Asheville ‘Top Chef’ Contestant Ashleigh Shanti to Release Debut Cookbook ‘Our South’

Sneak Peek Into a Culinary Journey

A tantalizing new cookbook is set to hit shelves, promising a flavorful exploration of Southern cuisine through the lens of acclaimed chef Ashleigh Shanti. The owner of Good Hot Fish, a modern fish camp restaurant, Shanti is gearing up to release her debut cookbook titled “Our South: Black Food Through My Lens” on Oct. 15.

A Cookbook Redefined

Shanti, a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, has meticulously crafted a collection of 125 recipes that reflect her culinary adventures, personal experiences, and Black foodways. The cookbook invites readers to delve into a world of innovation, culture, and tradition through dishes like hot collard and oyster dip with fried saltines.

Embracing Diversity Through Food

In “Our South,” Shanti goes beyond the boundaries of a typical Appalachian or Southern cookbook. She aims to showcase the diversity of Black cooking, debunk stereotypes, and celebrate the rich tapestry of flavors that define Southern cuisine. From her family’s soul food recipes to contemporary creations, Shanti’s cookbook offers a profound exploration of Black food heritage.

A Culinary Journey Through the South

Shanti’s culinary narrative takes readers on a journey through the microregions of the American South. From the coastal influences of her Virginia childhood to the vibrant flavors of the Black Agricultural Mecca, “Our South” paints a vivid portrait of Southern food traditions.

From Family History to Flavorful Creations

The cookbook delves into Shanti’s family history, weaving together stories and recipes that pay homage to her roots. Readers can expect to find a diverse range of dishes, including turmeric-spiced roasted cauliflower, grilled sorghum chicken, and a tantalizing rice custard brulee with strawberries.

Culinary Creations and Signature Dishes

For those eager to recreate Shanti’s acclaimed dishes, the cookbook offers recipes for Good Hot Fish’s popular fish camp hush puppies with sour corn ketchup and kitchen pepper chicken wings featuring the chef’s unique spice blend. These signature recipes capture the essence of Shanti’s culinary prowess and creativity.

A Culinary Star on the Rise

With a remarkable culinary journey that includes stints at Benne on Eagle and appearances on popular cooking shows like “Top Chef” and “Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi,” Shanti has cemented her status as a rising star in the culinary world. Her debut cookbook is poised to showcase her talent and passion for redefining Southern cuisine.

Get Your Copy of “Our South”

Mark your calendars for the release of “Our South: Black Food Through My Lens” on Oct. 15. The hardcover edition will be available for $40 at major bookstores, including Barnes & Noble. For those eager to secure a copy in advance, preorders are available through Union Square & Co. publishing company.

Stay Connected With Ashleigh Shanti

For more updates and culinary inspiration from Ashleigh Shanti, follow her on Instagram at @foodordeath_. Explore the vibrant world of Southern cuisine through the eyes of a talented chef who is reshaping the culinary landscape with her innovative creations.