The jemima code presents more than 150 black cookbooks that range from a rare 1827 house servants manual the first book published by an african american in the trade to modern classics by authors such as edna lewis and vertamae grosvenor the books are arranged chronologically and illustrated with photos of their covers many also display selected interior pages including recipes tipton martin provides notes on the authors and their contributions and the significance of each book . The jemima code two centuries of african american cookbooks by toni tipton martin is a master class in the contributions african american cooks have made to the culinary world and it is a class i deeply enjoyed the lasting takeaway was simple what most of us think of as southern food was in fact crafted by african american cooks in southern kitchens. In her new book the jemima code two centuries of african american cookbooks the university of texas press tipton martin gives voice to the african americans who worked in kitchens throughout the united states revealing the wisdom artistry and values that characterize their role in culinary history 09 01 2015. In her new book the jemima code two centuries of african american cookbooks the university of texas press tipton martin gives voice to the african americans who worked in kitchens throughout the united states revealing the wisdom artistry and values that characterize their role in culinary history texas highways