The Southern Living Cookbook: From the Foods Staff of Southern Living Magazine

by Susan Carlisle Payne (Editor)

Special cookbook from Southern Living filled with Southern Living's delicious recipes.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Nonfiction, Food

Hardcover

First published November 1, 1987

Reviews

[Furrawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me months of questioning emails and perusing used books online to finally get a copy of this book. I was looking for a definitive Southern cookbook and saw this book called “The Southern bible” time and time again. Problem? It has been out of print for decades.

Folks, it was worth the effort to get it.

I did read this cookbook. I actually love reading cookbooks. I always have. I also like to compare the recipes I already know- how close is the book recipe to one I know and love?

The cornbread recipes are spot on- though my mama raised me to only ever use bacon drippings for making white cornbread (yellow cornmeal was only used for sweet cornbread which my mom used a mix for and cooked in long thin loaves) in a big cast iron skillet, I have family members in their 90’s who do go the vegetable oil route.

This cookbook goes through steps. There are photos of processes. There are warnings about what might go wrong and suggestions for fixing whatever went wrong. There is general info put with a recipe to teach you enough to go off on your own and add your own style and ingredients.

I tried cooking EN PAPILLOTE for the first time using the book. I practiced with parchment paper using the book instructions and watching a youtube video on someone folding it. I made tilapia with spinach, tomatoes, garlic, butter, and wine. It was FANTASTIC. Moist and super flavorful. My husband kept going MMMM with each bite. After his last bite, he said the meal was great. Hubby is an understatement kind of guy. If it’s the best ever, he’ll say it’s okay, and he likes it.

If you want a fab cookbook on Southern food, this is one to add to your bookshelf.

[Sarah S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this one from my mother in law when I married my husband. It’s definitely become one of my favorite cookbooks! Has so many good recipes! ❤️

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great gift for newly weds and a fabulous basic book to refer to again and again!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had to narrow down my cookbook collection to a handful, this one would be in my Top 5. It's a great all around, everyday cookbook that includes all meals, meats, veggies, drinks and desserts. It's not only Southern food, but comfort foods, food for dinner parties, and mainstream desserts and brunch recipes. This is a great guide for any level cook, there are tips for cooking and food handling, and any recipe I've tried from this book in the last 2 decades have worked out well. It's a go-to in our household for everyone.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best basic cookbook ever. Years and years after my mother gave me this book, which has been dropped in the sink, has burned pages, flour doused pages, etc., my husband and I both still reach for it when looking for recipes. It has wonderful basics and more complicated recipes with good directions that are easily followed. This is the cookbook every person should leave home with.

[Melanie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gave to Husby for Yule, ended up using the hell out of it myself :)

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything is wonderful. Tried and true. I haven't made every recipe yet, but I have stopped counting.

[Diony Heppler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of my favorite recipes come from this book--especially coconut cream pie