768: Alicia Kennedy on the Power of Memoir and Martinis

The Vegetarian Compass is a well-regarded vegetarian cookbook offering a broad range of recipes and practical cooking advice for meatless diets. Celebrated for its clear instruction and culinary rigor, the book guides readers through techniques and flavorful vegetarian preparations. Though noted as out of print in the episode, it has influenced many home cooks and writers in the vegetarian community. Its presentation emphasizes seasonal produce, balanced meals, and thoughtful substitutions for vegetarian cooking. The book remains a touchstone for those seeking authoritative guidance on cooking without meat.

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In 'The Making and Unmaking of My Appetites,' Alicia Kennedy blends memoir, cultural criticism, and food writing to trace how individual foods map onto life events, relationships, and personal growth. Each chapter centers on a particular food that influenced her appetites and decisions—from vegan baking to Puerto Rican cuisine—interweaving reporting and personal reflection. Kennedy situates intimate memories within broader sociocultural and political contexts, offering thoughtful analysis without being prescriptive. Her clear, inquisitive voice balances vulnerability with rigor, making the book appealing to readers of food memoir and cultural critique alike. The result is a layered coming-into-self narrative that examines desire, grief, and belonging through the lens of eating.