MasterClass

Michael Twitty Teaches Tracing Your Roots Through Food

Through years of unearthing his African American heritage, bestselling author of “The Cooking Gene” Michael W. Twitty discovered undeniable ties between his ancestors’ past and his own palate. Now he’s teaching how you can get a taste of your family history through food. Explore the migrations that informed the ingredients in your kitchen—then re-create the dishes that helped shape who you are.

Where to Watch Michael Twitty Teaches Tracing Your Roots Through Food

18 Episodes

  • Meet Your Instructor
    E1
    Meet Your InstructorTwo-time James Beard award–winning author Michael W. Twitty introduces his book The Cooking Gene, the importance of preserving and promoting family food history, and why everyone should tell their food story.
  • Ancestral Foodways: Keeping Recipes Alive
    E2
    Ancestral Foodways: Keeping Recipes AliveMichael breaks down his process for engaging with family in the kitchen in an effort to chronicle family foodways, or food pathways. He teaches what to do and what not to do when it comes to learning in the kitchen.
  • Tracing Ancestral Foodsteps
    E3
    Tracing Ancestral FoodstepsMichael gives an eye-opening overview of the migratory patterns that have given rise to contemporary Southern food. He shows how anyone can learn about their food history with one look inside their pantry.
  • Case Study: The Cooking Gene
    E4
    Case Study: The Cooking GeneGet a glimpse of Michael’s process for discovering his culinary roots with a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of his book The Cooking Gene.
  • Foodways of the Transatlantic Slave Trade
    E5
    Foodways of the Transatlantic Slave TradeDive deeper into African American culinary history as Michael uncovers a hidden narrative that took place during the period of the transatlantic slave trade between the late 13th century and early 19th century.
  • Food Culture of the Antebellum South
    E6
    Food Culture of the Antebellum SouthMichael pulls from his experience as a historical interpreter and historian to teach about life in the antebellum South as it relates to food.
  • The Birth of Soul Food
    E7
    The Birth of Soul FoodLearn about the rise of contemporary soul food in the United States and the migratory patterns that contributed to the proliferation of Southern cuisine.
  • Taking Inspiration From Master Chefs
    E8
    Taking Inspiration From Master ChefsMichael introduces two critical figures in African American cuisine: Edna Lewis and James Hemings. He shows how Lewis and Hemings laid the foundation for the popularity of a cuisine with staple ingredients rooted in African foodways.
  • Africa’s Culinary Contributions
    E9
    Africa’s Culinary ContributionsMany typical dishes from countries all over the world have roots in Africa. Michael traces back a few well-known dishes to Africa and talks about the cultural roots of what is commonly referred to as “Southern hospitality.”
  • The Mosaic of Genealogy
    E10
    The Mosaic of GenealogyHear how Michael has come to terms with his own DNA story as he delves into the importance of speculative and genetic genealogy when researching his family history and ancestral “foodsteps.”
  • Deciphering Your DNA Story
    E11
    Deciphering Your DNA StoryAddressing the African American community, Michael gives an unfiltered view of the pros and cons of DNA testing. He explores the intersection of history and genealogy to guide and point out the shortcomings of researching African American family history.
  • Food Storytelling
    E12
    Food StorytellingMichael divulges his step-by-step process on food writing, going beyond the palate and into the deep meaning and history behind a dish or ingredient.
  • Food Blogging with Purpose
    E13
    Food Blogging with PurposeShowing how anyone can use their own purpose to find their voice, Michael breaks down his blog, “Afroculinaria,” and dives into reframing society’s perspective of African American cuisine.
  • Facing Your Pain
    E14
    Facing Your PainResearching family foodways requires facing a complex past that is often rooted in pain. Michael explores how he’s been able to tackle the pain that comes with confronting the past with vulnerability and shows how you can too.
  • Culinary Justice
    E15
    Culinary JusticeMichael tackles the topics of cultural appropriation and environmental racism by exploring a system that denies African Americans credit for their own culinary impact.
  • Okra, Corn & Tomato Stew
    E16
    Okra, Corn & Tomato StewMichael whips up what he likes to call an Okra, Corn, and Tomato “Stewp,” shares best practices for cooking okra, demonstrates traditional techniques for taste testing food, and delves into why vegetables are so prevalent in Southern cuisine.
  • Accara: Black-Eyed Pea Fritters
    E17
    Accara: Black-Eyed Pea FrittersMichael makes what he calls “West Africa’s answer to falafel” while dissecting the roots and cultural significance of black-eyed peas. He shows how to cook based on “feeling” as the ancestors did in the past.
  • Our Narratives Connect Us
    E18
    Our Narratives Connect UsUnderstand how the traditions and foodways that are passed down to all of us intersect, and how we can use that commonality to open a positive dialogue. Michael shows how recording and preserving food experiences can help you craft your own food legacy.

 

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