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The Beach House Cookbook: Easy Breezy Recipes with a Southern Accent
You don't have to own a beach house to enjoy Mary Kay Andrews' recipes. All you need is an appetite for delicious, casual dishes, cooked with the best fresh, local ingredients and presented with the breezy flair that make Mary Kay Andrews' novels a summertime favorite at the beach.
From an early spring dinner of cherry balsamic-glazed lamb chops and bacon-kissed green beans, to Fourth of July buttermilk-brined fried chicken, yuppie potato salad, and Coca-Cola cake, to her New Year's Day Open House menu of charcoal-grilled oysters, home-cured gravlax, grits n' greens casserole, and Meyer lemon bar trifle, this cookbook will supply ideas for menus and recipes designed to put you in a permanently carefree coastal state of mind all year long.
From an early spring dinner of cherry balsamic-glazed lamb chops and bacon-kissed green beans, to Fourth of July buttermilk-brined fried chicken, yuppie potato salad, and Coca-Cola cake, to her New Year's Day Open House menu of charcoal-grilled oysters, home-cured gravlax, grits n' greens casserole, and Meyer lemon bar trifle, this cookbook will supply ideas for menus and recipes designed to put you in a permanently carefree coastal state of mind all year long.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published May 2, 2017
About the author
Mary Kay Andrews
57 books15.2k followershttps://marykayandrews.com/
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MARY KAY ANDREWS is the New York Times bestselling author of 30 novels (including The Homewreckers, The Santa Suit, The Newcomer; Hello, Summer; Sunset Beach; The High Tide Club; The Weekenders; Beach Town; Save the Date; Ladies’ Night; Christmas Bliss; Spring Fever; Summer Rental; The Fixer Upper; Deep Dish; Blue Christmas; Savannah Breeze; Hissy Fit; Little Bitty Lies; and Savannah Blues), and one cookbook, The Beach House Cookbook.
A native of St. Petersburg, Florida, she earned a B.A. in journalism from The University of Georgia. After a 14-year career working as a reporter at newspapers including The Savannah Morning News, The Marietta Journal, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where she spent the final ten years of her career, she left journalism in 1991 to write fiction.
Her first novel, Every Crooked Nanny, was published in 1992 by HarperCollins. She went on to write ten critically acclaimed mysteries under her real name, Kathy Hogan Trocheck. In 2002, she assumed the pen name Mary Kay Andrews with the publication of Savannah Blues. In 2006, Hissy Fit became her first New York Times bestseller, followed by twelve more New York Times, USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestsellers. To date, her novels have been published in German, Italian, Polish, Slovenian, Hungarian, Dutch, Czech and Japanese.
She and her family divide their time between Atlanta and Tybee Island, GA, where they cook up new recipes in two restored beach homes, The Breeze Inn and Ebbtide—both named after fictional places in Mary Kay’s novels, and both available to rent through Tybee Vacation Rentals. In between cooking, spoiling her grandkids, and plotting her next novel, Mary Kay is an intrepid treasure hunter whose favorite pastime is junking and fixing up old houses.
https://www.facebook.com/marykayandre...
https://www.instagram.com/marykayandr...
MARY KAY ANDREWS is the New York Times bestselling author of 30 novels (including The Homewreckers, The Santa Suit, The Newcomer; Hello, Summer; Sunset Beach; The High Tide Club; The Weekenders; Beach Town; Save the Date; Ladies’ Night; Christmas Bliss; Spring Fever; Summer Rental; The Fixer Upper; Deep Dish; Blue Christmas; Savannah Breeze; Hissy Fit; Little Bitty Lies; and Savannah Blues), and one cookbook, The Beach House Cookbook.
A native of St. Petersburg, Florida, she earned a B.A. in journalism from The University of Georgia. After a 14-year career working as a reporter at newspapers including The Savannah Morning News, The Marietta Journal, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where she spent the final ten years of her career, she left journalism in 1991 to write fiction.
Her first novel, Every Crooked Nanny, was published in 1992 by HarperCollins. She went on to write ten critically acclaimed mysteries under her real name, Kathy Hogan Trocheck. In 2002, she assumed the pen name Mary Kay Andrews with the publication of Savannah Blues. In 2006, Hissy Fit became her first New York Times bestseller, followed by twelve more New York Times, USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestsellers. To date, her novels have been published in German, Italian, Polish, Slovenian, Hungarian, Dutch, Czech and Japanese.
She and her family divide their time between Atlanta and Tybee Island, GA, where they cook up new recipes in two restored beach homes, The Breeze Inn and Ebbtide—both named after fictional places in Mary Kay’s novels, and both available to rent through Tybee Vacation Rentals. In between cooking, spoiling her grandkids, and plotting her next novel, Mary Kay is an intrepid treasure hunter whose favorite pastime is junking and fixing up old houses.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
May 5, 2017
One of my go-to authors is Mary Kay Andrews. Her novels are always entertaining and invariably land on my favorite beach reads list. That’s why I was so excited to receive a copy of The Beach House Cookbook. Andrews compiled her favorite recipes in a beautiful cookbook. The photos are gorgeous and will tempt the reader to try each recipe. Lemon cake is my favorite and I can’t wait to try the Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake!
The book is divided into theme meals such as Low Country Boil, Fourth of July Dinner; Full Moon Party, and Christmas Brunch. There are many more and each one looks amazing. I especially enjoyed the short description and credit that MKA included with each recipe.
With Mothers Day and Fathers Day coming up soon, The Beach House Cookbook would be a wonderful gift for the cook in your life. *I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
The book is divided into theme meals such as Low Country Boil, Fourth of July Dinner; Full Moon Party, and Christmas Brunch. There are many more and each one looks amazing. I especially enjoyed the short description and credit that MKA included with each recipe.
With Mothers Day and Fathers Day coming up soon, The Beach House Cookbook would be a wonderful gift for the cook in your life. *I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 25, 2017
Nice take on classic Southern summer recipes but I prefer my own pimento cheese recipe---isn't that the way everyone feels about pimento cheese and deviled eggs??
June 15, 2017
Oh, it wouldn't be summer without a new book from Mary Kay Andrews! This year she's put together a cookbook with all of her favourite recipes! The title? The Beach House Cookbook: Easy, Breezy Recipes with a Southern Accent. And I have a copy to giveaway to one lucky reader!
Andrews loves to cook and entertain at her beach house. In the preface, Andrews says...."The whole point of this book? You can do it too. You don't have to have a beach house to have that same easygoing atmosphere. The recipes that follow are designed to let you be creative in the kitchen, yet still spend time relaxing with family and guests."
There are full menus (Drinks, appetizers, mains, sides and desserts) put together for many occasions - or just pick and choose the recipes that appeal to you. None of Mary Kay's recipes call for 'obscure or hard to find ingredients.' Some also use pre-made ingredients such as pie shells, boxed pudding and ice cream sandwiches. (That last one was fun and easy - decadent but oh so good!) And if you don't have an ingredient - improvise!
One of the recipes I've tried so far is Edna's Deviled Eggs - never would I have thought to add pickle juice! It added a real zip to the eggs - DH loved it. And I know he'll love Pig Candy - sweetened bacon! I enjoyed the Blueberry Muffins - and found they froze well. Savannah Spinach Squares look really good - a simple appetizer. Same goes for Frozen Key Lime Pie Pops!
There are wonderful stories behind every recipe. The ingredients are easy to see at a glance as they are printed in red. The instructions are clear and easy to follow.Interspersed amongst the recipes are beautiful full colour pictures - of the food, but also the ideas you can use to decorate your table.There are some of Mary Kay's thrifting treasures pictured as well. The Beach House Cookbook is perfect for laid-back, casual summer entertaining!
Andrews loves to cook and entertain at her beach house. In the preface, Andrews says...."The whole point of this book? You can do it too. You don't have to have a beach house to have that same easygoing atmosphere. The recipes that follow are designed to let you be creative in the kitchen, yet still spend time relaxing with family and guests."
There are full menus (Drinks, appetizers, mains, sides and desserts) put together for many occasions - or just pick and choose the recipes that appeal to you. None of Mary Kay's recipes call for 'obscure or hard to find ingredients.' Some also use pre-made ingredients such as pie shells, boxed pudding and ice cream sandwiches. (That last one was fun and easy - decadent but oh so good!) And if you don't have an ingredient - improvise!
One of the recipes I've tried so far is Edna's Deviled Eggs - never would I have thought to add pickle juice! It added a real zip to the eggs - DH loved it. And I know he'll love Pig Candy - sweetened bacon! I enjoyed the Blueberry Muffins - and found they froze well. Savannah Spinach Squares look really good - a simple appetizer. Same goes for Frozen Key Lime Pie Pops!
There are wonderful stories behind every recipe. The ingredients are easy to see at a glance as they are printed in red. The instructions are clear and easy to follow.Interspersed amongst the recipes are beautiful full colour pictures - of the food, but also the ideas you can use to decorate your table.There are some of Mary Kay's thrifting treasures pictured as well. The Beach House Cookbook is perfect for laid-back, casual summer entertaining!
February 10, 2018
This is the second cookbook I have read by an author as a complimentary piece to their books and I loved this one just as much. Loaded down with spectacular, yet simple recipes, this is one that I will be pulling recipes off of. What I found most unique was the menu format and stories to tell about the food choices. She partnered up the stories with her books the recipes were featured in. Just a genius marketing idea and I know I have never read any of the author's other books, but will be wandering in to determine if the water is warm. I may be having one of her awesome cocktails featured in while reading too.
May 31, 2017
I cannot wait to try these recipes! Along with my Lilly Pulitzer Cookbook, I think I have southern and beachy food completely covered! I so could easily slip right into Andrews lifestyle!
February 18, 2024
It’s SO good!
July 17, 2024
Read this one for the northeast regional cookbook club and it is going on my "to be purchased" list. I love Mary Kay Andrews and I loved just about every recipe in this book.
August 2, 2017
I received this book through the First Reads program.
This is a beautiful cookbook full of summertime recipes for entertaining. The recipes have a souther touch. The recipes are arranged in arranged in a menu format. For instance, Beach Picnic serves 6 and includes Beachy Ceviche, Ham and Havarti Sandwiches, Butterscotch Brownies, and Watermelon Wedges. Each recipe is accompanied by a full-page photo of the dish.
I don't like judging a cookbook without cooking some of the recipes. I chose a few to look at further and let the family select from those. These means I didn't make the recipes from one menu. I made the Zucchini Vichyssoise. This strayed from traditional vichyssoise by adding zucchini. We enjoyed the flavor. One of us is not a fan of cold soup. He heated his up and really enjoyed it. It was also delicious cold.
Next, I made the Tybee Fish Tacos. The vinegar slaw and avocado sauce went perfectly with the fried fish. I felt the fried fish could have used some salt but that may be due to the brand of Cajun seasoning I used. The panko made a nice crunchy breading.
Last, I made the Lemon-Cream Cheese Pound Cake for a birthday party for my grown daughter. I did change it slightly by adding the zest of 1 lemon and halving the lemon extract. I prefer zest to extract. It did involve separating eggs and whipping the whites to stiff peaks and then folding into the batter. So, it was a little more involved than some recipes. This recipe is cooked in a bundt pan and serves 10 to 12. Everyone at the party really liked the cake. I will be making this one again when a group is coming over.
Overall this is an enjoyable cookbook with great pictures. Every recipe I tried turned out well. Ingredients were easily sourced. Recommended for anyone looking for summertime entertainment recipes with a southern slant.
This is a beautiful cookbook full of summertime recipes for entertaining. The recipes have a souther touch. The recipes are arranged in arranged in a menu format. For instance, Beach Picnic serves 6 and includes Beachy Ceviche, Ham and Havarti Sandwiches, Butterscotch Brownies, and Watermelon Wedges. Each recipe is accompanied by a full-page photo of the dish.
I don't like judging a cookbook without cooking some of the recipes. I chose a few to look at further and let the family select from those. These means I didn't make the recipes from one menu. I made the Zucchini Vichyssoise. This strayed from traditional vichyssoise by adding zucchini. We enjoyed the flavor. One of us is not a fan of cold soup. He heated his up and really enjoyed it. It was also delicious cold.
Next, I made the Tybee Fish Tacos. The vinegar slaw and avocado sauce went perfectly with the fried fish. I felt the fried fish could have used some salt but that may be due to the brand of Cajun seasoning I used. The panko made a nice crunchy breading.
Last, I made the Lemon-Cream Cheese Pound Cake for a birthday party for my grown daughter. I did change it slightly by adding the zest of 1 lemon and halving the lemon extract. I prefer zest to extract. It did involve separating eggs and whipping the whites to stiff peaks and then folding into the batter. So, it was a little more involved than some recipes. This recipe is cooked in a bundt pan and serves 10 to 12. Everyone at the party really liked the cake. I will be making this one again when a group is coming over.
Overall this is an enjoyable cookbook with great pictures. Every recipe I tried turned out well. Ingredients were easily sourced. Recommended for anyone looking for summertime entertainment recipes with a southern slant.
July 7, 2017
Fans of Mary Kay Andrews' best-selling beach books (Savannah Blues, Deep Dish, Beach Town) and the Callahan Garrity mysteries she originally penned as Kathy Hogan Trocheck (Heart Trouble, Homemade Sin) know her characters eat well and that she sometimes tosses in recipes for food mentioned in the stories. For example, you can find the recipe for Beyond the Grave Chicken Salad in Little Bitty Lies and now in The Beach House Cookbook (St. Martin's Press, review copy), which is what she wrote for this summer instead of a new novel. It's a treat, full of themed meal plans and recipes, plus anecdotes and pictures from Ebb Tide, her Tybee Island beach house. I need to note that Kathy is a longtime friend and a fabulous cook, and I can personally vouch for the chicken salad, the lemon cream cheese poundcake, the pimento cheese made with Duke's and other goodies. Shrimp and grits. Crab cakes. Peach and berry cobbler. Trust me, the woman can start with a bag of Fritos and whip up a casserole, an appetizer or a gooey dessert. Beach-alicious!
from On a Clear Day I Can Read Forever
from On a Clear Day I Can Read Forever
July 7, 2017
I won a copy of the cookbook and enjoyed reading through it. I felt I was cooking along and reminiscing with the author both in Atlanta and on Tybee Island. Wonderful collection of photographs not only of the food but also of family.
I liked the way the cookbook was set up by holiday or occasion and that there was not only an introduction to the section but also to each recipe. There are a few I will definitely be trying and others will make their way to my table with a few substitutions. It's helpful that there was also an index in the back of the book listing the recipes alphabetically to make it easier to find those I want to return to.
The only thing missing is that there wasn't any nutritional information given especially in this day and age with people being more health conscious.
I liked the way the cookbook was set up by holiday or occasion and that there was not only an introduction to the section but also to each recipe. There are a few I will definitely be trying and others will make their way to my table with a few substitutions. It's helpful that there was also an index in the back of the book listing the recipes alphabetically to make it easier to find those I want to return to.
The only thing missing is that there wasn't any nutritional information given especially in this day and age with people being more health conscious.
July 13, 2022
What a fun cookbook! Made me a want to go hunting for my own beach house! A long time dream of mine…..
May 11, 2019
Beautiful photos and great recipes and menu ideas. I read it on our 32nd wedding anniversary, after a fun Mexican lunch. I then gave it to my husband and we agreed we would be so fat if we ate this well often. Both of us love the style of decorating Mary Kay Andrews shows and we have the time and money to cook and bake. Her commentary is very lovey dove and devoted to her husband. Her recipes are clear and no ingredient is too exotic.
This would be a great wedding or Mother's Day present. Or just good reading for anyone or any couple who desire a fun lifestyle with delicious but not too time consuming food. Most of us old folks have all the pretty plates, glassware and kitchen equipment for a great presentation. We have family and friends to entertain. We just need a kick in the apron..
Even the fruit looks great.
This would be a great wedding or Mother's Day present. Or just good reading for anyone or any couple who desire a fun lifestyle with delicious but not too time consuming food. Most of us old folks have all the pretty plates, glassware and kitchen equipment for a great presentation. We have family and friends to entertain. We just need a kick in the apron..
Even the fruit looks great.
Read
August 29, 2024I took this book out of the library and almost didn't open it. The cover offered touted recipes with a "southern accent"-but the picture showed a sea with mountains in the background--evidently the Pacific or Caribbean. But no, -this woman was born on the west coast of Florida and had a beach house at Tybee Island,GA evidently not far from the one my parents owned when I was small. The recipes are familiar and delicious!! It's nice that she includes the brands she used for some recipes. I am definitely making my own batch of pimento cheese although the Pawley's Island in the grocery store is good. The pork medallions with cherry basalmic pan sauce were delicious and very simple. I used a small pork tenderloin roast and cut it up after roasting.
I am trying to re-energize my dinner meals. This book helps!
I am trying to re-energize my dinner meals. This book helps!
January 9, 2025
The Beach House Cookbook is a guide to creating themed meals, with sections like Low Country Boil, Christmas Brunch, and Beach Picnic. Each recipe is straightforward, uses accessible ingredients, and captures the charm of coastal living. Filled with beautiful photography and warm storytelling, it’s perfect for anyone planning casual gatherings, spending a week at a beach house, or wanting to bring a taste of the coast into their home.
This book is featured in my list, 11 Irresistible Coastal Cookbooks for East Coast Seafood Lovers.
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This book is featured in my list, 11 Irresistible Coastal Cookbooks for East Coast Seafood Lovers.
_________________
Connect with me!
Blog • Instagram • Pinterest
May 24, 2017
You probably recognize the name Mary Kay Andrews from her many NYT bestsellers such as The Weekenders, Beach Town, Summer Rental and more.
Now she has come out with a very Southern Cookbook. Easy, laid back, summery cookbook. First let me say this is such a pretty book and you all know how much I love a pretty book cover and inside.
All of the recipes are old, and well loved southern and beachy dishes. All a big part of my childhood and adulthood.
The recipes are listed under categories such as Summer Solstice Dinner, Beach Picnic, Book Bash Cocktail Party and so many more. Easy recipes for Pimento Cheese, Biscuits, Fried Chicken, Crab Cakes, Pound Cake and so much more.
I hope y'all love it as much as I do! It just came out in time for my birthday this month, so I had to have it!
Now she has come out with a very Southern Cookbook. Easy, laid back, summery cookbook. First let me say this is such a pretty book and you all know how much I love a pretty book cover and inside.
All of the recipes are old, and well loved southern and beachy dishes. All a big part of my childhood and adulthood.
The recipes are listed under categories such as Summer Solstice Dinner, Beach Picnic, Book Bash Cocktail Party and so many more. Easy recipes for Pimento Cheese, Biscuits, Fried Chicken, Crab Cakes, Pound Cake and so much more.
I hope y'all love it as much as I do! It just came out in time for my birthday this month, so I had to have it!
November 17, 2017
Great cookbook! I got this out from the library and am making my Thanksgiving pumpkin pie from this book and it is amazing! I love the streusel top that sets it apart from other recipes and the pictures are amazing. I am putting this one on my wish-list after I make a ton more recipes, specifically the REd Rooster cocktail- yum! The book is beach-themed obviously but has celebrations for holidays at the beach, like Thanksgiving and Christmas, which I just love. The contents are sorted by all kinds of celebrations and parties, but if you just want drinks, the index is very straightforward and a great resource. Beautiful book!
July 30, 2017
If anyone knows the beach it's Mary Kay Andrews.
This is a lovely little book with charming 'background' on the recipes and great photo's. There is nothing snobby about these recipes either - what a relief! - but Ms Andrews clearly loves her okra. Me, an Italian daughter of Cleveland, now in the Pacific Northwest, not so much.
There were some recipes that are already mine, but MKA amped them up a bit with a few tweaks and different spices. I'm excited to try her versions of our old favorites ... but not with okra!
This is a lovely little book with charming 'background' on the recipes and great photo's. There is nothing snobby about these recipes either - what a relief! - but Ms Andrews clearly loves her okra. Me, an Italian daughter of Cleveland, now in the Pacific Northwest, not so much.
There were some recipes that are already mine, but MKA amped them up a bit with a few tweaks and different spices. I'm excited to try her versions of our old favorites ... but not with okra!
July 31, 2017
I'll admit up front that I like this cookbook because I had a great vacation on Tybee Island and can visualize all the places she mentions in her book. Andrews shares her family stories as well as recipes that are arranged in a menu format. From Low Country Boil to After a Day at the Beach to Christmas Brunch, the recipes are accessible and use only ingredients that can be found in the local grocery store and seasonal produce stands on Tybee Island. This would be a great gift for those who loved Southern food or are new to entertaining.
July 29, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, it was very much like a chance to visit with the author, her family, and friends at the beach and peek into her beach homes and lifestyle. The photos are very nice and there is a generous amount of them, which I love. Reading cookbooks is, for me, more or less aspirational, and not practical. However, several of the recipes in here seem not only achievable for my day-to-day lifestyle, but like things I might actually make and genuinely enjoy. (See: tomato pie, pimento cheese, cold potato-zucchini soup, etc.)
October 26, 2017
This cookbook is very easy to read and the pictures are fantastic. The vinegar Slaw was easy and I loved the addition of the jalapeno. I put chiles in about everything anyway. We loved the Chicken Enchilada dip, except we don't use cilantro, persona taste. The Black Bean and corn Salsa is perfect for our tastes. I will be trying more recipes soon. Thanks for letting me win this cookbook, it is a fantastic addition in my quest for salivating recipes
July 27, 2017
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Excellent and beautiful book. The book itself sets the atmosphere of a relaxed, shared table... Easy and fun recipes fill the book. Just the kind of foods that you hope for in a vacation setting. Great photos and helpful tips. Couldn't have wished for anything more!
July 24, 2023
I love reading cookbooks! And the way Mary Kay Andrews describes recipes and the preface to each section and recipe brought me to her beach house!
I am totally going to make some of these recipes and am going to read some of her fiction books!
If you love food or reading about food or cooking this is a fun book to have!
I am totally going to make some of these recipes and am going to read some of her fiction books!
If you love food or reading about food or cooking this is a fun book to have!
May 21, 2017
Too many pages with extra pictures that have nothing to do with the recipes. Please if you are making the shrimp recipes CLEAN your shrimp . Yes, I know people up North don't seem to mind eating
Shrimp that have the dirty vein but most Southerners
Do mind.
Shrimp that have the dirty vein but most Southerners
Do mind.
May 23, 2017
Love Mary Kay Andrews. She was always a favorite author at Borders and was so gracious when she would come for signings. She tells fun stories of how she acquired her beach houses and how she likes to spend her beach time as well as sharing some wonderful recipes. This one is a must buy.
July 17, 2017
First of all, this is a gorgeous book. The pictures make me hungry as any good cookbook should. These are organized into different dinners or luncheons, so it helps to tie a good dinner/lunch party together this summer. I'm pretty excited to try out these recipes!
November 16, 2017
I received a free copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. This is an absolutely beautiful book, with easy, summer recipes and heartwarming anecdotes to go along with them. This is a big, glossy book with lots of stunning summer-time photos. Now if I only owned a beach house.....
July 6, 2018
I love Mary Kay Andrews fiction books. I was thrilled to come across this beautiful cookbook at the library. I loved hearing the stories behind the different meals. This is a cookbook that I will likely purchase.
May 12, 2020
Great Cookbook full of terrific recipes. The recipes are easy to understand and the pictures make everything look so delicious. My family will surely enjoy some of the tasty delights this book has to offer.
June 16, 2021
Checked out at the library, and finally had to buy it, I was marking so many recipes as "need to try".
Beergaritas anyone?
Strikes a good balance of using pre-prepped ingredients from the grocery store with making things homemade.
Beergaritas anyone?
Strikes a good balance of using pre-prepped ingredients from the grocery store with making things homemade.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews