Explore the finger-licking history of Southern food! Travel through a folksy history of Southern cooking from the best fruitcake recipe before the Civil War to the ultimate Southern kitchen essential, the cast iron pan. Joe Johnston's cultural history brings reminiscences from his own friends and family but is not at all lacking in thoroughly-researched historical anecdotes. It is sprinkled with valuable stories and quotes from Southerners who really know their stuff! This book is for those from every Southern walk of life, but is also particularly appealing to those simply fascinated with cooking, history, and anything in between! With every detailed recollection, the heart and soul of Southern cooking shines through.