About the Book
Organized by everyday fare, celebrations, and sweets, The Bread and Salt Between Us offers over forty recipes that recall the flavor and comforts of Mayada's home in Syria. From the fresh tabbouleh she learned to prepare alongside her mother and sisters to the rice pudding that won over her future husband, these easy-to-approach dishes tell the story of a family whose culinary traditions have sustained them as they build a new life in the United States.
To show her gratitude to the community that sponsored her family's resettlement, Mayada prepared a meal. This simple act of sharing food ignited an outpouring of support. A regular supper series ensued, drawing crowds that were as enthusiastic to help her family as they were to enjoy her cooking. The story of Mayada's journey is beautifully chronicled in this personal recipe collection. All proceeds from sale of this book will directly benefit Mayada's family, and members of the refugee community.
Foreward by José Andrés.
About the Author :
Mayada Anjari is a mother of four and an active home cook. She lives in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Jennifer Sit is a cookbook editor, writer, and James Beard Award-nominated coauthor of Senegal: Modern Senegalese Recipes from the Source to the Bowl with Pierre Thiam. She has edited cookbooks at independent publisher Lake Isle Press and at Blue Apron, including the IACP Award-winning Blue Apron Cookbook. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Liz Clayman is a New York-based photographer specializing in culinary and hospitality images.
Review :
Mayada Anjari's book is a beautiful testimony to the rich--and often overlooked--cultural contributions that displaced people bring to their country of adoption. More than just a collection of recipes, this book is a cultural artifact that celebrates the power of food to transcend the hardships of refugee life.--Pierre Thiam
A quietly powerful reflection on how food can bring families together, Mayada's book honors the everyday rhythms of the immigrant experience. Fatayer, mulukhiyah, tabbouleh--these recipes show why Syrian cuisine should have a place at everyone's table.--Marcus Samuelsson, co-owner of Red Rooster Harlem
As a wife, mother, and chef, I connected deeply to this beautiful book and the stories and recipes that came from a place of struggle and love. The Bread and Salt Between Us does a wonderful job paying tribute to Mayada's heritage with recipes that we all want to eat! Mayada's food is the kind that brings people together and has the power to heal.--Einat Admony, chef and owner of Balaboosta, taïm, Bar Bolonat, and Kish-Kash
How exciting it is to step into Mayada's fragrant, enchanting kitchen in this special book, where we get an up-close and personal lesson in making her luscious Syrian recipes. Mayada is the kind of cook who inspires trust. She reflects the hospitable, generous soul of the Middle East, showing us that everything we make tastes better when shared with those we welcome to our tables. The inspiring journey of her family in this book is a story of strength, love, and hope--it is stirred beautifully into every recipe, and we are grateful for every taste.--Maureen Abood, blogger and author of Rose Water & Orange Blossoms: Fresh and Classic Recipes from My Lebanese Kitchen
I always hoped to make it to Syria, to see Palmyra and the famous souk in Aleppo, and best of all, to taste the food. Thanks to Mayada, I get to cook the legendarily delicious food myself, right at home. This book holds a beautiful and evocative story, and by buying a copy you're supporting Mayada's family and an organization committed to helping many more.--Sara Jenkins, chef and owner of Nina June and Porsena
In our current political and cultural climate, it's commendable to see someone using her passion for food to step beyond boundaries. Food has always been a conduit for a deeper understanding of other cultures, and Mayada shows a picture of love and warmth through her delicious recipes.--Jose Garces, chef and author of The Latin Road Home
Mayada's story is one of an immigrant overcoming adversity through perseverance and her desire to build and connect with her community through her food. This is a cookbook that celebrates Syrian food and the kindness of the human heart.--Nik Sharma, founder of the blog A Brown Table and author of Season: Big Flavors, Beautiful Food
The Bread and Salt Between Us is a powerful story of survival and reincarnation. Most importantly, the collective stories bind us all together through food and memories.--Vikas Khanna, chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author
This beautiful book testifies to the power of food to heal and connect. By cooking for others, Mayada keeps her family traditions intact; by sharing her recipes and stories, she communicates the centrality of food in Syrian culture. The Bread and Salt Between Us is both a delicious introduction to Syrian food and a moving portrait of resilience. It belongs in every library and kitchen.--Darra Goldstein, founding editor of Gastronomica
This is a book to cook from and to learn from, a beautiful invitation to engage with Syrian home cooking. In warm and graceful writing, Jennifer Sit sets forth Mayada Anjari's very accessible recipes, cooking wisdom, and story of her family's journey from Syria to America. Bravo!--Naomi Duguid, author of Taste of Persia: A Cook's Travels Through Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, and Kurdistan
