The South Carolina Book Festival was held several weeks ago in Columbia, and our coworkers who went report that “a good time was had by all,” especially those who attended the presentations by the cook book and gardening authors. This year, authors Nathalie Dupree and Patricia Moore-Pastides (and moderator Amanda McNulty!) entertained the crowd with their presentations. Nathalie Dupree, I understand, is working on a project about mastering the art of southern cooking.  Her newest book, Southern Biscuits, grew out of her work on this project.

Today I’ve just seen a new book at RCPL, Southern My Way, by Gena Knox. When you check this book out, get ready for foods with simple ingredients, a few familiar southern recipes (some you’ll recognize; others, like “Collards with Ginger and Soy,” you most likely won’t), and a lot of flavor-packed recipes. One bit of advice: you’d better love basil! But even if basil is not one of your favorite herbs, the photos alone will inspire you to try some of these recipes.

If you like Gina’s book, don’t stop there. We have over 200 books on southern cooking. (Use either the subject alphabetical search Cookery, American—Southern style (yes, that’s cookery; don’t ask; just accept it) or Cooking, American—Southern style to find them.) I can’t list all of our titles, but because we southerners are known for our sense of humor, I’m highlighting (below) those titles that will make you smile.