This week we're looking at the life of the legendary chef and writer Edna Lewis. ?Miss Lewis was born in a village of freed slaves in Virginia and grew up to make dresses for Marilyn Monroe, cook for Eleanor Roosevelt and write a book that changed the course of American cuisine. We talk to Sara B. Franklin, editor of the anthology?Edna Lewis: At the Table with an American Original about Edna¡¯s remarkable writing career. Culinary historian Jessica Harris explains where Edna¡¯s food fits in the Southern pantheon. Toni Tipton-Martin, author of?The Jemima Code, tells us a story about a late-life letter she received from Miss Edna that helped keep her on her investigative track. Edna¡¯s niece Nina Williams-Mbengue brings us remembrances from her life living with her aunt and their trips to Freetown. And Elle Simone, from America¡¯s Test Kitchen, tells us how to make Chicken and Pastry, a dish inspired by Edna Lewis.
Broadcast dates for this episode:
October 5, 2018 (originally aired)
September 27, 2019 (rebroadcast)
June 12, 2020 (rebroadcast)