When Columbus first went to the New World, he unwittingly unleashed an enormous economic and biological storm. He brought with him pigs, horses and other animals the Americans had never seen. And he brought back a whole new larder of berries, avocados, grains and nuts.

Through 21 historical food-types and recipes, The Conqueror's Feast looks at how these foods have changed history, agriculture, our diet, our menus, our very culture.These fascinating recipes trace the roots of iconic and fundamental dishes like the first tomato sauce, the hot dog and the roast.