Dining by Fireflies - Unexpected Pleasures of the New South

11/15/05 Each Junior League Book I've read has some very fine recipes and suggestions..This one(ISBN 0961321415) The Junior League of Charlotte,NC (1981) keeps within its fine standards, (Pg 174 has actress Liz Taylor's Favorite Chili Con Carne Recipe: requires both beef and pork) & and Philadelphia's location in its Zoological Section called the Black Bottom) is the name of a recipe for "Black Bottom Pie"(crust needs 14 ginger snaps) & also requires a double boiler for the filling ingredients).

It is fun to see all-out entertaining in this book. They make sample invitations and themes, even signed with very southern names. I realize this isn't indicative of the entire south, but it's fun to see plans for a "Thursday lunch" and a "supper club", a few themes which would be way out of character for my circle. It is a wonderful fantasy, though. The recipes are easy and very good with nice photographs. This is a book that is as much fun to read as it is functional. The pears en croute alone are a good enough reason to buy the book. It is set into various themes and occasions which I find helpful, however the only one they left out was a baby or bridal shower! It's a great book. If you liked this book, I'd suggest "Specialties of the House" from the Biltmore Estate.

My mother gave me this cookbook last Christmas and it brought back such fond memories of my years spent in Charlotte. A well planned and photographed book that transitions easily from kitchen to coffee table. A joy to not only use, but also to curl up with and read. A guide to a most vibrant city and the culinary delights she offers.

A hard cover, coffee-table type cookbook with menus and entertaining ideas that represent the "New South" Winner of many awards for both quality and content. Highly recommended!!

This is great book because it is organized by menus which are centered around themes (and not just holiday themes). Each menu gives you entertaining and invitation ideas. The recipes that I have tried have been easy enough for the "amatuer" cook but are also sophsicated and impressive. The book itself has a beautiful cover and color pictures of many of the prepared recipes as well as table settings and decorations. This is a great gift book.