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• by:
• Southern Living Magazine, Editors of

No one knows the South better than Southern Living, and no one knows food better than the magazine’s Test Kitchens Professionals and Foods Editors. They tasted their way to culinary bliss while compiling this best-ever collection, and now you can, too! Each recipe, over 500 in all, was handpicked for this book based on the following criteria: • Earned a high rating in the Test Kitchens • Named a “reader favorite recipe” based on calls, letters, e-mails, and comments on southernliving.com •Voted “most popular” among the Southern Living Foods staff—these are the recipes they cook for their families and friends

Guaranteed Success Evaluating these scrumptious recipes was a tough, but mouthwatering job! Many recipes received two, three, or even four tests to ensure that they were tasty, easy to prepare, and that they also offered the “wow” factor, that standout quality that gets cooks big compliments.

Convenience and Variety This versatile cookbook is for all cooks and schedules. While most of these recipes take very little time to prepare, a few require a bit more commitment. Either way, you’ll have your choice of great food that adjusts to your timetable, your grocery list, and your mood. Plus, you’ll find • Cook and prep times for every recipe • Preparation and make-ahead tips • Easy menus for special occasions • Ingredient substitutions and purchasing information

Recipes for Every Occasion • For an old-fashioned picnic, try Our Best Fried Chicken, page 143.An overnight soak ensures an irresistibly crispy crust that encases the juicy chicken. • A Southern staple gets a face-lift in Tomato Napoleons With Fresh Tomato Dressing, page 200. Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a stately salad you won’t soon forget. • Pecan Pie Cake, page 314, makes an impressive finale for your supper club. This gorgeous dessert boasts three layers of toasted pecan cake with a caramel pecan pie filling sandwiched between them. • If you love chocolate, you won’t want to miss Texas Millionaires, page 351. You’ll savor every bite of this chunky caramel-pecan chocolate trio. Whatever your definition of “best” is, there are recipes here just for you. Just step into your kitchen and make them your own.