In Carrie Solomon's Midwestern American family, driving an hour for a restaurant meal or gathering with friends was commonplace. For her, great food shared together created cherished memories of love and connection.
Now living in Paris, this acclaimed food photographer and author upholds that tradition. In her book An American in Paris, Carrie shares 100 treasured family recipes passed down from her mother, grandmother, and great-aunts—dishes she now makes for her husband and children. From creamy orange desserts to Southern fried chicken and classic cherry pie, these recipes capture the diverse flavors of America.
Dispelling common myths, Carrie emphasizes that American cuisine is genuinely rich and complex. "Beyond burgers, fries, hot dogs, and cookies, there's an abundance of dishes, ingredients, techniques, and especially regional specialties," she explains.
To illustrate, here's a taste of an all-American day of eating, drawn from her book:
Chocolate pancakes
Cinnamon buns
Grits and eggs
Donuts
(yes, the real deal like in The Simpsons—glazed and sprinkled!)
Bagels
Organic dogs
Meatball sandwich
The iconic BLT (bacon, lettuce, tomato)
The Cheesecake
(picture-perfect results)
Carrot Cake
(irresistible first bite)
Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie
(drool-worthy just from the photo)
Grab your forks—it's time to dive in!
Carrie Solomon, An American in Paris: 100 Authentic Recipes, Éditions La Martinière, 2014.
