A collection of personal essays, poems, and recipes straight from the heart. The smell of sauce in a pan, the warm flavor of freshly baked cookies, even the rituals of cleaning up after a meal, are all woven into the bonds we experience from one generation to the next. So much of what it means to be a family happens in the kitchen. In this collection, some of the great poet-philosophers of the kitchen table reveal their stories, recipes, thoughts, and traditions of preparing and sharing food. A perfect Mother's Day gift, this book includes classic pieces by Ruth Reichl, Maya Angelou, and M. F. K. Fisher, newly concocted morsels by such world-famous foodies as Walter Staib, known as the "Culinary Ambassador of Philadelphia," and Tina Miller, whose family created the legendary Black Dog Tavern, and more than twenty recipes. Features contributions from: - Maya Angelou - Jennifer Appel - Holly Clegg - M. F. K. Fisher - Rosemary Gong - Tina Miller - Kitty Morse - Michel Nishan - Christina Orchid - Ruth Reichl - Julie Sahni - Nigel Slater - Walter Staib - James Villas - Joyce White