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88 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
B O O K S
PRICKLY PEAS, DATIL PEPPERS
AND KEY LIMES
A Culinary History of Florida
WRITTEN BY JOY SHEFFIELD HARRIS, THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ FOR
anyone interested in the state of Florida or food, as it is a fascinating tour de force
of history, recipes and lore. From the Cuban sandwiches of Tampa to Tupelo
Honey from the northwest part of the state, there is a story that will give you insight into
the wonderful culinary heritage that has led to Florida’s eclectic flavors.
Her recipes use local products, such as “Creamy Coco-Nut-Crusted Key Lime Pie”,
or her version of the 1905 Salad® dressing made famous by the Columbia Restaurant. Her
scholarly writing style is easy to read. The book is filled with facts and points of interest
about the state of Florida and its development food wise, from the Tocobaga Indians of
Tampa Bay near Safety Harbor to Saint Augustine, the oldest European settlement in America.
Most of the photographs and illustrations throughout the book are from the State of
Florida’s Memory Archives, with each of them adding to this review of culinary adventures
from throughout the state.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Joy Sheffield Harris lives in Tampa with her husband, radio and TV personality Jack, and their son Jackson. The book, A
Culinary History of Florida, was published by American Palate, a division of the History Press in Charleston, South Carolina, and can
be found at better booksellers online and as an e-book.