There aren't many cookbooks about which I can say this, but this book is amazing! It's more than a simple cookbook. The history, the photographs and the CORNBREAD AND BISCUITS!! Who knew there were so many?! As soon as I dove into this hefty volume I knew I needed a copy. The research that was done to create this book is extensive, every page is a pleasure to read. I own a lot of cookbooks and I have been baking, especially bread, since I was in elementary school, and I am proud to have this volume on my shelf. And not just breads and cakes are included, as I had assumed - puddings and pies are here as well. There is literally something for everyone. I know, I'm going on and on....and on about this book, but this is an exciting addition to my personal library and I will say that you can't go wrong with this cookbook.

My ARC was provided by the publisher and NetGalley, the opinions expressed herein are strictly my own.

Any cookbook that begins with almost 100 pages of historical cornbread recipes is aimed directly at this Georgia girl’s heart, soul and gastronomic spirit in mind, and that is exactly what Anne Byrn’s extraordinary “Baking in the American South: 200 Recipes and Their Untold Stories” does magnificently.

With marvelous full-color photographs throughout by Rinne Allen, this treasure of historical Southern foods included reprinted handwritten vintage recipes, historical anecdotes about many of the unique dishes, as well as photos and stories about many of inventors and their origins.

You will also learn about modern conversions from their historical predecessors, such as “a pinch of salt” or baking in a “fast oven.” This is in addition to so many classic Southern recipes for biscuits, breads, cookies, cakes, and pies.

JoyReaderGirl1 graciously thanks NetGalley, Author Anne Byrn, and Publisher Harper Celebrate for this advanced reader’s copy for review.

Anne Byrn collects recipes from fourteen Southern states from the Civil War to today’s recipes. She shares both recipes and stories. There are over 200 recipes including biscuits, cornbread, pound cakes, cakes and cookies. Another beautiful cookbook from this wonderful author.

Did I realize that there were so many cornbread varieties out there? No, I did not. The things you’ll learn in this book! This is part cookbook, part study on women and their roles in the family in the historical US south. Each recipe has a mini biography or story attached to it, with notes on ingredients or techniques involved. Besides the many cornbread recipes, there are cakes, squares, cookies, and other treat recipes that have been passed down from older generations, with notes and substitutions made as our baking tools and ingredients have changed. A really nice book with pictures of the recipes, and the women they came from.

I received a free ebook from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

Book Review: Baking in the American South by Anne Byrn

Rating: ★★★★☆

As someone who has always been fascinated by the rich tapestry of Southern culture in the US, I was excited to dive into Baking in the American South: 200 Recipes and Their Untold Stories by Anne Byrn. What I found was not just a cookbook, but an enthralling journey through the history of Southern baking that left me both educated and inspired.

The book takes us on a culinary expedition across 14 Southern states, showcasing 200 recipes that reflect the evolution of baking in the region—from simple make-do recipes passed down through generations to cherished classics that have become staples in Southern kitchens. Byrn brilliantly weaves together narratives that highlight how geography, history, and culture have shaped the dishes we know and love today. Did you know that the location of mills influenced local recipes? Or that pound cakes played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement? These fascinating insights add depth to each recipe and make it clear that there’s a story behind every bite.

I absolutely loved the history interspersed throughout the book. Each recipe is accompanied by an introduction to notable Southern cooks, bakers, and personalities, making it clear that this isn’t just a collection of dishes but a tribute to the people who brought them to life. Byrn's asides provide historical and geographical perspectives that are genuinely interesting to read. The photos are not only eye-catching but also elevates this book, making it perfect for setting out on any table for guests to flip through.

Among the standout recipes are Thomasville Cheese Biscuits, Ouita Michel's Sweet Potato Streusel Muffins, and Georgia Gilmore's Pound Cake. Each dish is well-written and accessible, making it easy for everyone—from novice bakers to seasoned pros—to whip up some Southern delights in their own kitchens.

In conclusion, Baking in the American South is a brilliant mix of culinary art and storytelling. It’s clear that this author has created an essential guide for anyone interested in Southern baking. This book is not just about food; it's a celebration of Southern heritage and the women (and men) who have preserved it through baking. Whether you're looking for a new recipe to try or just want to learn more about Southern history, this book is definitely worth picking up!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC of "Baking in the American South," and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed. This cookbook is not only a delightful read but also an informative journey through the rich history behind each dish. The range of recipes is exceptional, offering everything from classic Southern staples to unique, lesser-known treats. The detailed background on each recipe adds a wonderful depth to the experience, making it more than just a cookbook—it's a celebration of Southern baking traditions. I was so captivated by this book that I'll be purchasing a copy for my collection as soon as it’s available. Highly recommended for anyone who loves baking and has a passion for Southern cuisine!

Recipes provided by location covering the entire American south with stories to go along. This is great if you like southern baking, you will find lots of instruction to create the perfect treat. There are really nice photos so you can make sure your items look right as well. Perfect bakers treat.

For those not aware of the history tied into Southern cooking, this book takes an interesting look at how the same recipe can evolve based on your culture and the heritage of an area. By presenting similar recipes across the many varied Southern states, and talking about the different influences, Byrn helps the reader to not only understand the cooking culture of the South, but how a recipe can travel around the South, be touched by different hands, and end up something different and modern in its sensibilities, yet still keep the core of the recipe. It's tradition, love, and cooking, all rolled into one. An interesting book for gift giving this year, for the person who loves cookbooks, and has many of them!

A great and informative book on the deliciousness of the southern food and it's history. Everyone loves a good home-cooked meal but
when it's made in the south it takes it to another level of yum! The author does a well job of researching authentic and historical recipes. This book should be one for your collection of cookbooks.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a fantastic cookbook. There are so many great recipes and I can’t wait to make my way through them all. Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

This one's a heartfelt journey through the rich culture of Southern culinary history. As someone who loves exploring the stories behind food, I was truly captivated by how this book intertwines personal narratives with timeless recipes. The recipes themselves are a treasure trove of Southern classics, from Thomasville Cheese Biscuits to Georgia Gilmore's Pound Cake. Each one carries with it a piece of history, revealing how the ingredients and techniques have evolved through time. I was particularly fascinated by the stories of how mill locations influenced local recipes and how baking traditions were impacted by historical events like the Civil Rights Movement. The book's exploration of African-American contributions to Southern baking and the preservation of family recipes through generations is particularly moving. It’s clear that these recipes are not just culinary artifacts but also symbols of cultural resilience and tradition.

For anyone interested in baking, Southern cuisine, or food history, this book is a gem. It’s an invitation to not only cook but also to connect with the deeper stories behind each dish

I went to school for baking and have experienced many a book on baking. This book is love. Absolute love from touches of history and a glimpse into the stories that are the people and cultures that exist in the southern states; to the wide variety of recipes on traditional southern baked goods.

Baking in the American South by Anne Byrn is an inspiring compilation of recipes that instantly made me eager to get into the kitchen. From the moment I opened its pages, I was captivated by the creativity and versatility of the dishes presented.

What truly sets this book apart is the depth and detail with which Byrn explores the world of Southern Baking. The accompanying stories and notes provide extra context and confidence, making it easier to tackle the recipes.

The book's layout is both aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly, allowing for easy navigation and seamless execution of the recipes. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice, the instructions are clear and concise, making baking a joy.

I am excited to share these gourmet delights with my loved ones and am confident that this cookbook will become a cherished addition to my kitchen library, a source of shared joy and delicious meals.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Celebrate for generously providing me with an e-book copy of Baking in the American South in exchange for an honest review.

Converts Historical Recipes
Ms. Byrn covers different historical recipes from different parts of the south, converting to modern cooking methods and products adding a bit of history to the cookbook. Interesting read.
I requested and received a NetGalley arc to peruse gratis as is my opinion

I’m sure that we all approach cookbooks in a different way. Me? I like to read them like a novel. Because of this, I am always delighted to find a cookbook that can offer me not only recipes, but historical facts, new methods of cooking, local culture, and thoughts and tips from fellow cooks. Baking in the American South by Anne Byrne (Set to be released on September 4th) has all of these things, plus it offers us recipes that are truly fine examples of the wonderful tradition of Southern baking.

This book contains 200 recipes from 14 Southern states, and nearly as many mouthwatering photos, that will send you running into the kitchen, whisk in hand. For me, this book was worth it alone for the cornbread recipes. There are biscuits as well, and rolls, cakes, and cookies, all most certain to send you into a carbohydrate coma.

I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the people who created these recipes and their varied cultures. Kudos to Bryne for being able to convert those old recipes when inexact measurements were used. To the dismay of everyone in my family, my grandmother used to say things like “add enough flour until it ‘looks right,’” confounding everyone. Because of this I was grateful for the included and most helpful chart in converting those measurements into modern day ones. This provides the reader with the wonderful opportunity to recreate those much loved, crumbling, food-stained recipes from decades past, allowing them to partake in the delights of their own family’s culinary history.

You don’t have to be a baker to be fascinated by the contents. You will, however, want to explore each chapter in detail (one of which is devoted entirely to cornbread, be still my beating heart):

Sizzling Cornbread
Hot Biscuits
Quick Loaves, Griddle Cakes, Waffles, and Fritters
Rolls, Breads, and Yeast-Raised Cakes
Comforting Puddings
Pies Plain and Fancy
Bake Me a Cake
Cookies and Bars by the Dozen
Frostings and Flourishes

This is really a book that needs to be experienced. Historians, food lovers, family cooks, and professionals, will all find great value here.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Anne Byrne, and Harper Celebrate for providing me with a digital advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley, Harper Celebrate, and Anne Byrn for this ARC of Baking in the South. It is an amazing cookbook with 200 recipes from 14 states and over 150 beautiful photographs. I loved the stories that described the history, places and people that made these recipes. I am from the south and had no idea how many recipes there were for biscuits and cornbread. These recipes alone will keep me busy in the kitchen for a long time. I can’t wait to get my copy when it is published.

Highly recommend this book. It is the definitive Southern baking handbook, and the last one you'll ever need to buy. The cookbook includes a wealth of different recipes for cornbread, yeast bread, pies, cookies, and cakes. I was pleasantly surprised to see a few notable gems included, such as beignets, Texas-Czech Kolaches, Highland Park Cafe's Zucchini Muffins (a local, Dallas favorite), and Laura Bush's Cowboy Cookies. This book is a treasure of recipes; recipes which feel like have been passed down from generations upon generations. Mark your calendars for September 3, and go ahead and pre-order. You won't regret it! My sincere thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ARC.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Harper Celebrate for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This cookbook was perfect. It had the perfect ratio of text, stories, history, and photos. In addition it was very visually pleasing with a great number of pictures. I would highly recommend!

"Baking in the American South: 200 Recipes and Their Untold Stories" by Anne Byrn is a delightful journey into the heart of Southern baking. This comprehensive guide covers everything from pantry essentials to essential baking equipment, making it accessible for both novices and seasoned bakers alike. Byrn's collection of 200 recipes not only showcases the classics like cornbread, biscuits, and luscious cakes with decadent frostings but also delves into their rich cultural and historical significance. Each recipe comes with its own untold story, adding a layer of warmth and authenticity to the baking experience. (I received an advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own.) Whether you're craving a taste of tradition or eager to explore new flavors, this book is a must-have for anyone passionate about Southern cuisine and baking.

Love Anne Byrn and love her combo of history and recipe. This one will be a big hit in our collection.