Matzoh Ball Gumbo: Culinary Tales of the Jewish South

by Marcie Cohen Ferris

Description

From the colonial era to the present, Marcie Cohen Ferris examines the expressive power of food throughout southern Jewish history. She demonstrates with delight and detail how southern Jews reinvented culinary traditions as they adapted to the customs, landscape, and racial codes of the American South. Richly illustrated, this culinary tour of the historic Jewish South is an evocative mixture of history and foodways, including more than thirty recipes to try at home.

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simchaboston 582 reviews

This had some good stories and insights, though it seems like the author really wanted to make sure readers understood her central ideas, because there's a fair amount of repetition. (I found myself thinking, "She should have done a more general intro covering these themes so she wouldn't have to say them over and over," only to find that she had done so.) Still worth a read for those interested in the interplay of Judaism and other cultures.

Feb 15, 2013

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CarolineMCarrico 63 reviews