Cookbook Review: The Southern Bite by Stacey Little

Comfort in a bowl!

 I was excited to receive a copy of Stacey Little’s The Southern Bite Cookbook from Thomas Nelson Publishers to review.  Stacey Little has accomplished what many of us aspire to – published a cookbook filled with recipes from our food blogs.  Here is an excerpt from Stacey’s blog, Southern Bite, that illustrates his fun, down-to-earth style:

Hey, Y’all I’m Stacey!  Feeding people makes me happy.  It’s just about as plain and simple as that.  There are few things in this world that I delight more in than my family and friends gathered around my table enjoying a meal.  The truth is, food makes most people happy – regardless of the chance it might also make them fat.  In the South, we celebrate everything with food: birthdays, anniversaries, funerals and football games.  It’s just one of the many ways a Southerner expresses love to another person.  We feed them. 

Lots more recipes to try!

Reading his cookbook is like being invited into Stacey’s home.  His style is easy,welcoming, and friendly and his cookbook includes recipes from four generations of his family.  I didn’t grow up in the South, but John did.  Along with Southern classics like Fried Green Tomatoes with Remoulade Sauce, Stacey includes what John refers to as “Church Suppers.”  This includes dishes that are easy to take along to potlucks such as Slow Cooker Chili.  In addition, Stacey includes a lot of semi-homemade recipes that include packets of Ranch Salad Dressing Mix, cake mix, and other ingredients that save a little time in the kitchen.


Many of these dishes harken back to when we were kids.  My mom had a Campbell’s Soup Cookbook and a Bisquick Cookbook – both of which we cooked from a lot.  Stacey carries these traditions forward adding his own touch to tried and true family favorites.

Great one-pot meal for a weeknight!

John & I both remember having Goulash growing up, so this is the first recipe we agreed to try.    This American classic comfort meal can be whipped up in a single pan on a weeknight.  Rich tomato flavor infuses elbow macaroni that is flavored with Paprika and hamburger.  Of course, it’s best topped with gooey melted cheddar cheese!  This is a kid’s meal that is equally enjoyed by adults.  We served Stacey’s Goulash with Corn Bread to my brother and sister-in-law and all four of us remembered having something like it growing up.  It is so delicious and re-heats well.

I highly recommend this cookbook for busy people who want to cook more at home either because it’s more relaxing, or just plain better than going out.  It’s a great starter cookbook for anyone who wants to learn how to make comforting dishes for family gatherings.  With over 150 recipes, you’re sure to find something to suit your palate.  Next on my list is Stacey’s Coconut Cake!