Virginia Willis - Lighten Up, Y'all

Odyssey Bookshop is delighted to welcome back the charismatic culinary genius, Virginia Willis, for her latest collection of recipes that will delight tongues and doctors, Lighten Up, Y'all

Virginia Willis is a French trained chef with Georgia roots. She is also one of the most well-loved, trusted, and respected authorities on Southern cooking - so when doctors told her she needed to lighten up her diet, she wanted to do it without sacrificing any of the flavour or richness that makes Southern food so appealing. The result is 'Lighten Up, Y'all', a collection of easy to make, chef-approved recipes for all the Southern favourites. Dishes like Bourbon Grilled Pork Chops with Peach Barbecue Sauce, Baked Cheesy Garlic Grits, and Guilt-free Banana Pudding prove that Southern food can be both delicious and healthy, while family favourites like Oven Fried Chicken on a Stick with Spiced Honey Mustard and Old Fashioned Buttermilk Custard Pie will keep everyone - aged five to ninety-five - happy and asking for seconds.

VIRGINIA WILLIS is the author of the acclaimed cookbooks "Bon AppEtit, Y'all"; "Basic to Brilliant, Y'all"; "Grits"; and "Okra." Willis is a columnist for FoodNetwork.com, a contributing editor to "Southern Living," and was named one of "Seven Food Writers You Need to Know" by the "Chicago Tribune." She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Reviews:

"As a Southerner, I appreciate that Virginia makes "real "Southern food with "real" ingredients. A natural teacher, Virginia helps to dispel the myth that all Southern food is fatty and not good for you. She also reminds us that being healthy isn't always about saying "no"--her delicious recipes are all about making good choices and saying "yes"!"
-- Carla Hall, cohost of The Chew and author of Carla's Comfort Food

"In "Lighten Up, Y'all," Virginia Willis reminds us that Southern cooking is not all about overindulgence, butter, and fried food; rather, Southern food emphasizes the delicate ingredients that are indigenous to our region. She lightens up the dishes we love while staying true to the flavors we desire."
-- John Besh, chef and author of "Cooking from the Heart

"Virginia Willis's passion for the Southern food she grew up with, her top-notch culinary expertise, and her personal journey to be healthier have culminated in this wonderful book, which celebrates the fresh diversity of Southern cooking. With one incredible recipe after another, it is a real gift for health-minded food lovers!"
-- Ellie Krieger MS, RD, host of Food Network's Healthy Appetite and author of Weeknight Wonders

"With "Lighten Up, Y'all," Virginia Willis opens the door to a new way of cooking, which focuses on the bountiful fresh fruits and vegetables that are the "true" staples of the Southern larder. She writes recipes that will make you feel good cooking in the kitchen, and feel even better eating the results."
-- Hugh Acheson, James Beard Award-winning chef and author of A New Turn in the South

"Virginia Willis has always been both hilariously funny and incredibly astute in her Southern taste. Her recipes, like Beer-Battered Shrimp with Spicy Ketchup, Broccoli and Cheese "Rice Grits," and Miso-Glazed Catfish with Edamame and Spicy Winter Greens, ring the bell for us. They are creative, nourishing, comforting, and easy to cook at leisure. "Lighten Up, Y'all" is a manifesto of gracious living in any era or place: be cool, eat well and mindfully, and don't forget to drink plenty of water!"
--Matt Lee and Ted Lee, authors of The Lee Bros. Charleston Kitchen