In her highly anticipated debut cookbook, “Cooking With Florida Water,” celebrated chef and changemaker Kia Damon takes readers on a captivating journey through the often-overlooked culinary heritage of Florida.

Named one of The New York Times’ “16 Black Chefs Changing Food in America,” Damon’s work is a powerful manifesto that reclaims and elevates the vibrant flavors and traditions of her home state – a region long excluded from the canon of Southern cooking despite its unique and diverse food history.

With her signature blend of passion and expertise, Damon shares a collection of meticulously crafted recipes that pay homage to the rich tapestry of influences that have shaped Florida’s cuisine. From the Indigenous communities that first called this land home to the waves of immigrants who brought their culinary customs to its shores, “Cooking With Florida Water” is a celebration of the state’s remarkable cultural mosaic.

Damon’s innovative approach seamlessly weaves together the stories and flavors that have defined Florida’s foodways, presenting a fresh and inclusive perspective on Southern cooking. Readers will delight in the book’s mouthwatering recipes, each one a testament to the resilience and creativity of the people who have called this region home.

More than just a cookbook, “Cooking With Florida Water” is a powerful statement of Damon’s commitment to using her platform to amplify underrepresented voices and promote inclusivity in the culinary world. As the founder of Kia Feeds the People, a non-profit dedicated to addressing food insecurity, Damon’s work extends far beyond the kitchen, making this book an essential addition to any food lover’s collection.