Bound to the Fire

Kelley Fanto Deetz explores the lives of enslaved plantation cooks from colonial times to emancipation, highlighting their skills, cultural heritage, and the challenging conditions they faced in plantation kitchens. Focusing on Virginia plantations such as Monticello and Mount Vernon, the book sheds light on these often-overlooked figures and their vital contributions to American history. Rich with archaeological evidence, folklore, and historical records, this account offers a nuanced perspective on the cultural and culinary legacies of enslaved cooks.