Buttermilk and Bible Burgers: More Stories From the Kitchens of Appalachia

Sauceman's latest is a journey through deep into the heart of Appalachia with stories of iconic dishes and the people behind them in this folksy collection of vignettes and recipes. Opening with an eloquent tribute to his grandmother's comfort food with her recipe for stuffed bell peppers included, Sauceman's goal is to engender an appreciation for Appalachia's traditions and people along with the recipes and history of the region's food. There's the story of Big Bob Gibson, the man behind a mayonnaise-based barbecue sauce, the Clinchfield Senior Adult Center's addictive apple relish, and the curious evolution of the famous Sunburst Trout Farms, which started out as a mink farm and is now in the trout business. Other notable recipes include the Roanoke Hotel's classic peanut soup and the state of Alabama's beloved Lane cake. Sauceman thoughtfully includes contact information for each of the businesses or restaurants profiled, enabling curious readers to both seek out the best red-eye gravy or, if they so choose, buy the best cast-iron pan to cook it in. The result is a charming homage to Appalachian cuisine that manages to capture the both character of its people and their appetites. (Apr.)