Padma Lakshmi, the previous host of Top Chef, is set to unveil her new cookbook, Padma’s All American: Tales, Travels, and Recipes from Taste the Nation and Beyond, later this year. This book is not merely a compilation of recipes; it serves as a “scrapbook of our lives in food over the past six to seven years,” she remarked, a sentiment that is further enriched by the active participation of her 15-year-old daughter, Krishna, affectionately referred to as “Little Hands,” whom she co-parents with her former partner, Adam Dell. Krishna took an active role in the development of the cookbook, assisting her mother in testing and refining recipes. Lakshmi recently posted a video on Instagram showcasing Krishna sampling a “rustic, beautiful soup” from Italy known as ribollita, providing a glimpse into their collaborative efforts. “Krishna has her own recipe included, and you can also observe in the photographs how much she has matured during the years it took to compile this book,” Lakshmi shared with People.
The cookbook is inspired by Lakshmi’s family recipes and her experiences while traveling for her series, Taste the Nation. She highlights the rich diversity inherent in American cuisine, stating to People, “I’ve always believed that the most fascinating aspects of American food are found in immigrant communities… American food is more regional than many people realize, and what enhances its greatness are the myriad influences on our national cuisine.” Lakshmi concluded her tenure on Top Chef in 2023 after an impressive 20-season journey.
