Southern cuisine is claimed to be some of the most comforting, indulgent food on the planet. With creamy mashed potatoes, extra cheesy mac and cheese, and deep-fried chicken, our mouths are watering already.
However, if you were not raised in the South or if you are only just finding your feet in the kitchen, you may not know how to cook like chefs in the South.
You are going to want to learn all of the tips and tricks that these masterful chefs hold, and we have just the thing to teach you. Below are 5 Southern cookbooks created by female chefs.
While Southern cuisine is known for its tantalizing entrees, it is also famous for its out-of-this-world desserts.
From the chocolatey wonder of Mississippi Mid or the classic Lady Baltimore, this cookbook has it all.
Nancie McDermott takes a relaxed and joyful approach to her recipes that shines through in this cookbook.
With a more motherly tone, you can bask in the comfort of her sugar-coated recipes while learning something new about baking.
Whether you are baking your own wedding cake or want to impress your kids with a sticky Jam and jelly roll, Southern Cakes has all of the how-tos and tips for making fresh, delicious cakes.
Pros
Over 65 recipes give variety to the cookbook.
Recipes are easy to follow for any level of baker.
Sources to purchase the ingredients are included.
Cons
Not every recipe has a photograph.
The print size is very small which can make it difficult to read the recipes.
If you have only ever fantasized about cooking some Southern dishes, then you are going to need to learn the basics. And this cookbook is the tool to help teach you.
The Ultimate Southern Living Cookbook features clear step-by-step guides for a wide range of recipes.
With simple recipes such as Doubly Nutty Granola to Appetizer Crab Casserole, you can find everything you need to establish some Southern cooking techniques and to create incredible dishes.
This cookbook makes for the perfect gift to anyone who has a passion for cooking or as a gift to yourself to teach yourself the basics of cooking indulgent meals.
You can take yourself from novice to master with this exceptional cookbook that has been around for over 20 years. And it is still a cult favorite!
Pros
Recipes cover everything from salads to beverages.
Are you tired of making the same recipes over and over again? The New Southern Garden Cookbook is the perfect thing to help you shake things up.
This classic cookbook honors and promotes tasty, healthy homemade meals focused on the wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables produced in the South and most of the rest of the country.
It includes dishes for both omnivores and vegetarians so everyone can enjoy a delicious meal at the end of the day.
Castle takes more focus on the health benefits of the ingredients she is using which is not a traditional mindset in Southern cuisine.
She is also encouraging cooks to grow their own ingredients or go along to the local farmer's markets or pick-your-own farms to source their ingredients.
With over 300 vibrant recipes to choose from, you will never run out of inspiration in the kitchen.
While many dishes showcase the goodness of gardens in new, modern ways, some are influenced by old-fashioned Southern recipes.
These pages are tasty reading material and are sprinkled with helpful hints, tips, and interesting tales.
Pros
Over 300 recipes provide a selection for users.
Cooks can learn to grow their own food in their own backyards.
First published in 1955, the original edition of this cookbook is a true relic in Southern cooking. North Carolina & Old Salem Cookery is a true resource to understand and learn about Southern cuisine.
Recipes for traditional North Carolina dishes like sweet potato pie and persimmon pudding are provided by Beth Tartan.
A chapter on Old Salem features recipes from their well-known celebrations, including Moravian Sugar Cake, and emphasizes the food of the Moravian settlement there.
This cookbook focuses on the time when people were enjoying three meals a day and everyone gathered to enjoy a meal together on Sunday.
Tartan is giving the spotlight to the classic recipes that have been replaced over the years and the techniques that were used to create them.
If you want to learn about the history of the South and how pertinent cooking was at the time, then you need to have North Carolina & Old Salem Cookery in your kitchen.
Pros
The cookbook is a collection of historical techniques and recipes.
Contains stories and facts about cooking during the time period.
Is a great gift for someone who lives in the South.
New recipes have been added to the new edition.
Cons
This cookbook is now out of print and can only be bought secondhand.
When a chef and restaurateur has the nickname Mama Dip, you know you can trust every word she says.
For over 25 years, Mama Dip, or Mildred Council, has been feeding the people of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
More than 250 recipes for classics like traditional chicken pie, country-style pork chops, sweet potatoes, fresh corn dish, pound cake, and banana pudding are included in the book.
Bread and breakfast foods, chicken, fish, seafood, beef, pork, lamb, veggies and salads, desserts, drinks, and party foods are all covered in separate chapters.
Basically, anything that was in the South can be found in this book! Learn more about Mama Dip’s journey and how to cook like a Southern Mama from this heartfelt cookbook.
Pros
Written by a chef who was raised and works in the South.
Has over 250 recipes from entrees to desserts.
Recipes are easy to follow.
Cons
Recipes may not be complicated enough for more experienced cooks.
Recipes can also be found in other cookbooks.
Best Female Chef Southern Cookbooks Buying Guide
Skill Level
When it comes to cookbooks there is a cookbook for everyone.
Whether you are a complete beginner or have been cooking for years, there is always a book that is going to challenge you and have you learn something new.
Many Southern dishes were created by women in their home kitchens meaning they are rather simple making it perfect for beginners.
However, you always want to check the experience needed in order to complete the recipes inside.
Dietary Requirements
Another element that is extremely important when selecting a cookbook is your or your guest's dietary requirements.
Whether you are gluten-free or lactose intolerant, you are going to want to choose a cookbook that has recipes or features alternatives that suit you.
For example, if you are vegan you are not going to want to select a cookbook that focuses on recipes with meat and animal products.
Number Of Recipes
The number of recipes included in a cookbook is more important than you may think. You want them to have 100 or more recipes in order to keep you inspired and excited to cook.
Anything less and you may make the recipes quickly and not get your money’s worth.
Final Thoughts
Southern Cuisine has a deep history with many chefs either flocking to learn more or taking their recipes to other corners of the world. And today, you can bring some Southern flavor to your home.
Above are 5 incredible Southern cookbooks created by female chefs (see also: 6 Female Chef Restaurant Cookbooks You Do Not Want To Miss)to show you the culture and history of Southern cooking. Cook recipes from old Salem or learn how to use the ingredients that are in season.
You can begin serving some of the most indulgent, comforting, and delicious recipes. Be sure to add your own twist to these recipes and create something unique for yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions
When Does A Recipe Become Yours?
If you have altered three or more key ingredients, or three or more stages in the preparation process, and have written the entire thing in your own words, the recipe is typically regarded as "original."
Who Is The Most Famous Southern Chef?
According to many, Edna Lewis was the godmother of Southern cuisine, a well-known chef, a culinary ambassador, and an indelible presence in the food world.
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
I hope you'll join me in exploring WomenChefs.org and discovering your next favorite recipe. Let's embrace culinary diversity and try something new together!
