Hi, y'all!

This book is my proudest achievement so far, and I just have to tell y'all why I am so excited about it. It's a book of classic dishes, dedicated to a whole new generation of cooks--for every bride, graduate, and anyone who has a love of a great Southern meal. My family is growing and expanding all the time. We're blessed with marriages and grandbabies, and so sharing these recipes for honest, down-home dishes feels like passing a generation's worth of stovetop secrets on to my family, and yours.

I've been cooking and eating Southern food my whole life, and I can tell you that every meal you make from this book will be a mouthful of our one-of-akind spirit and traditions. These recipes showcase the diversity and ingenuity of Southern cuisine, from Cajun to Low-Country and beyond, highlighting the deep cultural richness of our gumbos and collards, our barbecues and pies. You may remember a few beloved classics from The Lady & Sons, but nearly all of these recipes are brand-new--and I think you'll find that they are all mouthwateringly delicious. It is, without a doubt, a true Southern cooking bible.

I sincerely hope that this book will take its place in your kitchen for many years to come, as I know it will in mine. Here's to happy cooking--and the best part, happy eating, y'all!

Best dishes,
Paula Deen