Chef Shannon Smith, based in Tulsa, has drawn inspiration from her travels around the world to write a cookbook that includes stories alongside recipes. With over 20 years of experience in the culinary field, Smith has visited 53 countries and used her experiences to develop an appreciation for different food cultures.
Smith wanted to immerse herself in these cultures, learning about their food preparation methods and meeting the people who live there. Through these interactions, she gathered recipes and insights that she documented in her cookbook. It took her six years to complete the book, which features pictures, recipes, and stories from her travels.
Each chapter of the book focuses on a different place where Smith has cooked, with only one chapter dedicated to the United States, specifically New Mexico. The book includes 10-11 recipes in each of its 12 chapters, showcasing the diversity of global cuisine that Smith has experienced.
Smith self-published the book and it is exclusively available for purchase on her website, chefshannon.com. By sharing her passion for cooking and cultural exploration through this cookbook, Smith hopes to inspire others to appreciate the rich tapestry of flavors and traditions that exist around the world.