A Washington Post reporter looks at our culinary heritage, describes ethnic cookery and holiday menus around the country, and includes historical recipes.

Katherine S. Kirlin and Thomas M. Kirlin. With more than 275 recipes beginning with Native American cooking and moving from region to region across the country, this cookbook celebrates the diverse flavors that together make American cooking.

Native Americans have always been well revered for being resourceful people, and when it comes to food, there is no difference. They were well versed at using the ingredients that were readily available to them and for making many different foods with them. Included in this book is a large collection of recipes that have been chosen from many tribes located throughout the United States and Canada. Also included are a collection of stories both related to food, which offer life lessons and tell us of a past that has been somewhat forgotten. Some recipes are tradition while others have been redeveloped over the years to include new ways of cooking and include new spices and ingredients. The recipes in this collection have been chosen in a way to stay true to the Native experience. Enjoy these recipes and take a look back at a healthier nation. One which did not rely on processed foods. These stories and the recipes go hand in hand to paint a picture of Native American Indian life and history.