Shuck Beans, Stack Cakes, and Honest Fried Chicken: The Heart and Soul of Southern Country Kitchens

This is the best book on southern cooking I've ever found. It doesn't need the first part of the title. "The Heart and Soul of Southern Country Kitchens",is however,quite appropriate. These are the foods I grew up with and have missed for years. Thanks to Ronni Lundy's book I've found them again.

This cookbook is an absolute delight to read and to use. I grew up on this food in Louisville, KY. My Dad was a city boy and a firefighter and my Mom was a country girl. We lived on a combination of firehouse/country food and there is no more delicious combination of cuisine. Like a prior reviewer, the excerpt about the Cozy Theatre and the Suburban Fish Fry brought back some powerful memories. That fish was the best I have ever had. Ronni Lundy's book is the epitome of real regional food.

Since I am a transplanted Southern girl myself and enjoy some really good down home cooking once in awhile, I must say this is a must have cookbook!The Louisville Suburban Social Club's Fish recipe (well, it's a SECRET recipe so it's close) is wonderful. I grew up on that tasty breaded fish!Try some of the desserts and serve them to friends but step back to avoid being trampled .

There are so many Southern cookbooks out now, but this one is a keeper. Some of the books available are written either by those who haven't 'walked the walk' or who have tried updating or otherwise modifying the food we grew up with and loved.No so Ms. Lundy. She gives us the real thing, take it or leave it, with recipes from her own cooking experience. No, not all of these recipes are 'health food' in today's atmosphere of cooking-political correctness. However, these recipes need no apology. As Julia Child has always said, eat everything wisely and in moderation and you won't go wrong. I'd classify much of this book as comfort food, and besides, stress is killing more of our baby-boomer generation than food ever could!Interspersed with her recipes are delightful recollections, many of well known personalities. Buy this book and enjoy her writing as well as her recipes!

I'm from Eastern Kentucky, and this book contains authentic Kentucky recipes. Accept no substitute. The biscuit recipe alone ("Earlene's") is worth the price of the book.