Description:
"I know we eat too many sweets in the South, but that's part of our tradition, and if I couldn't find reasons to celebrate with a beautiful cake, mousse or fruit crisp, I'd invent excuses." So says Martha Pearl Villas, whose classic sweets and down-home cooking savvy are the subject of My Mother's Southern Desserts. Written by her son James Villas, cookbook author and food and wine editor of Town & Country magazine, the book presents nearly 200 straightforward recipes for mouthwatering goodies. Cooks on both sides of the Mason-Dixon Line will be tempted by this accessible collection, as will aficionados of Southern culinary culture. Organized by holidays and other typical Southern occasions, such as bridge luncheons and charity socials, the recipes include luscious cakes and pies; muffins, fruit desserts, and ice creams; brownies; and confections. Among these are Satan Chocolate Pound Cake with Chocolate Marshmallow Frosting, Secession Brown Betty, Real McCoy Southern Pecan Pie, Essie's Apple Dumplings and Butter Walnut Turtle Bars, to name only a few of Martha Pearl's original and heirloom "receipts." Accompanied by color photos, tips for success, and James Villas's notes on the special context of every dish, the recipes celebrate a vivid cooking heritage and a feisty but endearing master of its art. --Arthur Boehm
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