Recipe Excerpts from The Lee Bros. Southern Cookbook
Praise for The Lee Bros. Southern Cookbook
"The Lee Bros. have written the classic Southern cookbook. They write with flair, brilliance, and hilarious commentary on the recipes, customs, and eccentricities of the South they celebrate with such passion. Their recipes are so good that I believe cookbook writers like the Lee Bros. may turn Southern cooking into an actual cuisine." --
Pat Conroy, author of The Prince of Tides
"I'm a bag fan of that particular brand of Southern poetry and smarts that make up the Lee Bros.' contributions--the best food pieces I read in the Wednesday New York Times each week--so I attacked Matt and Ted's new book like a hungry wolf. I found the same genius and eye for a good story, as well as simple-to-make recipes of the new exotic cooking of the American South. These recipes make my mouth water, and the prose makes my eyes well up for its beauty, simplicity, and truth." --
Mario Batali, chef/owner, Babbo restaurant
"These guys can cook! Just reading the recipes makes me ravenous for scintillating Southern dishes. Sign me up for Tuesday Fried Chicken and Sweet Potato Buttermilk Pie!" --
Bobby Flay, chef/owner, Mesa Grill, BOLO, and Bar Americain
"The brothers Lee chronicle a South unbound by geography. They celebrate a people loosed from the burden of history but still mindful of the ties that bind. In the Lee South, boiled peanuts and edamame play well together. So do black and white, young and old, native and outlander. You'll feel welcome here." --
John T. Edge, author of Southern Belly: the Ultimate Food Lover's Companion to the South
"The Lee Bros. Southern Cookbook makes me daydream of a long ago summer on a Pawleys Island back porch, the aroma of the marsh and the dinner table mingling with laughter of many generations of families and a few too many glasses of wine. Oh to the magic of being at table together in the South." --
Frank Stitt, author of Frank Stitt's Southern Table
"The wit and enthusiasm of the Lee Bros. is irresistible, as are the recipes--a mix of traditional Southern classics and unique, highly individual creations--which will have you reaching for your cast- iron (or stainless steel) skillet." --
Scott Peacock, author of The Gift of Southern Cooking
Book Description
You don't have to be southern to cook southern.
From the New York Times food writers who defended lard and demystified gumbo comes a collection of exceptional southern recipes for everyday cooks. The Lee Bros. Southern Cookbook tells the story of the brothers' culinary coming-of-age in Charleston—how they triumphed over their northern roots and learned to cook southern without a southern grandmother. Here are recipes for classics like Fried Chicken, Crab Cakes, and Pecan Pie, as well as little-known preparations such as St. Cecilia Punch, Pickled Peaches, and Shrimp Burgers. Others bear the hallmark of the brothers' resourceful cooking style—simple, sophisticated dishes like Blackened Potato Salad, Saigon Hoppin' John, and Buttermilk-Sweet Potato Pie that usher southern cooking into the twenty-first century without losing sight of its roots. With helpful sourcing and substitution tips, this is a practical and personal guide that will have readers cooking southern tonight, wherever they live. 32 pages of full-color photographs of the recipes; fifty b/w photographs from the Lee Bros.' travels throughout the South.
Customer Reviews:
terrific read - great writing.......2007-09-30
I based my purchase on others opinions and I am glad that I did. I have not attempted to re-create any recipes because reading the book itself is such a delight. I am looking forward to doing some of the preserving and found such inspiration from this.
Just ok........2007-08-07
I was really excited to buy this book. I love southern cooking...with that said...I haven't made one dish from this book. I intended to make boiled peanuts...a family favorite...but they take like 8 hours to make. I was delighted to find they had a recipe for them!
It is a really big cookbook. I was attracted to the fact these genteel brothers both pursued the same careers...seems sweet. It just couldn't hold a candle to a cookbook I purchased back in the 80's by an old woman out of Kentucky (ok, I really don't know where she was from or how old she was...but there was a lot of wisdom in that book so I assumed she was old!)...I believe it was called The Heritage of Southern Cooking by Camille Glenn. I just looked it up on this site and it has been reissued with new photographs for 2007. Now that is a good cookbook! If I had to choose between the Lee Bros. and hers...get Camille's. Another good option is one of Nathalie Duprees cookbooks. (Though I couldn't stand watching her cooking show...she was not TV ready!)
Bayou by way of Brooklyn.......2007-08-07
What a disappointing hodge-podge of old yarns, uninteresting recipes and advertisements (for themselves and their pals!) These boys are from New York. It's never stated, but my guess is that they are closer kin to Dolly Levi than to the sainted Robert E. Lee. Caveat emptor.
Good, but preview it before you buy it.......2007-06-13
It's a labor of love, but one that tends to favor low country fare. It's heavy on seafood recipes and those items can be pricey or hard to get for non-coastal cooks. The commentary was good and the pictures were pretty and representative of southern food.
This book might be better for the southern gourmet or foodie, rather than the everyday time-pressed southern cook. It's a nice receptacle of southern culture and food, but it's large and clunky and takes up too much space on the kitchen counter. For such a large book, the smallish print is difficult to read. A nice coffee table gift item?
Very good ... but not without some flaws.......2007-06-07
The Lee Bros Southern Cookbook may be the only Southern cookbook you'll ever need. The boys offer hundreds of great recipes and funny anecdotes, but to be honest, the book could have used more photos. It's often quite helpful to see a picture of what you're trying to cook in a cookbook so you can get an idea of what the finished product is supposed to look like. Granted, the book does HAVE photos, but only inserted at intervals throughout the text like those movie stills you get in movie tie-in novelizations. The problem with this is that the photo of the dish you're trying to cook may be several dozen pages away from the page the actual recipe's on, forcing you to have to flip back and forth, which is not always easy when you've got your hands full in the kitchen. Also, the photos seem a bit dark and murky, like those cliched photos from French cookbooks of the 1970s, which always seemed to have big bunches of purple garlic tied together with straw and a dead game bird in there somewhere.
Another flaw is the paper the book's printed on. It's cheap-looking and rather rough, like the paper in a kids' colouring-in book, which means it would be very easy to stain in the average kitchen. Glossier paper would have been better -- it's easier to wipe clean if you spill a blob of sauce on it or something, and it would've just looked nicer and more professional too.
Those points aside, the brothers' book is hard to fault. You get quantity AND quality here, in spades. The boys have managed to modernize many classic Southern recipes while still maintaining the integrity of them. For some recipes, they've tossed out unhealthy (and franky, gross) ingredients like marshmallows (who in their right mind would use marshmallows in a SALAD?) and replaced them with healthier, tastier alternatives (like avocado, which offers the same creaminess and texture). These guys are smart, creative, and ebullient about food, and their enthusiasm is contagious. I can't wait to really start exploring their book in depth, but it may take me years to fully do so.
Book Description
As owner and proprietor of The Lady & Sons restaurant in Savannah, Paula Deen is one of the South’s most celebrated chefs. Now two of her cherished culinary classics–The Lady & Sons Savannah Country Cookbook and The Lady & Sons, Too!–have been combined into one delicious volume, available in hardcover for the first time.
As a special treat,
Paula Deen’s Kitchen Classics includes candid photos from Paula’s recent wedding, as well as scrumptious new dishes from the reception, tasty creations that have never appeared in any of her other books.
Here are hundreds of mouthwatering, easy-to-follow recipes. For appetizers, soups, and salads, whip up some Georgia Spiced Pecans, Mini Onion Quiches, She Crab Soup, and Gingersnap Pear Salad. The delectable main courses will be the hit of any family supper, Sunday picnic, or dinner party. Who can resist Beaufort Shrimp Pie, The Lady’s Oven-Roasted Ribs, Ron’s Grilled Peanut Butter Ham, or Hot Savannah Chicken Salad Casserole?
Enhance any meal with heavenly side dishes like Crunchy New Potatoes, Collard Greens, and, of course, Fried Green Tomatoes. And what meal is complete without sinful desserts–from Mississippi Mud Cake and Cherry Cream Cheese Pie to Sliced Nut Cookies and Butterscotch Delight? Is your stomach growling yet?
Seasoned with Paula’s practical kitchen hints and her friendly, no-nonsense observations,
Paula Deen’s Kitchen Classics is the perfect gift for experienced cooks, budding chefs, and anyone who loves comfort food.
Customer Reviews:
Southern delights.......2007-09-20
Paula makes cooking easy and fun. Let's face it folks........this is NOT Cordon Bleu! The recipes are very good and makes use of plenty of 'helper' ingredients like canned cream style soups, cake mixes and self rising flour. Boy, does she ever use lots of butter!! It is a book I'll use often cuz it makes sense in our busy lives. The 'helper' ingredients were a surprise but so sensible. Plus, you get two of her books in one binding.
My wife loves it........2007-09-14
My wife is addicted to the Food Network, and her favorite hostess/chef is Paula Deen. I bought her this book for her birthday, and she proceeded to read it like a novel. She quickly picked out her favorite recipes and made a shopping list right away. She hasn't told me when I get a taste of the new recipes, but I can't wait.
Just wonderful with a stick of butter!.......2007-07-05
I started watching Paula Deen and like so many folks just thought she was wonderful. Her Food Network Chefography was great and showed she had an idea and a need and went for it. I purchased these book for my cooking challenged cousin as I had tried a couple of her recipies and they were fabulous, just no way of messing up. I just recently tried her Red Velvet cake for a cousin and he was thrilled. What really made me look at her books was a friend who baked Paula's sour cream pound cake with caramel topping, this was wonderful!!! As a cake baker, myself, I really don't eat a lot of cake but I'm always willing to have a slice especially if I didn't have to bake it, THIS CAKE WAS WONDERFUL! I had a couple of slices!!! I went to library and got all of her books that I could find and now I am going to buy a couple of them for myself! I unfortunately did not like the format for her friends cookbook and would rather just watch Paula's Party then read it but the recipies are still great. I hope you'll enjoy her TV shows and books too! and keep a stick of butter handy.
Paula is so entertaining...........2007-05-14
Along with those decadent recipies, Paula is so funny and entertaining. Recipies are easy to follow....tasty and an eye pleaser. Enjoy using the book on a regular basis....favorite recipie....Shrimp stuffed wrapped with bacon....Delicious!!!!
Great Book.......2007-05-13
Its a good Book but not what we thought it would be. But worth the money.
Book Description
His talent was unbounded, a raw force that commanded attention and respect.
His death was tragic -- a violent homage to the power of his voice.
His legacy is indomitable -- remaining vibrant and alive.
Here now, newly discovered, are Tupac's most honest and intimate thoughts conveyed through the pure art of poetry -- a mirror into his enigmatic life and its many contradictions.
Written in his own hand at the age of nineteen, they embrace his spirit, his energy...and his ultimate message of hope.
Customer Reviews:
WOW!!! WOW!!!.......2007-05-31
"The Rose That Grew From Concrete" by Tupac Shakur is simply a superb book. This book of poetry gave an insight to the intelligence and understanding that the late Tupac Shakur possessed. Most people who did not follow his music or know anything about him in general, like myself, would not think that Tupac Shakur would actually sit and write poetry that is meaningful or write about what is included in the world or in the government. But I was so wrong to think that way when I did not even know the man. This just goes to show that people should never under estimate others. "The Rose That Grew From Concrete" had me wanting more each and every time I turned a page. This book covers many subjects that will have an effect on you from the beginning to the end. I strongly recommend this book for others to read, because you will most definitely learn a thing or two from "The Rose That Grew From Concrete" by Tupac Shakur. I would give this book 10 stars* if I could. Again, "The Rose That Grew From Concrete" is magnificent.
Tupac is alive.......2007-05-09
Tupac's book of poems is important in considering his life. My favorite poem is "a rose that grew out of concrete". Why, you may ask? Well, I'll tell you...it has a great metaphor about a rose and the way it is able to grow and flourish even in the worst conditions. The concrete represents Pac's experience in jail and regardless of being in jail he was able to grow as a poet. I highly recommend this book because I think especially young people growing up the way he did will be able to see the life lessons and morals he has to teach.
Beautiful Poetry.......2007-03-19
This book is so inspiring. I bought this book about 3 years ago and I read it at least once a month it's that good! I even got a tattoo that says "The rose that grew from concrete'. Definitely check this one out!!
Great condition.......2007-01-13
I bought this as a gift. It was brand new and my friend loved the book. Would definitely do business with this seller.
Beautiful Poetry.......2006-11-12
This book is filled with very beautiful,thoughtful, stirring poetry. A must for Tupac fans.
Customer Reviews:
A True Gem for Those of Us Who Live It !.......2007-09-06
Gayden's book is beyond a cookbook---it brings to mind that culture that we lived and actually are still living in the South. A Yankee friend said she just "couldn't relate" to the book. Poor thing. I guess it just takes a Southern lady of a "certain age" to fully appreciate the authenticity of Gayden Metcalfe's descriptions of our funeral protocol!
Even when reading it all alone, I laughed right out loud on nearly every page at not only Gayden's wit, but her ability to let us see the funny side (and caring side) of our funerals and the food solace we provide before and after. It captures those customs perfectly. And, just as she said, I keep the ingredients of a casserole in my pantry at all times, just in case of a neighbor's sudden death, and my funeral suit hangs in the closet and my pearls at the top of my jewelry chest, at the ready.
I always sent my sons to church in suits and ties anyway, but I did this partly so they too would be ready for a funeral at the drop of a hat. More than once, we'd have to outfit a cousin because his mother didn't understand this, bless her heart.
Gayden's recipes are grand, really dressed up versions of our "funeral food." No Cheese Wiz is included, thank goodness.
I particulary laughed at this truth: After the cemetery part of the funeral, in the car on the way to the family home for the funeral meal, we can speak ill of the dead one quite vigorously. But once we get in the driveway of the bereaved, we straighten up and speak only of the great loss to the community his death has caused, even though he had been a rip-roaring scoundrel.
And even in the privacy of our car, understand that each criticism of the dead one had been prefaced with "Bless his heart. . ."
A Southern lady can give the most scathing statement as long as she begins with "Bless her heart. . ." An example, "Bless her heart, she's ugly as homemade soap and her children are such a disappointment. They all take after her grand-daddy on her mother's side, and bless his heart, I wouldn't pour ice tea on that rascal if he was on fire." Of course, we wouldn't do that at the family home after the funeral, only in the car on the way to it.
And we could get away with saying that to her third cousin once removed over the bridge table, but we wouldn't say it to her face. But we could say to her: "Bless your heart, that husband of yours has caused you such grief, with his runnin' around and all. I just wish you'd married Joe Bob, who made a dentist. I know your daddy wanted you to, but, Lord knows, you did the best you could at the time, you bein' pregnant and all."
If you like cookbooks..........2007-08-13
Started off funny and was loving it..then it became pretty mundane and nothing but recipes. Some look pretty good and worth a try. But I don't think this one is as funny as it could have been with less recipes and more funny stories.
Hilarious Book for Any Southern Belle!.......2007-07-27
I couldn't stop reading Metcalf's humorous and accurate descriptions of southern traditions... As soon as I finished my copy I purchased copies for all my fellow "belles" to read and all have been delighted with the hysterical accounts of southern funeral protocal as well as the delicious recipes! Also check out Metcalf's wedding version "If Lilli Beth Don't Catch That Bouquet Somebody's Gonna Die"- equally as funny and a great gift for any mother-of-the-bride!
Girls raised in the south.......2007-07-20
I laughed and laughed with this book. One of the few books I have read several times. Read it out loud with a group of my friends and they were belly laughing. People from other parts of the country may not understand all the regional descriptions. But a must for girls raised in the south.
More Recipe Book.......2007-07-18
This book does have it's funny moments, but it is more of a recipe book than I expected. I was a little disappointed, I expected more, due to excerpts I had read prior to purchasing the book.
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- Sailor Jerrys Tattoo Stencils
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- Science of Sexy: Dress to Fit Your Unique Figure with the Style System that Works for Every Shape and Size
- Ship Modeling from Scratch: Tips and Techniques for Building Without Kits
- Shoes: A Celebration of Pumps, Sandals, Slippers & More
- Snow Flower and the Secret Fan: A Novel
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
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General
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
The Deen Bros. Cookbook
Paula Deen Celebrates!: Best Dishes and Best Wishes for the Best Times of Your Life
Everyday Pasta
Paula Deen's 2008 Calendar
Christmas with Paula Deen: Recipes and Stories from My Favorite Holiday
overrated and wordy.......2007-09-19
On a clear, brisk February afternoon in Louisville, Kentucky, in the asphalt parking lot of Lynn's Paradise Cafe, we started a fire. All it took to get going was some wadded-up newspaper, a small pyramid of charcoal, and a match. To keep the flame alive, we put our cheeks to the chilly pavement and blew on the bottom layer of coals. Diners leaving the cafe from early dinners glanced at us, chuckled nervously, and hurried along to their cars. When the pile was glowing, we added some split logs and the plume of smoke rising from the pavement became woodsy and fragrant. By the time the sun went down, the flames were hotter and brighter, so we added more oak. Once the fire was roaring, customers in the restaurant became concerned, and the chef, Sarah, in clogs and a kerchief, shuffled out with the buttoned-up manager, Lori, to check on us.
