Here’s a delicious way to kick off a new week: Kelly English is hosting a dinner Sunday night at Restaurant Iris featuring recipes from Paul and Angela Knipple’s new cookbook, “The World in a Skillet.” The local authors will be attending too and are looking forward to a favorite: a trio of rice dishes including jollof rice from Africa, arroz con pollo from Cuba and jambalaya from Louisiana.
“It is culinary history on a plate,” Paul Knipple said, explaining the evolution of the recipes.
The rest of the menu reflects a similar global spin from Southern cooks: lagniappe servings of mazorca and chicken kabobs; an amuse-bouche of crab Rangoon; duck breast and grits; a deconstructed Kurdish lamb stew called Selim ba gosht; and calas with pot de crème. (Calas are the Creole version of deep-fried rice cakes.)
Cocktails also will be served, including a champagne mimosa made with yuzu juice and syrup from Pontotoc Ridge’s kudzu bloom jelly.
Dinner is $60, seating begins at 6 p.m. and part of the evening proceeds will be donated to the Memphis Library Foundation. Call 590-2828 for reservations.
