What a joy to read the beautiful Watermelon and Red Birds cookbook cover to cover, dog-earing pages of recipes! The latest cookbook from local author and uber-talented Nicole Taylor is a must-read for those who want to know more about Juneteenth and for those who get excited about fresh takes on old standards. Watermelon and Red Birds will be published on the first anniversary of Juneteenth being made a national holiday and Taylor's recipes are the real deal. Make sure you check out the Fig Vinegar BBQ Sauce inspired by my homegrown Normaltown figs Nicole loves. Linger slowly and enjoy Taylor's essays as she's sharing her story as a Black American in one of the most personal ways one can: by talking about how she feeds her family, her friends, and her soul.