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The Southern Entertainer's Cookbook: Heirloom Recipes for Modern Gatherings
*Featured as a must-have in the December 2020 issue of Southern Living Magazine* Serve up classics and new favorites from a Southern perspective.
In The Southern Entertainer's Cookbook , Courtney Whitmore shares her party go-tos, from appetizers and salads to entrees, drinks and desserts. In addition to sharing modern twists on classics and beloved heirloom recipes from her family's cookbooks (not to worry, no archaic methods or hard-to-find ingredients here), Courtney provides tips throughout to make the most of your try embellishing a plate with edible flower petals or create mini versions of a well-known dessert.
Courtney continues to be a trusted resource for creating delicious, party-friendly food to enhance any meal and every party. Consider this the only Southern cookbook primer you need.
Growing up in the South, Courtney Dial Whitmore has always loved the art of presenting classic Southern foods with a modern twist and setting a tablescape with lots of pizzazz. In 2010, she launched her popular lifestyle site Pizzazzerie.com. Her work has been featured in Southern Living, HGTV, Better Homes & Gardens, and Martha Stewart. She is the author of five The Southern Entertainer's Cookbook , Entertain in Style , Frostings , Candy Making For Kids , and Push-Up Pops . She lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and daughter.
In The Southern Entertainer's Cookbook , Courtney Whitmore shares her party go-tos, from appetizers and salads to entrees, drinks and desserts. In addition to sharing modern twists on classics and beloved heirloom recipes from her family's cookbooks (not to worry, no archaic methods or hard-to-find ingredients here), Courtney provides tips throughout to make the most of your try embellishing a plate with edible flower petals or create mini versions of a well-known dessert.
Courtney continues to be a trusted resource for creating delicious, party-friendly food to enhance any meal and every party. Consider this the only Southern cookbook primer you need.
Growing up in the South, Courtney Dial Whitmore has always loved the art of presenting classic Southern foods with a modern twist and setting a tablescape with lots of pizzazz. In 2010, she launched her popular lifestyle site Pizzazzerie.com. Her work has been featured in Southern Living, HGTV, Better Homes & Gardens, and Martha Stewart. She is the author of five The Southern Entertainer's Cookbook , Entertain in Style , Frostings , Candy Making For Kids , and Push-Up Pops . She lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and daughter.
200 pages, Hardcover
Published September 8, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 16, 2024
A nicely designed cookbook with all the Southern dishes you can probably think of. It is touted as being for modern gatherings and this tracks in the sense many recipes use shortcuts, think canned vegetables or boxed cake mixes, instead of making everything little thing from scratch.
Tasteful photos accompany almost all the recipes, which are mostly easy to follow. There were a a few recipes that could have used a little more detail for newer cooks, cooks who know their way around the kitchen shouldn't have any issues. Excepting those few recipes, this would be great for less experienced cooks or folks looking for easier ways to make Southern dishes. Rate this 3.5 stars but since half stars aren't an option on GRs, rounded down.
Tasteful photos accompany almost all the recipes, which are mostly easy to follow. There were a a few recipes that could have used a little more detail for newer cooks, cooks who know their way around the kitchen shouldn't have any issues. Excepting those few recipes, this would be great for less experienced cooks or folks looking for easier ways to make Southern dishes. Rate this 3.5 stars but since half stars aren't an option on GRs, rounded down.
September 30, 2020
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
In The Southern Entertainer’s Cookbook, party design and entertaining blogger Courtney Whitmore puts a modern spin on Southern classics straight from her family’s cookbooks. She also offers a few new favorites alongside entertaining tips to make the most of your gathering. This cookbooks is full of gorgeous full-page photos, party planning ideas, menus, and mouth-watering recipes like Louisiana Hush Puppies with Comeback Dipping Sauce, Poppie’s Fig Jam & Prosciutto Crostini, Southern Fried Chicken Cobb Salad, and Carolina Blackberry Cobbler.
I included this release in my October 2020 magazine feature "Eat, Drink, and Celebrate the Season" for Perimeter North Lifestyle Magazine, Alpharetta Lifestyle Magazine, Johns Creek Lifestyle Magazine, and Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle Magazine
Come chat with me about books here, too:
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest
In The Southern Entertainer’s Cookbook, party design and entertaining blogger Courtney Whitmore puts a modern spin on Southern classics straight from her family’s cookbooks. She also offers a few new favorites alongside entertaining tips to make the most of your gathering. This cookbooks is full of gorgeous full-page photos, party planning ideas, menus, and mouth-watering recipes like Louisiana Hush Puppies with Comeback Dipping Sauce, Poppie’s Fig Jam & Prosciutto Crostini, Southern Fried Chicken Cobb Salad, and Carolina Blackberry Cobbler.
I included this release in my October 2020 magazine feature "Eat, Drink, and Celebrate the Season" for Perimeter North Lifestyle Magazine, Alpharetta Lifestyle Magazine, Johns Creek Lifestyle Magazine, and Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle Magazine
Come chat with me about books here, too:
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest
January 26, 2021
I love everything about this book. Everything Southern, from manners to food. No matter how many people write about manners and food, it does not get old for me. I really wonder for the world. Downton Abbey showed us changes in our society and socializing, today so many things aren't taught anymore, like how to set a table. I'm not talking about an 8 course meal with 5 forks, just a simple place setting? These recipes in the cookbook are timeless and I can't wait to try some out I've never heard of!
September 9, 2022
I love reading cookbooks and I thoroughly enjoyed this cookbook.
July 19, 2026
Read this knowing I am not reviewing the book but rather leaving notes and asides to remind me of my readings year to year. Much of my prolific reading was lost from childhood on, but perhaps today’s children can use the tools now available and be more vigorous in their record keeping.
I have now read three of her books and enjoyed all of them. The photography is always outstanding. I learned several decades ago, after having a long chat one winter afternoon with the head of the china-silver-crystal department at Bloomingdales, about how modern brides now no longer registered for their patterns and were instead going on wedding registries at Crate & Barrel, Target and the Pottery Barn. I would add now perhaps also Amazon and Walmart.
She pointed out that young women in the South still spent a lot of the time entertaining and wanting good china and to set an attractive table full of good-tasting food with strong cocktails and a lot of engaging conversations with maybe leftover boxes at the end of the evening. I am speaking from the Northern Aggressor perspective (since they are still fighting the Civil War down there,) but I was raised with the old values and entertainment was part of my childhood on. We've lost something with seeking equality in the sexes.
This book reflects back to that conversation in January. Recipes that aren't that complicated or demanding (a few are,) with wonderful ways to combine the recipe offered in different settings: family dinner, book club luncheon, etc. All very practical and pretty. I've copied several recipes to try out. I miss entertaining. I haven't forgotten how labor intensive and expensive it can be.
I have now read three of her books and enjoyed all of them. The photography is always outstanding. I learned several decades ago, after having a long chat one winter afternoon with the head of the china-silver-crystal department at Bloomingdales, about how modern brides now no longer registered for their patterns and were instead going on wedding registries at Crate & Barrel, Target and the Pottery Barn. I would add now perhaps also Amazon and Walmart.
She pointed out that young women in the South still spent a lot of the time entertaining and wanting good china and to set an attractive table full of good-tasting food with strong cocktails and a lot of engaging conversations with maybe leftover boxes at the end of the evening. I am speaking from the Northern Aggressor perspective (since they are still fighting the Civil War down there,) but I was raised with the old values and entertainment was part of my childhood on. We've lost something with seeking equality in the sexes.
This book reflects back to that conversation in January. Recipes that aren't that complicated or demanding (a few are,) with wonderful ways to combine the recipe offered in different settings: family dinner, book club luncheon, etc. All very practical and pretty. I've copied several recipes to try out. I miss entertaining. I haven't forgotten how labor intensive and expensive it can be.
February 25, 2026
Absolutely Devine!
This was more than just a cookbook, it was a celebration of everything southerners hold dear. Terrific food, family and references to days gone by. Beautiful color photos, easy to follow recipes that were very detailed. It evoked memories of my grandmother in the kitchen creating delicious dinners, fancy serving platters, polishing the silver. And the coconut cake was a masterpiece of Christmas dinners, always 4 layers that was a true work of art, and I haven't seen a carmel cake since, well since I left the south.
I devoured every page, salivating with each recipe and references to fancy garden parties or just enjoying the company of friends and family all while embracing the heritage attached to the southern tradition of preparing delicious food created with love.
This was more than just a cookbook, it was a celebration of everything southerners hold dear. Terrific food, family and references to days gone by. Beautiful color photos, easy to follow recipes that were very detailed. It evoked memories of my grandmother in the kitchen creating delicious dinners, fancy serving platters, polishing the silver. And the coconut cake was a masterpiece of Christmas dinners, always 4 layers that was a true work of art, and I haven't seen a carmel cake since, well since I left the south.
I devoured every page, salivating with each recipe and references to fancy garden parties or just enjoying the company of friends and family all while embracing the heritage attached to the southern tradition of preparing delicious food created with love.
July 15, 2025
Great! This wonderful cookbook features Southern classic dishes with easy to follow instructions, photos, and helpful cooking tips. Some unique twists are included for a fresh take on traditional recipes, such as Watermelon Mint Julep and Fried Green Tomato Caprese Salad. A lovely read!💕🎉
💕Book Quotes:
"Nicknamed “Southern caviar,” pimento cheese is a signature spread found throughout Southern cuisine."
"The four seasons are different in the South. They're onions, celery, bell pepper, and garlic."
"We eat with our eyes first, so take a few minutes to garnish any platters or serving trays with fresh fruit slices and herbs."
💕Book Quotes:
"Nicknamed “Southern caviar,” pimento cheese is a signature spread found throughout Southern cuisine."
"The four seasons are different in the South. They're onions, celery, bell pepper, and garlic."
"We eat with our eyes first, so take a few minutes to garnish any platters or serving trays with fresh fruit slices and herbs."
May 26, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This cookbook has become one of my annual “pull it back off the shelf” favorites — especially around summer entertaining season. ☀️🍅🌽 As someone who lives in Colorado but is always trying to bring a little Southern charm and hospitality to every gathering, this book feels like the perfect blend of timeless and approachable.
Over Memorial Day weekend, I made the Slow-Cooked Baked Beans, Coleslaw, and Summer Succotash alongside our briskets… and WOW. Absolutely delicious. The kind of recipes that make everyone go back for seconds and ask, “Wait… who made this?”
And honestly… can we talk about this cover? A Bloody Mary spread this beautiful deserves its own invitation. 🍤🥂 “Brunchtime Bloody Mary anyone?” immediately comes to mind every time I see it sitting on my counter.
What I love most about this cookbook is that it’s more than recipes — it captures the feeling of gathering. Fresh flowers, heirloom recipes, colorful tables, drinks flowing, people lingering a little longer at the table… it’s Southern entertaining at its best.
Warm, welcoming, and endlessly inspiring for anyone who loves hosting with heart. 💕
This cookbook has become one of my annual “pull it back off the shelf” favorites — especially around summer entertaining season. ☀️🍅🌽 As someone who lives in Colorado but is always trying to bring a little Southern charm and hospitality to every gathering, this book feels like the perfect blend of timeless and approachable.
Over Memorial Day weekend, I made the Slow-Cooked Baked Beans, Coleslaw, and Summer Succotash alongside our briskets… and WOW. Absolutely delicious. The kind of recipes that make everyone go back for seconds and ask, “Wait… who made this?”
And honestly… can we talk about this cover? A Bloody Mary spread this beautiful deserves its own invitation. 🍤🥂 “Brunchtime Bloody Mary anyone?” immediately comes to mind every time I see it sitting on my counter.
What I love most about this cookbook is that it’s more than recipes — it captures the feeling of gathering. Fresh flowers, heirloom recipes, colorful tables, drinks flowing, people lingering a little longer at the table… it’s Southern entertaining at its best.
Warm, welcoming, and endlessly inspiring for anyone who loves hosting with heart. 💕
May 28, 2021
I liked the Summer Succotash, the Shenandoah Valley Apple Cake, and the Hummingbird Cakes. Pretty pictures throughout.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews