Best Food Writing 2014

Hughes has been the editor of this annual anthology since its inception in 2000. Among this year's contributing writers are: Frank Bruni, Adam Sachs, Laura Taxel, J. Kenji Lopez-Alt, and Monica Bhide. The pieces are arranged into sections on "The Way We Eat Now," "Extreme Eating," "A Table for Everyone," "Back to Basics," "Home Cooking," "Stocking the Pantry," "Someone's in the Kitchen," and "Personal Tastes." Even Hughes's introduction is absorbing, telling of her brother's hospice stay and how delicious, carb-filled treats sustained her during that difficult time. The authors address trends such as $4 toast, the satisfaction of a meal after a day of hunting, and health or ethical issues related to food. Each narrative has its own feel but most bring to the forefront the emotions brought out by cooking and eating.