Les Dames d’Escoffier New York Cookbook: Stirring the Pot
The History Press (American Palate)

In Stores Now!
By Silvia Baldini & Sharon Franke,
Foreword by Carla Hall, Dedication by Lidia Bastianich.
Les Dames d' Escoffier New York, the most influential and accomplished women in the food and wine world, present their favorite recipes for everything from simple weekday meals to spectacular party dishes.

Profits will benefit Les Dames d’Escoffier New York’s Scholarship Fund.
Photographs by Matt Taylor-Gross & Chloe Zale

Authors Silvia Baldini and Sharon Franke showcase seventy-six family recipes and pairings by Pascaline Lepeltier, MOF, and include a dedication by Lidia Bastianich to LDNY founder Carol Brock and a forward by Carla Hall.

From Lidia's "Cavatappi with Asparagus and Spinach Pesto" or Ellie Krieger's recipe "Family Favorite Minestrone” to a stunning "Radicchio Salad with Radish, Basil, and Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette" by Chef Melissa Rodriguez of a two-star Michelin restaurant, there’s a recipe for every occasion and for every skill level.

Discover the dishes and recipes that some of the most heralded women in the food business, in the greatest food city cook when they are in their own home kitchens.

About Les Dames d’Escoffier New York

Les Dames d’Escoffier New York (LDNY) is an unparalleled collective of forward-thinking and successful female leaders in all sectors of the food, beverage, and hospitality industries. Located in the most dynamic and competitive city in the world, Les Dames d’Escoffier New York (LDNY) is the founding and largest chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI), a 501c3 non-profit organization. Its mission is to advance and support aspiring professional women in food and beverage, as well as to champion critical industry issues. LDNY’s vision is guided by three objectives: Education, Advocacy and Philanthropy.



About the Authors

Italian-born Silvia Baldini is an art director, a classically trained chef with NYC and London restaurant experience and a Chopped champion on Food Network. Silvia’s recipes and stories have been published in Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, Saveur, the New York Times, La Cucina Italiana and Forbes. Sharon Franke is a journalist and product tester specializing in kitchen equipment. Sharon began her culinary career by working as a cook and chef in New York City restaurants for seven years.

“When I read through the pages of “Stirring the Pot”, I was immediately struck by the incredibly accomplished women who are members of the New York chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier —literally every recipe reads like a culinary Who’s Who.”

-Carla Hall

“Anyone who wonders what the food pros cook at home will love this book. In Stirring the Pot, some of the biggest culinary names share the treasured dishes they serve their own families and guests along with their secrets for getting perfect results.”   

—Dame Sharon Franke

Meet the 2023 LDNY Scholarship Recipients

Cooking with Purpose, Empowering Women:
Les Dames d'Escoffier New York Cookbook,
Stirring the Pot Unleashes the Flavorful Recipes
of Leading Women in Food and Wine,
Supporting Scholarships.

Meet the 2023 LDNY Scholarship Recipients

  • “I joined the New York chapter of Les Dames last year because of the organization's rich history of uplifting and supporting the next generation of women in food. This mission is deeply important to me, and I'm honored to be a member.”

    —Dame Kat Craddock editor in chief and CEO at Saveur

  • "So many good cooks stirring the pot deliciously, such a great collection.”

    —Dorie Greenspan, James Beard Award winning author and NYT bestseller

  • “It is an honor to be a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier New York. The fantastic women of this organization have shown for decades that a better world can be created by educating palates with fabulous food and wine.”

    —Dame Pascaline Lepeltier. MOF

  • "Being a part of the Les Dames community, where I am surrounded by the most inspiring, accomplished women in the industry, and have a chance to help the next generation of women rise up, is absolute nourishment for me."

    —Dame Ellie Krieger, Culinary nutritionist, PBS and Food Network host and James Beard and IACP award winning cookbook author

  • “One of the most exciting things about being a member of LDNY is participating in awarding scholarships to women in Food and Wine. I would never have been able to go to college without scholarship support, and now I get to pay it forward!”

    —Dame Janet McCracken Editor and Recipe Developer

  • "It’s a privilege to be among all the outstanding women featured in Stirring the Pot. This cookbook is filled with so many inspirational recipes. With something for every kind of cook, Stirring the Pot belongs on every cookbook shelf. "

    —Dame Penny Stankiewicz Owner/Creative Director

  • "These recipes reflect not only the expertise and experienced palates of the Dames who contributed, but also come from the heart, reflecting food and drinks connected to people, places and moments that have personally impacted each of them."

    —Dame Susan Kostrzewa, Former Editor-in-Chief at Wine Enthusiast and Founder Resplendent Ink

  • " When women elevate women, we give voice to their hopes and dreams. As a proud member of Les Dames d'Escoffier's New York, I value my role in supporting those who are up and coming in the field of culinary arts, through our mentorship and scholarship programs. Excellence needs to be nurtured, and that's what Les Dames is all about."

    —Dame and Author June Hersh

  • Les Dames d'Escoffier is a very special community, bonded by our love for food. We all share a respect for the history and culture of food, wine and women. Together, we pave a path for extraordinary women and help make their dreams come true".

    —Dame Michelle Lawton, founder joyfulplate and author "Moderating a Love Affair with Food, 10 tips to mindful eating & drinking.

  • “Reflecting New York itself, the women and recipes within this mouth-watering cookbook hail from diverse backgrounds and culinary traditions, joining together in a celebration of how women continue to shape the culinary landscape in the greatest city in the world,”

    —Banks Smither, Acquisitions Editor for The History Press

  • "I shared some beloved family recipes, like my mother-in-law's polenta cookies, but most recipes in this book are from the Dames. I wanted to highlight a diverse group of women who truly ruled the kitchen, deserving a standing ovation for paving the way for women in our profession."

    —Dame Silvia Baldini, Author

  • “Anyone who wonders what the food pros cook at home will love this book. In Stirring the Pot, some of the biggest culinary names share the treasured dishes they serve their own families and guests along with their secrets for getting perfect results.”

    —Dame Sharon Franke, Author

  • Stirring the Pot is more than a cookbook; it supports LDNY's commitment to making room at the table for all women. The excellent recipes, wine pairings, and anecdotes not only showcase the talents of our members, but the proceeds will benefit LDNY's competitive scholarship program and empower the next generation of women leaders in food, fine beverage, and hospitality.

    —Dame Wanda Mann Wine Writer & Educator President, Les Dames d’Escoffier New York