Throughout the city's history, "just put another place-setting on the table," was a household rule of rich and poor alike...(from the Introduction)

{HISTORY}

Since it was first officially settled in 1805, Huntsville, Alabama has been host to a fascinating culinary lineage that includes banquets for U.S. Presidents, celebrations for dairy cows, international influence from the Space Center and hundreds of thousands of local residents' private family meals, all steeped in the gracious embrace of true Southern hospitality.  

This cookbook first published by the Junior League of Huntsville in 1967, shares with readers the city's colorful cuisine layered between two centuries of stories that have made Huntsville one of the most distinct cities in the South. With over 350 pages of recipes contributed by local residents, this vintage cookbook showcases food throughout the city's long life, from the early days when cabins and plantations dotted the landscape all the way up to the 1960's when modern marvels like the Space Station attracted newcomers from all parts of the globe. There are classic family recipes passed down through generations, new (midcentury) innovations utilizing modern conveniences and prepared foods and there are creative international recipes that came to town from far-off places and settled themselves into the heart of the city. 

Enhanced with sketch style drawings, history, fun facts and helpful tips and tricks, this cookbook contains a little something for everyone from traditional Southern classics like pit barbecue and gumbo to wild game recipes for dove and duck to elegant international foods like apricot souffle, kampama and house made cocktails. Almost all of the recipes call for fresh, whole ingredients with just a smattering of canned foods or convenience foods. Likewise, the majority of the recipes highlight easily attainable ingredients found in most gardens and grocery stores, especially, in the Southern landscape. This book is really a completely fascinating conglomeration of distinct cultures, family histories and flavorful food styles blended together into one bountiful book that sold over 75,000 copies by the time this 1981 edition was printed. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- 10th printing, 1981 edition

- Contains 387 pages not including detailed index

- Illustrated throughout with drawings by Betty Monroe

- Interesting recipes include Silver Queen Cake circa 1878, Miss Lellie's Green Rice, Blackeye Peas and Hog Jowl, Grandmother's New Orleans Oyster Jambalaya, West Indies Salad, Cajun Pound Cake, Hauoli Fish Barbeque and Bourbon Bon Bons

- Special sections include beverages, party foods, a whole chapter on water cress, and large scale cooking for a crowd recipes (which includes great ideas for tailgating parties!). 

{CONDITION}

In much loved condition, this cookbook has definitely seen lots of action and adventure in the kitchen. Various cooking splatters and stains throughout. None of these marks affect the reading of recipes in any way. The section that bears the most character, appearance-wise is the dessert section... no doubt a favorite of the previous owner! Please see photos for condition examples. Other than that, the spine is tight and all pages are intact.

{SIZE}

Measures 5.75" inches (width) x 9" inches (length) x 1.25" inches (thick)

{FOR COLLECTORS}

Looking for more Southern heritage cookbooks? Try this one and this one.

*** FEATURED *** 

A recipe from this cookbook was featured in the article, The Art of the Vintage Picnic. Read more about it here!