Sylvia's book covers many of the staple recipes my family whipped up and they are truly *easy* to prepare. She even has several more health conscious recipes for those who must have them (Southern and healthy are not synonymous).

I've prepared many of her recipes with great success. The tuna croquettes are easy and yummy! You probably already have all the ingredients in your cupboards. The smothered pork chops are to die for, and I finally can make a gravy my grand mother would be proud of! There are a few recipes I simple will not try. I wouldn't as a kid and I'm not starting now! (Eeewww chitterlings! ), but if you're adventurous or your taste bud run that way, enjoy! If you love real southern cooking, you can easily make it yourself with this book.

It's also filled with lots of interesting stories and anecdotes about her, her family and her restaurant. She's a wonderful woman whom I hope writes another cookbook soon!

27 of 27 found the following review helpful:

Soul Food for sure!  Dec 14, 1999
By TMCD "tmcdowell"
Sylvia Woods has provided a true delight to your senses! She relates rich experiences of growing up in the Hemminway S.C. community where people basically raised collected, slaughtered, canned and froze almost everything they ate.

My memories of summers in the south as a child, eating packed sandwiches in the car on the way back north and going to the community freezer locker, came flooding back. And the recipes themselves, provide an accurate taste of many of the old southern favorites. For those not privileged to have connections in the south, it may have been hard to come by some of the recipes and Ms Woods has taken the time to chronicle the old classic southern dishes that were typically learned from grandmothers and mothers. But it's not just the food, it's the "soul" that's connected to the preparation. How many of us pass down great experiences connected to the fast food and pizza that we so often eat?

Try some of my favorites: Frances's Lily White Biscuits, Nan's Extra-Special Marinated Spareribs and Peach Cobbler, put some soul into it and create lasting memories of your own.

22 of 22 found the following review helpful:

The Queen of Soul Food Cooking  Aug 01, 2001
By Regina Bryant
When I first received Sylvia's book I thought it was just going to be another cookbook where the pictures look good but the flavor never turns out...,Well not this book. If you follow the recipes to a tee you will end up with absolutely delicious dishes. My family really thinks I learned how to cook..I tell them "honey it's not me but my best friend Sylvia". The cake recipes are excellent and are all flavorful and moist. How many times have you baked a cake from the book and it is dry and never looks like the picture? Sylvia has recipes for pound cakes that...., well I can't believe she gave out these secrets. Invite your family and your mother-in-law over for pot roast, string beans, sweet potatoes, etc., etc., etc. all seasoned great and turn out delicious. Don't forget the last recipe in the book -- Fresh Squeezed Lemonade -- do it exactly as she says -- You don't know what you're missing. If you know just the basics in the kitchen and want your soulfood meals to taste like "Mama's" get this book and you're in for a big surprise. Before Sylvia came along I just cooked but now I BURN in the kitchen!!

14 of 14 found the following review helpful:

She redeemed herself with this one ..  May 03, 2004
By jumpy1
I was afraid to buy this after her first book, but she really redeemed herself here. One day I just had to have smothered pork chops, macaroni & cheese & collard greens and this book DELIVERED on the pork chops & macaroni & cheese!! (use the first book for the greens though) .. These are now in the repertoire as my roommate prefers this to going out to a restaurant! Can't wait to try the red velvet cake!

32 of 39 found the following review helpful:

Remembering your "roots" and nourishing your "soul"ÿ  Dec 04, 1999
By Sabrina Hill-Black
This cookbook is not only a great one to have for the delicious recipes of good, southern home-cooked food, but it is also one that reminds people of their own roots and heritage. Any time a family unites for a meal, there is a great deal more going on than fulfilling that need to kill the hunger. Good food is the only recipe for the soul. Sylvia has included many recipes in this book that my family has enjoyed for many, many years. I may be a bit biased in rating this book because there are some included by my aunt, Neomia Brown, and grandmother, Annie Frazier (who passed a year ago this December). Bless your heart Sylvia and to all of you who enjoy the recipes throughout the book! Thank you Sylvia for reminding us through your own story that good food may not be able to heal a broken heart, but it can at least nourish the soul when families can gather to enjoy it!

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