In 1996, Patsy wrote A Cookbook
for My Southern Daughter as a Christmas gift for Margaret Ann, her
daughter, during her freshman year in college. Realizing her daughter's
independence would require of her the information in this book, Patsy pulled
together favorite family recipes, traditions, tips, and happy dining memories in
hopes of giving Margaret Ann confidence in her own kitchen and an appreciation
for a heritage of southern hospitality. It included many of the "tried-and-true"
recipes that Patsy's family and friends have used for many years. Surprisingly,
the book quickly took on a life of its own and found its way into the market.
Fourteen years later, Margaret Ann is still
filling orders for her book... a fact that Patsy says "still amazes and humbles"
her. It is Patsy's sincere hope that you, too, enjoy these recipes, and that the
book triggers a pleasant reflection of your own family traditions in
dining. 
from the love of
hospitality that is shared in the home. Patsy says, for her, "there's
just nothing better than sitting around the kitchen table with her friends or
family over a home-cooked meal, a real effort of the heart." This book includes recipes that
Patsy developed or adapted as a result of happily playing in her kitchen. It is inspired by the fine
meals she has had when dining out, recipes shared by family and friends, clippings from newspapers and
magazines that have been adjusted to her taste, and just an active,
creative spirit. Trends in eating habits change
through the years, which is evident in this book as well. There are
more seafood and poultry dishes, more salads, more soups, less salt, and
generally less fat. Patsy also included in this book some sample menus
to suggest food pairings. They are simply meant to spark your
own creativity.
So she invites you with this
book to create something today and to consider someone you can share it with.
Quoting her friend Rheta Grimsley Johnson, “Halleluiah, and stir the
grits!” Ya’ll
come!