Robin Keuneke’s The Iberian Table Wins 2026 President’s Book Award

The cookbook, which secured the top honor in the Cookbook/Home & Garden category, serves as both a culinary guide and a cultural study. Keuneke spent years traversing Spanish markets and family kitchens, gathering insights from Michelin-starred chefs Elena Arzak and Carme Ruscalleda. Her research emphasizes that the Spanish approach to wellness relies as much on social connection and slower meal times as it does on fresh seafood, legumes, and olive oil.

Beyond simple recipes, the book connects regional traditions to broader health outcomes. Keuneke argues that the secret to Spanish longevity is rooted in a lifestyle centered on seasonal ingredients and generational culinary wisdom. The author, who divides her time between Delray Beach and Atlanta, successfully positions these authentic practices as an accessible blueprint for home cooks seeking to improve their health without sacrificing the pleasures of the table.