Book excerpt: The best of ESSENCE. magazine's food pages and African-American cuisine For more than two decades, millions of men and women across the country have relied on ESSENCE magazine to cater to their taste for great food. Now, Jonell Nash, former food editor for ESSENCE, brings together in one definitive volume the best recipes, cooking tips, nutritional information, food folklore, and stunning color photographs from the food pages of the magazine. Rooted in tradition, with bits of history and culture, ESSENCE BRINGS YOU GREAT COOKING culls more than 300 recipes that answer the needs of a new era of health-consciousness, hectic schedules, and renewed appreciation of African-American and home cooking. Included are classics such as Chicken and Dumplings, Baked Red Snapper, and Braised Cabbage, as welt as unique contemporary dishes such as Fruited Duck Salad and Orange-Blossom Grits. There are wonderful options for all kinds of diets with recipes that excite meat-eaters and vegetarians alike, from Creole Okra and Tomatoes and Ali's Vegetable Curry to Sweet Pepper and Crabmeat Quiche. This easy-to-follow book guides you through the preparation of a weekday meal as well as elegant recipes perfect for formal and informal entertaining.