Table of Contents
ContentsPreface . . . ixWhy Is It That We Cook? . . . 1Chapter 1: From the Cookie Jar . . . 2A cookie jar is meant to be filled with handmade treats, and these cookie recipes will ensure that it’s never empty! There’s something for everyone here: Graham Cracker Praline Cookies, Milk Dunkin’ Peanut Butter Cookies, Monster Cookies, Easy Coconut Macaroons, Flop Cookies, Candy Cane Cookies, Chewy Cranberry Zingers, and more. Chapter 2: Deeply Delicious Brownies and Bars . . . 34There is something supremely satisfying about baking up a pan of brownies or bars and cutting them into squares for everyone to enjoy. Please a crowd with Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars, Easiest S’mores Brownies, Chewy Pear Bars, Chocolate Chip Dream Bars, and Cranberry Bliss Bars.Chapter 3: Poke Cakes, Pound Cakes, Layer Cakes, and Love . . . 64A homemade cake makes any occasion special, especially when frosted with the perfect icing or topped with a decadent drizzle of glaze. Choose from all manner of cakes, like Mama Reed’s Jam Cake, Red Velvet Cupcakes, Hummingbird Cake, Lemon Custard Poke Cake, Buttermilk Lime Pound Cake, Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake, and Peanut Butter Cup Trifle. Chapter 4: Homemade Pies Made Easy . . . 132No matter the reason or occasion, a slice of pie is always a welcome treat. Here you’ll find some of my family’s favorite recipes plus tried-and-true classics, like Peach Buttermilk Pie, Chocolate Chess Pie, Faux Apple Pie, Frozen Oreo Pie, Strawberry Cream Pie, Fruit Cocktail Pie, and Old-Fashioned Coconut Pie. Chapter 5: Cobblers, Puddings, and Sweet Rolls . . . 166Remarkably delicious but simple enough to whip up at a moment’s notice, dense cobblers and creamy puddings are a great addition to any gathering. You can’t go wrong with recipes like Mimi’s Peach Cobbler, Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding, Lemon Syllabub, Sweet Potato Crème Brûlée, Old-Fashioned Butter Rolls (think cinnamon buns in a rich custard sauce), and Vanilla Wafer Pineapple Pudding.Chapter 6: Quick Breads, Muffins, and Breakfast (or Anytime) Treats . . . 184No matter the time of day, homemade breads and muffins are the perfect treat to satisfy any sweet tooth. Fill up a breakfast basket with Mom’s Banana Bread, Strawberry Pecan Bread, and Amazing Pineapple Bread, or bake up some Apple Oat Muffins, Hot Cocoa Muffins, and Bake Shop Blueberry Muffins and tuck them, still warm, into lunch boxes or snack bags.Chapter 7: Old-Fashioned Fruit Salads . . . 220These classic dishes are staples of the Southern dessert table. They’re refreshing, versatile, and have nearly endless variations—and you’ll find my favorites here: Peach Buttermilk Congealed Salad, Aunt Tina’s Dr Pepper Salad, Raspberry Salad, Five-Cup Fruit Salad, Guilt-Free Orange Dream Salad, Ambrosia, and more.Chapter 8: Simple Candies and Sweet Snacks . . . 234These super easy crowd-pleasers are ideal for holidays and celebrations, easily transportable and even easier to devour! Make the party with a batch of Cream Cheese Mints, Cornetha’s Strawberry Candy, Chocolate Chip Meringues, Peanut Butter Cups, Cinnamon Cashews, and 3 kinds of fudge. Chapter 9: Sweet Sippins . . . 250Nothing’s more inviting than an icy cold beverage on a hot summer day—or a warm mug that takes the chill off a cold one. Serve up Daddy’s Milkshakes, Old-Fashioned Egg Creams, Fresh Strawberry-ade, Southern Sweet Tea, and a whole host of simple, delectable drinks both cold and hot. Chapter 10: Pantry . . . 274Missing something? There’s no need to make a special trip to the store when you can whip up simple basics like Cookie Crumb Crust, Mix-in-Pan Pie Crust, Meringue, Homemade Whipped Cream, and other pantry staples.Acknowledgments . . . 279Conversion Tables . . . 281Index . . . 282