The American Plate

The American Plate takes readers on a mouth-watering journey through America’s culinary evolution into the vibrant foods we savor today. In 100 tantalizing bites, ranging from blueberries and bagels to Cracker Jack, peanut butter and hard cider, O’Connell explores the astonishing influences that have shaped our national diet and identity. Peppered throughout are recipes, photos and historical tidbits, like the surprising origins of graham crackers and corn flakes and our ancestors’ odd delicacies, like grilled beaver tail. As our food culture changes and we face challenges and threats to our food sources and health, The American Plate offers insights into how we can use the tastes of our shared past to nourish our future.