Includes index

Machine generated contents note: 1. To Begin With -- 2. Eggs: For Breakfast, Before, And Between -- 3. Grits And Rice -- 4. The Southern Soup Kettle -- 5. Fish And Shellfish -- 6. Beef, Veal, Lamb, And Pork -- 7. Chicken And Other Poultry -- 8. Vegetables -- 9. Of Leaves And Leftovers -- 10. The Southern Bread Basket -- 11. Cakes, Cookies, And Pastries -- 12. The Southern Dessert Table

"An authentic collection of recipes celebrating southern traditions. Southern cooking as most people think of it doesn't exist. After all, there are as many ways to make real corn bread, gumbo, or fried chicken as there are cooks. Instead of dwelling on conventional notions of authenticity, Essentials of Southern Cooking honors the spirits, the history, the people, and the taste of the classic Southern table by focusing on the essence of great Southern food and combining traditional ingredients in fresh ways. In this tempting collection of over 200 recipes, author Damon Lee Fowler balances the enduring appeal of rural Southern flavors with the modern sensibilities of today's cook. It's an engaging and informative look at the heritage of Southern cuisine." --