"Damon Fowler's mastery of Southern cooking shines through this book. It feels like Damon is standing patiently by, guiding, giving a bit of kitchen wisdom, then tossing in a fact no one else knows––such as the first recipe for Pimento Cheese or something about Thomas Jefferson––while telling a story that captivates. His voice is unique, his teaching skills whetted by years of student cooks, and his recipes stand the test of time."––Nathalie Dupree, author of Mastering the Art of Southern Cooking and host of cooking shows on PBS, the Food Network, and TLC "Whenever I want to know something about Southern food, to find a particular recipe and trace its origin, Damon Lee Fowler is the one I call. No one knows more about Southern cooking, its origin, its evolution, and its place among world cuisines than Damon. His recipes, always carefully tested, work––increasingly rare these days. Essentials of Southern Cooking puts Damon's wisdom, grace, and passion for all things Southern between two covers. And that includes the most tantalizing, lusciously photographed collection of recipes to come my way in ages. I can't wait to begin cooking my way through Essentials. It belongs in every kitchen—front and center." —Jean Anderson, James Beard Cookbook Hall of Fame author of A Love Affair with Southern Cooking and From a Southern Oven "Essentials of Southern Cooking reveals a South filled with fresh meat and fish, heirloom vegetables, and pots simmering with soothing spoonfuls of grits and rice. Gorgeously produced and exquisitely written, Damon Lee Fowler's book expertly captures time-honored recipes that have been passed from generation to generation, as well as illuminates the newer influences of the Southern kitchen, proudly demonstrating that Southern cooking is a vibrant, living cuisine. The writing is witty, yet knowledgeable, historical, yet helpful. As you cook you will find Damon, as I do, a friend at your side. It's a delicious book one could gleefully enjoy snuggled up in a cozy chair for an afternoon of reading––but with so many incredible recipes, I honestly doubt I would be able stay out of the kitchen."—Virginia Willis, author of Bon Appétit, Y'all!, former kitchen director for Martha Stewart Living Television, and executive producer of The Discovery Channel's Epicurious "From the time Damon Lee Fowler began writing about Southern food, we have been avid fans of his work. His simple yet elegant recipes, entertaining and insightful headnotes, and excellent sense of place and history, make all of his books culinary stand-outs. This new and fully updated combination of two earlier books will bring twice as much delicious South to your mouth."––Cheryl Alters Jamison and Bill Jamison, 4-time James Beard Award-winning authors of The Rancho de Chimayo Cookbook, American Home Cooking, Smoke & Spice, and many other cookbooks "Bravo to Damon for bringing the classics of Southern Cooking to today's modern cook. All the essentials are here, with a delicious nod to new tastes like Asparagus Shortcake and Peach-Orange Marmalade. It's a love letter to the foods I crave."––Cynthia Graubart, James Beard Award winner