Charleston Receipts

Charleston, SC has always been known for her gracious hospitality and her wonderful food. The women of Charleston have been entertaining for over 300 years, and Charleston Receipts by the Junior League of Charleston is celebrating its 59th year. Although I'm not sure why Charlestonians call receipes "receipts," I do know that this cookbook is a true classic. Charleston Receipts was originally published as a fund-raiser by the Junior League for a mere $150 investment. It contains 750 recipes and has seen few changes over the years (although they're now being made out of recycled paper). The book I bought is from the 33rd printing and by my calculations, over 807,000 books have been published. This is America's oldest Junior League cookbook still in print. The profits from Charleston Receipts have been used to support a wide variety of charitable activities. What makes Charleston Receipts such a classic are the low country recipes. Some have been passed down through centuries and they come from many of the most influential names in Charleston history including Ravenel, Legare, Frost, Laurens, Jenkins, Alston, Maybank, Pringle, and Whaley. Check out the Charleston specialties like benne wafers, she-crab soup, and anything that includes shrimp, oysters or rice. Sometimes the recipes will include a little history as well. The recipe for Regent's Punch is from Lewisfield Plantation in 1783. This book is also filled with sketches, verses, a conversion chart, equivalents, helpful cooking hints and menu suggestions. Many local writers refer to Charleston Receipts in their own books, the latest being Pat Conroy in South of Broad. After finally purchasing a copy for myself, I can see why this has become such a gem.

Charleston Receipts is a classic! I received my own copy as a wedding shower gift...my mom wrote notes next to all of her favorite recipes and those of her mother. Shrimp Paste is a Charleston classic. Breakfast shrimp - great with grits! The Chicken Tetrazzini freezes well. New Year's Day wouldn't be complete without Hopping John. In addition, the Gullah verses (and their translations) and the sketches, watercolors and prints of the Lowcountry are a treat to look at while your recipes are cooking.

This book if so filled with wonderful southern style recipes. The fact that this book has been around for 50 years and is still a great seller- testifies for itself!