Mealtimes in the South are a grand tradition, bringing family and friends together for not only basic sustenance, but also a sharing of lives. Jack Daniel's Whiskey history dates back to the early 1900's and is considered by many to be the spirit of Tennessee. Jack Daniel's Spirit of Tennessee Cookbook blends both of these fine traditions into a book of both old and new recipes with true Southern hospitality.

Who better to write this book than Lynne Tolley, the great-grandniece of distiller Jack Daniel and owner of Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House restaurant in Lynchburg, Tennessee. She is assisted by fellow author Pat Mitchamore, whose credits include not only writing, public speaking and seminar leader, but also executive director of the Mr. Jack Daniel's Original Silver Cornet Band. It's a blending of spirits Jack Daniel would be proud of.

Over 350 recipes await you, not all using the famous whiskey. Along with standard recipe categories such as vegetables, entrees and desserts, you'll also find a nice Outdoor Cooking category with full instructions on how to dig and set-up an old-fashioned pit barbecue, complete with barbecue sauce recipe and sides. The recipes are easy to prepare with no exotic ingredients required, yet interesting enough to be well-received at both celebratory and home dinner tables.

Nestled in amongst the recipes, you'll find an abundance of photographs, both color and black and white, depicting life in Tennessee from the early 1900's to present day. Historical sidebars also pepper the book, with information on local landmarks, traditions, and time-honored pastimes. Traditional Southern foods, the art of barrel-making, and whittling are just a few of the local flavor topics included.

At least one famous restaurant chain has capitalized on the popularity of cooking with Jack Daniel's Whiskey. With the assistance of this cookbook, you can impress your friends and family at home. The photographs and history alone make Jack Daniel's Spirit of Tennessee Cookbook one that you would be proud to display on your coffee table, but I predict it will spend more time in its rightful place...the kitchen.