The southern region of the United States is a stunning landscape of smoky mountains, undulating hills, scrubby coastal plains, mysterious swamps, subtropical shorelines and alluvial flatlands. More than 60 million Americans call the South home; the result is an ethnic stewpot that has been simmering for centuries, rendering a population as spicy as anything a Cajun might conjure. The rich cuisine of the South has benefited from such a merging of cultural traditions: Louisiana Creole cooking alone owes its heritage to a blend of African, French, Spanish, Caribbean and native American ingredients and techniques. "The South the Beautiful Cookbook" showcases the great diversity of Southern cooking and reveals that the food of the South is far more than fried chicken and mashed potatoes. With over 200 recipes by author Mara Reid Rogers and a star-studded list of contributing chefs and Southern food authorities, "The South the Beautiful Cookbook" provides the quintessential Southern food experience from the traditional to the cutting edge. Old favorites -- Seafood Gumbo, aromatic Smoked Barbecue Ribs, spicy Jambalaya and Granny Lou's Coconut Cake -- fill the Southern table alongside innovative creations like Cream of Shiitake Soup with Virginia Ham, Roasted Squab on Sweet Potato Spoon Bread, Cheese Grits Souffle, and Chocolate Pecan Pie. All these delicious recipes are illustrated in full-color photographs by Philip Salaverry. Award-winning journalist Jim Auchmutey writes a lyrical and informative text about the cultural and culinary history of the South, which is brought to life in the full-color photography by two leading "National Geographic" photographers, Melissa Farlow and RandyOlson, who traveled from Virginia to Florida to document the South. Together this team of contributors, with the expertise of Southern food writer and editor Susan Puckett, creates a portrait of Southern hospitality and charm. Southerners have expressed their distinctive culture in many ways, from their music to their stories, but no expression strikes closer to the heart than the great folk art of Southern cooking.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
It's ok:
The cookbook is ok... I enjoyed some of the other books in the series, such as the Provence one. This could be because the French books seem more exotic, i.e. me not being from France and all. The book gets three stars as it has good recipes and poritions, just didn't strike me the same was as others in the series.
A new favorite! True to the South.:
Ever since I gave my mom the Tuscany Beautiful Cookbook years ago, she has been requesting one each year from the series. This Christmas I gave her the South, first one from the States for her collection. My parents had just returned from their travels through the South, so I knew this would be a hit given the love she has for it. When she received the package from Amazon, she said she tore it open & sat outside and read through the entire book right where the delivery box landed. The pictures took her... more info
It ain't low fat, but it sure is good...:
As an Asian-American southerner addicted to cookbooks, I am impressed! This cookbook is terrifically illustrated and the recipes are good and authentic. As with all the cookbooks in this series, the books leans towards the elegant, with an emphasis on restaurant-type meals. Very impressive for a date! I wish it had a section on soul food, though.
The is the best cookbook ever!:
I love this cookbook. The recipies are relatively easy to prepare, but once the food is done it is worth the wait. All of the recipies are absoultely delicious. This cookbook is a must have, for anyone who like southern food.
