Discover how these contemporary food icons changed the way Americans eat through the fascinating biographical profiles in this book. Before 1946 and the advent of the first television cooking show, James Beard's I Love to Eat, not many Americans were familiar with the finer aspects of French cuisine. Today, food in the United States has experienced multiple revolutions, having received-and embraced-influences from not only Europe, but cultures ranging from the Far East to Latin America. This expansion of America's appreciation for food is largely the result of a number of well-known food enthusiasts who forever changed how we eat. Icons of American Cooking examines the giants of American food, cooking, and cuisine through 24 biographical profiles of contemporary figures, covering all regions, cooking styles, and ethnic origins. This book fills a gap by providing behind-the-scenes insights into the biggest names in American food, past and present. Provides 24 intriguing, biographical entries detailing the lives of some of America's greatest food and cooking pioneers and institutions Includes contributions from 18 distinguished scholars, librarians, and journalists Offers key insight into childhood and family, education, career trajectory and triumphs, and legacy Numerous sidebars offer intriguing quotations, sample menus, and excerpts from writings Suggestions for further reading follow each profile