Longtime food historian and writer Suzanne Corbett has released another culinary book. Written with co-author Deborah Reinhardt, “A Culinary History of Missouri, Foodways & Iconic Dishes of the Show-Me State” is now available, and will be featured at a book launch party with the authors on Sunday, Oct. 10.
To be held at the Campbell House Museum in St. Louis, the authors will be available to chat and sign copies of the book that takes readers on a history tour – of food, that is – in the context of the growth and evolution of the state of Missouri itself.
Beginning with native bounty and French colonial feasting, the chapters move on through the “gilded” age, the jazz and prohibition eras, tales of Route 66, all the way to the contemporary table and the state’s fabulous chefs of the day.
And … it’s a cookbook, full of recipes to try, savor and make again and again. And don’t forget the interesting tidbits about the state and the happenings and culture of the day. For instance, did you know that passengers traveling by rail from St. Louis to Kansas City dined in high style? Or how about the evolving change in fare through the decades at the Missouri State Fair? And then there’s discovering more information about candy makers in St. Louis and other areas of the state. The list goes on and on.
Corbett has written for a number of publications, including Gazelle, and in fact, she met her co-author while writing for AAA Traveler magazine.
“Deborah had been my editor with AAA Traveler, and one day, while having lunch, she told me she was retiring, and we spoke about projects,” Corbett said. “I mentioned the Missouri Bicentennial, and we stumbled on the idea of doing a book about the places to visit that had great food history.”
And thus, it began.
“Since Deb has been the editor and travel writer with AAA for 30 years, and with my 40-plus years working in food history as both an interpreter and writer, we collectively thought it could be a good book project,” Corbett added.
Over the following nine months the idea was developed, pitched, sold, written and delivered for publication. They divided up the chapters, and collaborated on things like the introduction and the cover.
Corbett has a real passion for not just dining, but the making and history of food. She always considered herself a bit of a gourmet, even as a child.
“I was always in my mother’s kitchen ‘creating’ something,” Corbett said. “My culinary career began with catering and confectionery work, and then I moved to teaching and presenting food demos and foodways programs.”
Writing was just the next step. As an adult, she returned to college, earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in media communications at Webster University.
The historian aspect started when she was asked to do an historic bread demonstration at Jefferson Barracks. If she wore a period outfit, she could go to the lady’s tea for free.
“Then I was hooked,” Corbett said.
She has been a foodways interpreter and research historian locally for the National Park Service at The Gateway Arch, U.S. Grant National Historic Site, Missouri State Historic sites in Hermann and Ste. Genevieve, and historic sites operated by St. Louis County Parks and Recreation. For many years, she presented programs for the Missouri History Museum and also appeared at The Field Museum, and the one closest to her heart – the Campbell House Museum, where she continues to do its food programming.
Corbett is also the author of “The Gilded Table,” “Pushcarts & Stalls: The Soulard Market History Cookbooks” and “Unique Eats and Eateries of St. Louis.” She is a member of the National Federation of Press Women and the North American Travel Journalists, is a Certified Culinary Professional with the International Association of Culinary Professionals and a member of the Les Dames d’Escoffier International.
She plans to continue with more history-related work and appearances, and will continue to share her cuisine stories – and yummy recipes – with Gazelle readers. She can be contacted at suzannecorbett@me.com.
Reinhardt is an award-winning travel and food writer. She was the managing editor of AAA Midwest Traveler and AAA Southern Traveler for more than 30 years. She is also the author of “Delectable Destinations: A Chocolate Lover’s Guide to Missouri.” Her food blog, at threewomeninthekitchen.com, was awarded first place in the personal category in 2021 by the National Federation of Press Women. She self-published a family cookbook, “Three Women in the Kitchen: Recipes and Stories of Growing Up in St. Louis,” in 2021. She is co-president of Missouri Professional Communicators, the Missouri affiliate of the National Federation of Press Women, and a member of the St. Louis Culinary Society. Reinhardt is a journalism graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
The book launch party for “A Culinary History of Missouri, Foodways & Iconic Dishes of the Show-Me State” will run from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 10 at Campbell House Museum at 1508 Locust Street, St. Louis, MO 63103. Free parking is available, and admission to the signing is free. Books are available for $21.99 per copy. Museum tours are $10 per person. Refreshments will be served. For more information on the museum, visit campbellhousemuseum.org.
An exciting lifr. Best wishes