Callie's Biscuits & Southern Traditions: Heirloom Recipes from Our Family Kitchen

This charming volume by the co-founder (with her mother, Callie) of Charleston-based Callie's Biscuits is a breath of fresh air in the cookbook world. Its friendly voice, interesting tips, and unique focus make it a worthwhile addition to southern cookbooks. It begins with a recipe for Callie's Classic Buttermilk Biscuits, and offers variations such as "Black Pepper Biscuits," "Mom's Cinnamon Stickies," and "Southern Shortcakes." From there, the author launches into a series of mouthwatering family recipes rich with Southern flavor: "Pimento Cheese Shrimp and Grits," "Springtime Succotash with Bacon," "Vegetable Gratin," "Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Vinegar-Based BBQ Sauce," and "Summer Corn Salad." Then there are the desserts, from "Mama's Sour Cream Banana Pudding" to "Drunk and Toasty Myers Pecan Pie"%E2%80%94they're not healthy, but they are definitely treats. And the final chapter on entertaining, with menus for themed events, including a Sit-Down Holiday Dinner, a kids' play date, is downright inspiring. (Oct.)