowing readers to see the faces and places that have shaped Wilkinson’s culinary heritage. The images of her ancestors, alongside the beautifully presented dishes, create a sensory experience that is both nostalgic and celebratory.

One of the most compelling aspects of Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts is its exploration of the untold heritage of Black Appalachia. Wilkinson challenges the stereotypes and assumptions about the region, highlighting the rich cultural contributions of Black families who have lived and thrived there for generations. Her stories bring to light the struggles and triumphs of these communities, revealing a history that is both unique and universally resonant.

The recipes themselves showcase the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the women in Wilkinson’s family. Passed down through generations, they reflect a deep understanding of the land and its bounty. Dishes like Granny Christine’s Jam Cake and Praisesong Biscuits are imbued with the flavors of the mountains, a blend of tradition and innovation that speaks to the heart of Appalachian cuisine.

Wilkinson’s ability to weave together personal narrative, cultural history, and culinary tradition highlights her skill as a storyteller. Her lyrical imagination infuses each page with warmth and authenticity, inviting readers to share in the intimate moments of her family’s history. The book is a celebration of the women who have nurtured not only their families but also their communities, creating a legacy that endures through food and storytelling.

Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of culture and cuisine. The recipes are accessible and thoughtfully presented. It’s easy for readers to recreate the dishes in their own kitchens. Wilkinson’s guidance through each recipe is like receiving a gentle nudge from a wise ancestor, encouraging culinary exploration and connection.

Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts illustrates the power of food as a medium for storytelling. It is a reminder that our kitchens hold not just the ingredients for a meal, but the stories of those who have come before us. Wilkinson’s work is a beautiful homage to the kitchen ghosts who continue to nourish us with their wisdom and love, and a call to honor their legacy by keeping their stories alive through the simple act of sharing a meal.

Crystal Wilkinson has crafted a masterpiece that resonates on multiple levels. Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts is a book to be savored, its stories and recipes lingering long after the last page is turned. It is a tribute to the enduring spirit of Black Appalachian women and a celebration of the rich cultural heritage they have passed down through generations. This book is a culinary and literary triumph that deserves a place on every bookshelf.

CRYSTAL WILKINSON, a recent fellowship recipient of the Academy of American Poets, is the award-winning author of Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts, a memoir; Perfect Black, a collection of poems; and three works of fiction — The Birds of Opulence, Water Street and Blackberries, and Blackberries. She is the recipient of an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Poetry, an O. Henry Prize, a USA Artists Fellowship, and an Ernest J. Gaines Prize for Literary Excellence. A former poet laureate of Kentucky, her short stories, poems and essays have appeared in numerous journals and anthologies. She is the Bush-Holbrook Professor of English at the University of Kentucky.