Patsy Smith, author of A Cookbook for My Southern Daughter and A Southern Daughter Entertains, was born in Montgomery, and lives today in Birmingham, Alabama, with Bill, her husband of 36 years. She has two children, Margaret Ann (now age 32) and Porter (age 30). She received her B.S. in Education from Auburn University, and she earned her M.Ed. from AUM. After 10 years of teaching, Patsy took time out to be a stay-at-home mom for Margaret Ann and Porter. Since that time Patsy has volunteered and served as a volunteer coordinator for school and civic organizations.   She spent her first years in Birmingham tutoring  reading at an inner city school.  She has sold her own paintings and has served as a board member for the Mountain Brook Art Association. Her love for painting and the arts led her to become a docent for both the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and the Birmingham Art Museum. Patsy enjoys French handsewing, and has taught classes in this art as well. She continues to lead women's Bible studies and, along with Bill, teaches a young adult Sunday School class.   

Having the heart of a teacher, Patsy was naturally compelled to assemble these cookbooks for her daughter.   She continues to enjoy time in her kitchen, especially now when the grandchildren come over to help her measure and stir.  She considers cooking a creative, nurturing activity, and she enjoys sharing the fruits of her labor with her family and friends.   Through her books it has been her intent to simplify recipes and take the "fear" out of cooking.  It is her hope that you enjoy her recipes in your own kitchen, and that you feel free to adjust these recipes to your own good taste.