Cookbook Review - Whiskey in a Teacup

Whiskey in a Teacup :

What Growing Up in the South Taught Me about Life, Love, and Baking Biscuits

by Reese Witherspoon

Whiskey in a Teacup By Reese Witherspoon

Published in 2018, this collection of Reese and her grandmother Dorothea's favorites is FULL of Southern charm. It highlights everything from hot rollers, to Dolly Parton, to holiday entertaining, and Southern conversation.

Here are some of my favorite parts from each of Reese's unique chapters. The format is one of the best parts of this cookbook, y'all.

Chapter 1 :: The Magic of Sweet Tea

Reese shares the perfect menu for "summer on the porch" because as she says..."One thing about life in the South: people drop by."

• Dorothea's Tea Punch is an incredibly refreshing, Southern style sun tea with the addition of lemonade, orange juice, spice and herbs. Add vodka if you've had a bad day (or a really good day).

Chapter 2 :: Wicker & Wallpaper

This chapter (no food discussed) highlights the charm that is found in the old beautiful homes across Nashville, flea market strategies and an ode to quilts.

Chapter 3 :: Hot Rollers, Red Lipstick & Steel Magnolias

Reese shares (no food) but how to perfectly put rollers in your hair, while perfectly paying homage to the "Beauty Parlor Scene" from Steel Magnolias. I adore her style of writing and love her fashion advice, too.

Chapter 4 :: The Subtle Art of Dinner Parties

Reese shares her grandmother's "Seven Hostess Tips" and "Seven Guest Tips" and several fun recipes. I also love the section in this chapter on how to properly set a table for a dinner party - casual and formal.

• Shrimp and Grits - the perfect dish for a dinner party. It's classic comfort food with creamy grits and slightly spicy shrimp.

Chapter 5 :: If It's Not Moving, Monogram It

If you're like me, you've always wondered why? Why do they monogram seemingly everything in the South? Reese goes into (hilarious) detail explaining the love affair with marking their stuff - like everything.

"If it's not moving, monogram it"

Chapter 6 :: Bluegrass Forever

A "Southern Party Playlist" and a Full Moon Midnight BBQ Barn Party.

• Brother John's Ribs & John's BBQ Sauce- Sauced in his traditional version of "Tennessee Red BBQ Sauce", Reese shares her brother's famous baby back rib recipe. They turn out so tender and the sauce has the perfect amount of vinegar.

Chapter 7 :: The Family Table

This chapter discusses our tendency to be on the go and how very important it is to turn things off and enjoy a meal as a family. Reese includes a fun list of conversation starters, too.

• Reese's Cornbread Chili Pie - This recipe is listed in this chapter to show the importance of finding something to put on the table everyone will enjoy. This dish is a favorite and an easy option for her family. I love that it is a one dish dinner, too!! Always a plus with a busy family.

Chapter 8 :: Dolly Parton, Southern Icon

If you are a Dolly fan, don't skip this chapter. Reese includes her adorable Dolly story from when she was a first grader and then again when Reese starred in Walk the Line and Dolly reached out to her.

Chapter 9 :: My Grandfather's Garden

Reese takes us on a walk through her grandfather Jimmy's garden. It is so apparent she adores him the way she speaks of him and his southern floral garden and life of service and hard work.

Chapter 10 :: Making Special Occasions Special

From wedding showers to baby showers to the Kentucky Derby, this chapter is all about the food that makes these parties shine!

• Confetti Betty's Champagne and Ginger Ale Cocktail - Reese's mom has become known as "Confetti Betty" and this is her namesake cocktail. It manages to combine my two favorite drinks - champagne and ginger ale (don't skip the candied ginger).
  

Chapter 11 :: Catching Frogs & Selling Lemonade

This chapter is the cutest and it really lists step by step how to catch a frog. "Catch & Release". It is also a great reference to keep on hand for a lemonade stand and a lazy day, summer porch picnic.

• Dorothea's Brined-and-Battered Fried Chicken & Creamy Gravy - if there is one reason to buy this book, it would be THIS CHICKEN and her Creamy Gravy!
  

Chapter 12 :: Road Trip

A "Road Trip Playlist", road trip games and a list of classic films made about the South highlight this chapter detailing Reese's memories from a childhood of road trips.

Chapter 13 :: The Perfect Book Club

I love this chapter even more now that Reese's Book Club has taken off in wild popularity (she mentions it on page 220 as it is just started). In this chapter she notes some "Must Reads" written by authors from the South for us to check out. She also honors her favorite English Teacher in a lovely tribute. The menu for a perfect book club evening is awesome but below I listed my favorite from this chapter.

• Hot Spinach-Artichoke Dip - A classic to bring to any get together. Your book club will love it.
  

Chapter 14 :: My Did-Do Language (& Notes On Southern Conversation)

Betty, Reese's mom, has a list of "lessons" to help one live a full life. Reese labels them "Betty-isms" and they are wise and it's a great list to share with those you love, too. This chapter also discusses the Southern "talk" and expressions we know to be Southern. "Bless your heart" - " That Dog Can't Hunt" and many more. The list is perfection and she's also included a pronunciation key for those of us who want to pronounce things "Southern". For example, who knew I was saying"get" or "Pimento" incorrectly? :)

Chapter 15 :: Why Southern Ladies Love Holidays

After reading this chapter and evaluating my immeasurable love for Christmas, I've determined I am, in fact, Southern. Reese takes us on a tour of the holiday seasons in the South. She writes about Christmas, Easter, Halloween, Fourth of July, and New Year's. Her shared Easter menu is amazing.

• Mama's Biscuits - I am all in on homemade biscuits. I try every version in every cookbook I own. These are incredible. I love them warm with some strawberry jam.

Chapter 16 :: The Beauty of Female Friendships

Nothing says friendship like a low key brunch with your girls. Reese shares a perfect brunch party menu in this chapter and also discusses how important finding a loyal group of friends (old and new) can be to your happiness. Make the effort to make time for each other.

• Strawberry Fields Salad - Served at Nashville's bakery cafe Bread & Company, this perfect spinach salad is dressed up with all of the things we love. I use the dressing on many other salads, too. Add grilled chicken for the perfect, light dinner in the summer.

Chapter 17 :: Do-Gooding

In chapter 17, Reese emphasizes the importance of community and giving back. She has some very motivating examples of ways to do-good. From donating to a local food bank to bringing a meal to a family that is going through a life event.

• Reese's Chicken Pot Pie Casserole - This is the perfect casserole to share with a family that just had a baby, moved into your neighborhood or has experienced a loss. The classic dish is like a big, comfort food hug.

Chapter 18 :: The New South

In this final chapter, Reese is inviting you to move to the South. The best part of the book (and this chapter) is the immense pride you feel in Reese's written words.

She loves her home.

She is Southern charm.

She is Whiskey in a Teacup.

---