What exactly is American Food? The answer to that elusive question must lie in the sum of America"s many historical parts, from the first encounters between Puritan settlers and Native Americans to the eclectic traditions that German, French, Italian, Greek, and Asian immigrants have brought to this country. In a journey rife with delicious history and delightful anecdotes, Evan Jones traces our culinary heritage from colonial times into the present. As he examines such diverse American kitchen achievements as soul food, Cajun cooking, Yankee-Hill country fare, and festive Southern dinners, he proves that there is a delicious and uniquely American style of cooking. American Food is the perfect kitchen companion for the patriotic gourmet.