Chefs of Monticello

Dr. Leni Sorensen

Dr. Leni Sorensen is a culinary historian with a degree in American Studies from the College of William and Mary. She is an expert in 18th- and 19th-century cooking methods used by Virginia housewives and slaves, including those who cooked for Thomas Jefferson. Previously, she was the African-American Research Historian at the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc., Monticello. She participated in the research that led to the restoration of the kitchens at Monticello and was privileged to light the first fire in the newly-restored hearth. Whether it is working with chef Walter Staib for the PBS series A Taste of History, cooking with Edna Lewis, or serving as Founding Director of Mount Fair Historic Farm in Crozet, Virginia, Sorensen has created a greater understanding of the contributions of African-American chefs who helped feed America. Most recently, Sorensen was named “Virginia Female Chef” by USA Today in their article “50 States – 50 Female Chefs.”

To follow Leni’s work or participate in one of her historic dinners or classes, access her website: www.indigohouse.us