Mrs. Whaley Entertains: Advice, Opinions, and 100 Recipes from a Charleston Kitchen

I care very little about cooking, but I care very much about this book after having re-read it several times. Mrs. Whaley exemplified a particular Southern specimen that used to be known as "old ladies", with both of the words intended as compliments--it was an accomplishment in a region subject to disease and storms to grow old, and it was also an accomplishment to be known as a lady, which should never be confused with having money. In this book, Mrs. Whaley was pleased to share the lessons that living into her eighties provided her, with never a word of complaint about wars, hurricanes, widowhood, changing societal mores, or anything else. To the end of her life, she delighted in acquiring the latest tools and gadgets, she entertained prodigiously, she was much amused by the minor scrapes and foibles of her young adult grandchildren, and she maintained one of the most celebrated gardens in a gardening-mad city. Reading this book is like sitting down for a long afternoon before the fireplace with the grandmother we all wish we had, enjoying a long chat over delicacies that she prepared herself in her kitchen. I may never use any of the recipes, but I'm already using some of her lessons about living life joyously and cultivating friendships.

How I would have loved knowing Mrs. Whaley beyond the pages of her books. She has the most deliciously charming perspective on a world gone by and presents her recollections with a spirit right at home in today. She's observes with pithy candor and humor and reading her nuggets of advice is a real treat. Besides, the recipes look marvellous--and very Southern.

This book made me want to revisit Charleston again. I loved the stories (I have not read this author's gardening book) and the recipes sound not only delicious but easy to make as well. Oh to grow up in a time where there are servants everywhere and the family stays close together. It made me yearn for a time that is no more.

I enjoyed "visiting with" Mrs. Whaley again, although perhaps not as much as in her gardening book. When reading, you feel as if you are sitting in front of her, engaged in listening to stories about Charleston, her past, and her family, and about making guests feel at home. I don't think the recipes will take the world by storm--most are variations on old favorites. But you pick up tidbits about entertaining and the relaxed southern style. This book and/or her gardening book would make wonderful gifts, and would be perfect to tuck into a gift basket along with some other items. It is the kind of book you want to pick up when you've had a hard day or have a rainy afternoon to enjoy!