Anna Del Maso knew she wanted to be a chef since seventh grade. "Somehow everything in my life ends up being about food," she realizes, as she begins the latest of her food-themed quilts. Her twin passions have converged with a brand new position as head chef for Elm Creek Quilts, Waterford, Pennsylvania's popular quilting retreat run by the Elm Creek Quilters.

As she joins the circle of quilters, Anna is charged with a key membership requirement in this unique group: to preserve the heritage of the retreat's headquarters, historic Elm Creek Manor. Begun in 1858 by the Bergstrom family, now represented by Master Quilter Sylvia Bergstrom Compson, the Manor is home to generations' worth of traditions. Many of these involve food and celebrations. Whether it be the holiday menus prepared and enjoyed by Bergstroms over the years, or the Welcome Banquet or Farewell Breakfast that have become hallmarks of Elm Creek Quilt Camp, the recipes need to be researched and recorded.

The Quilter's Kitchenfollows Anna's journey into the kitchens of Elm Creek Manor, past and present, as she discovers how the gifts of the table bring friends and family ever closer.