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The Southern Entertainer's Cookbook: Heirloom Recipes for Modern Gatherings

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"This delightful cookbook is full of stunning photographs; valuable, practical information . . . and tantalizing, go-to recipes. . . . Let's party, y'all!" --James Beard Award winner Virginia Willis

In The Southern Entertainer's Cookbook, Courtney Whitmore, founder of the Pizzazzerie blog, shares her party go-tos with 95 recipes: appetizers, salads, entrees, drinks, and dessert, plus party styling guidance. Modern twists on classics include Fried Green Tomato Caprese Salad, Jalepe�o & Bacon Deviled Eggs, and miniature Cozy Chicken Pot Pies. Beloved heirloom recipes from her family's cookbooks (not to worry, no archaic methods or hard-to-find ingredients here) include Hot Chicken Salad, Phronsie's Banana Muffins, and Southern Almond Tea Cakes.

Charming stories of recipes' origins are shared throughout, and Courtney provides dozens of tips to make the most of your gathering: try embellishing a plate with edible flower petals or create mini versions of a well-known dessert!

"[An] inspiring compendium of party-ready favorites. Nearly 100 recipes, numerous party menu ideas, and tips for table settings are packed with regional flavor . . . Cooks looking to please a crowd will find plenty of ways to do that." --Publishers Weekly

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 11, 2021

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Courtney Whitmore

6 books8 followers

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5 stars
42 (55%)
4 stars
24 (31%)
3 stars
8 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Profile Image for Miss✧Pickypants  ᓚᘏᗢ.
495 reviews67 followers
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.
Profile Image for Rhiannon Johnson.
847 reviews305 followers
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

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Profile Image for Mary C.
765 reviews
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!
Profile Image for LaSheba Baker.
Author 1 book45 followers
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."

Profile Image for Nancy.
1,088 reviews32 followers
May 28, 2021
I liked the Summer Succotash, the Shenandoah Valley Apple Cake, and the Hummingbird Cakes. Pretty pictures throughout.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews

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