New cookbook explores America's 'Braided Heritage'

Host Deborah Becker speaks with food historian Jessica B. Harris about her new cookbook "Braided Heritage: Recipes and Stories on the Origin of American Cuisine." In it, Harris explores how the fundamentals of American cuisine are an intertwining of Native American, European and African cultures.

By Jessica B. Harris

Traditional cinnamon shortbread cookies

Strawberry shortcake

Deviled eggs

Reprinted with permission from "Braided Heritage: Recipes and Stories on the Origin of American Cuisine" by Jessica B. Harris, copyright © 2025. Published by Clarkson Potter/Publishers, an imprint of Penguin Random House.