From Raleigh’s James Beard award-winning chef, a comprehensive look at the guiding principles of great cooking–with over 100 recipes for the food that has made Poole’s Downtown Diner one of the South’s most celebrated restaurants.

Ashley Christensen is one of the most dynamic chefs on the food scene today. Poole’s is her master class in making the best foundational recipes and then turning these into exceptional sides, mains, and desserts–all inspired by the food at her James Beard award-winning restaurant, Poole’s Downtown Diner. The ingredient-driven recipes range from beloved Southern favorites like Pimento Cheese, Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Hot Honey, and Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie to modern updates like Turnip Green Fritters with Whipped Tahini, the one-dish Pork Cassoulet with Pit Peas and Collards, and Zucchini Doughnuts with Marscapone.