Several theories surround the traditional Delta tamale. Some trace it back to Mexican and Italian immigrants, while others say the Delta version of the hand-held meal is a spin on the old African American food called "cush." One thing not disputed is the popularity. From hot tamale legends Joe Pope, Shine Thornton and the Scott family to current chefs, the traditions and the secret recipes live on. Writer and historian Anne Martin showcases the stories behind the traditional Delta hot tamale, as well as the countless variations of the delicacy found within the region. "The Mississippi Delta is a place where you can find just about any kind of food...But there is one dish that has been a staple in the Mississippi Delta for generations -- hot tamales. Delta native Anne Martin explores this culinary delicacy in her book, "Delta Hot Tamales," from of Arcadia Publishing. With a deep love for food and a career background in journalism, Martin stepped out to do the book she had been thinking about for some time. "While I had always wanted to do a book about hot tamales, I just never took the next step to make it happen,'? she said.Martin explained a friend had gotten an email from the publisher of Arcadia Publishing looking for someone to write about hot tamales. "I called … and soon after we sealed the deal on the project to begin."Martin interviewed around 25 different hot tamale makers to learn about the different styles and cultures that tamales were derived from across the Delta."Meeting these great people who everyday are making these hot tamales across the Delta was the real treasure. They're the real star of this book," Martin said." Bolivar Commercial "Delta Hot Tamales: History, Stories & Recipes is not a traditional cookbook by any means. The book uses local food as a lens to explore the rich culture and history of an often misunderstood area in an often misunderstood state.Anne Martin is uniquely qualified to tell us the tale of the Delta hot tamale. Martin was a broadcast journalist for over 30 years, spending large portions of that time in Greenville, Mississippi, the epicenter of the Delta tamale phenomenon.Martin is also one of the founders of the Delta Hot Tamale Festival an event held in Greenville each fall that has garnered significant following in culinary and cultural circles alike." Eat Y'all "Delta Hot Tamales: History, Stories & Recipes is not a traditional cookbook by any means. The book uses local food as a lens to explore the rich culture and history of an often misunderstood area in an often misunderstood state. Anne Martin is uniquely qualified to tell us the tale of the Delta hot tamale. Martin was a broadcast journalist for over 30 years, spending large portions of that time in Greenville, Mississippi, the epicenter of the Delta tamale phenomenon. Martin is also one of the founders of the Delta Hot Tamale Festival an event held in Greenville each fall that has garnered significant following in culinary and cultural circles alike." Eat Y'all Anne Martin grew up in the middle of the hot tamale epicenter, Greenville, Mississippi. She is an award-winning journalist, having spent thirty years in broadcast news. She is now a writer, documenting the stories of her beloved Mississippi Delta and is a regular contributor to Life in the Delta and Eat. Drink. Mississippi. Anne is a co-founder of the Delta Hot Tamale Festival. She lives in Rosedale, Mississippi, where she continues to enjoy Delta hot tamales.