Food Lover’s Book Club is a bimonthly discussion of a cookbook or food-related book led by 5280’s food editor Amanda M. Faison. The free gathering takes place at the Ross-Cherry Creek Library.

Fried chicken, collard greens, and mac and cheese are as southern as they come, but peel back the layers of each dish and history lessons are revealed. As Southern food enjoys a renaissance, dishes act as symbols of the region’s culinary past, present, and future. On Wednesday, April 13 (which also happens to be National Peach Cobbler Day), Denver’s Adrian Miller, the author of the James Beard–winning book Soul Food: The Surprising Story of an American Cuisine One Plate at a Time, will join me to discuss the Southern bounty and the necessity of understanding the intersection of history and food pathways.

Before the 13th, pick up a copy of Miller’s book from the library, buy it at the Tattered Cover, cook from it, and come ready to discuss. Plus: CoraFaye’s Cafe’s Peach cobbler for everyone!

Next up: On Wednesday, June 22, Kevin Morrison of Pinche Tacos will join me to explore the glorious world of tacos. As Alex Stupak, co-author of the James Beard-nominated cookbook Tacos says, “the journey starts with a good foundation: the tortilla.” It was, in fact, a freshly made tortilla that changed the course of Stupak’s life. Already fascinated with Mexican flavors and cuisine, this tortilla led him to chuck a high-profile pastry career at mega-important restaurants like Alinea and WD-50, and open a taqueria in New York City. Tacos are life changing, and Morrison and I’ll discuss why. Pick up a copy of the cookbook from the library, buy it at the Tattered Cover, cook from it, and come ready to discuss.

Free, 6 p.m., Ross-Cherry Creek Branch Library, 305 Milwaukee St., 720-865-0120

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—Photo via Shutterstock

Amanda M. Faison
Amanda M. Faison
Freelance writer Amanda M. Faison spent 20 years at 5280 Magazine, 12 of those as Food Editor.